The Boot Staff

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.

Parton had already been a country star for a number of years by the time she released her 16th studio album, but the crossover success of the album launched the second phase of her career, in pop music, and earned the superstar her first gold album.

These new albums all arrived in 2020.

Kenny Rogers has died. He was 81 years old.

Nelson's trademark braids make him one of the most instantly recognizable celebrities in the world -- but he looked a little (okay, a lot) different in his early years.

On Oct. 22, 1991, Black and Hartman wed on his ranch outside of Houston.

Owens was one of the most celebrated and influential country musicians of all time.

A readers' poll to determine the most popular song from the Zac Brown Band.

Since their major label debut in 2008, the Zac Brown Band have built an enormous career on the strength of some of the most unique, standout songs in contemporary country music.

On June 8, 1974, Parton's "I Will Always Love You," from her 'Jolene' album, soared to the top of the charts.