The Boot Staff

On June 5, 2003, Yoakam received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On March 15, 2003, Paisley wed Williams at Stauffer Chapel at Pepperdine University, after a nine-month engagement.

On Feb. 21, 2004, Keith earned his 13th No. 1 hit.

A country music icon was almost on the plane with him ...

On Feb. 2, 1974, Parton earned her second No. 1 hit with "Jolene."

The influence that Presley had on both rock and country music can hardly be overstated.

On Jan. 8, 1983, McEntire earned her first No. 1 hit with "Can't Even Get the Blues."

The Boot's 2021 artists to watch vary in genre, style, influence and background, but these country, Americana, folk and bluegrass newcomers are all poised to have breakout years. Their names are ones to keep your eyes (and ears) on: artists you'll want to hear early, so you can brag that you knew about them first.

Hill's songs are some of the most popular of the last 20 years.

On Jan. 1, 1959, the Man in Black kicked off the new year on a high note.