We're not big fans of the word 'legend' - it gets tossed around too easily. In some cases, though, it's deserved. We'll probably end up using it in a few places on this list, and the first of them is to describe Patty Griffin. How else would it be appropriate to describe her contribution to country music, other than 'legendary?'
Griffin is successful, but hasn't quite achieved the kind of sales figures the true standouts of the genre did. What she may have lacked in commercial success, she's made up for in influence. Many country artists who followed in her footsteps cite Griffin and her music as being among their biggest inspirations, including the Dixie Chicks, and Linda Ronstadt. She's believed to be one of the most 'covered' country musicians of all time. She's not done yet either - at the age of 55, she has plenty of years to go, and a new album coming out this year.