14. June Carter Cash

Born into the famous Carter Family, June was a part of country music history without even singing a note. The Carter Family is known as the first family of country music, because they were one of the first popular acts in the genre during the 1920’s, and they set the standard. June was born in 1929, and by 1937 she was performing with her sisters as the Carter Sisters. June never felt she was the best singer or musician in the group, but where she shined was in her humour performing silly songs and skits during the shows. As the years went on, she had worked with her sisters and had some solo hits as well through the 1950’s, but she became most famous for her marriage and popular musical association to Johnny Cash (she had also previously been married to famous country singer Carl Smith, adding to her multiple connections throughout country music history). She also co-wrote one of Johnny’s most famous hits “Ring Of Fire”. June awon 5 Grammy awards throughout her musical career. Outside of music, she was also a dancer, author and actress, even going to school for acting later on and appeared in various tv shows and movies. So she may not have had the biggest radio resume ever, but June is an important piece in the long history of country music and very much deserves a spot.