COUNTRY INFLUENCES

I'm pretty sure that almost every aspiring country artist has been influenced at some point in their career by the already established stars . Whether your just starting out or theirs a "trend" of a particular sound, we all just try to fit in or, maybe do something a little different  to make a difference. It's a lot easier if you have a unique recognizable voice, but on the other hand, it all boils down to the "HIT SONG". My own personal influences have been many. FARON YOUNG and DEL REEVES,,,,, two awesome entertainers . FRANK IFIELD and SLIM WHITMAN  had unique ability to crack notes or yodel.  Then I also had HANK WILLIAMS and ROY ROGERS.  I could go on and on with a long list my friends. I'd appreciate hearing from you regarding your own peersonal inspirations or influence. Those I've just mentioned are only a few that nurtured my love of country music. What's yours?