Willie Nelson with Mavis Staples, Outlaw Music Festival, and more

Mavis Staples and Levon Helm, stars in their own right, bonded on "The Last Waltz" set in 1976. Their collaboration on "The Weight" became iconic. Despite Helm's battle with throat cancer, his voice returned, earning him three GRAMMYs during a career resurgence. Both artists were admired by a younger generation, with Helm celebrated as a legendary drummer and patron of American music.

Willie Nelson, born in Abbott, Texas, is a transformative figure in post-rock & roll country music. Known for hits like "Crazy" and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," he popularized outlaw country with Waylon Jennings. His versatile style spans country, pop, jazz, and more. Nelson's Stardust album redefined traditional pop, while "On the Road Again" and "Always on My Mind" solidified his fame. Collaborating with legends like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and more, Nelson remains a beloved icon, celebrated for his music and hippie lifestyle.

Maren Morris, from Arlington, Texas, blends country, pop, and R&B. Known for hits like "My Church" and "The Middle," she has collaborations with Zedd and Brandi Carlile. Her debut, Hero, topped country charts, and she won a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance. Part of the supergroup The Highwomen, she continues to evolve creatively with releases like 2022's Humble Quest and her pop EPs.

Robert Plant, born in the Midlands, is a top rock vocalist and Rock Hall of Fame inductee. Known for Led Zeppelin, he won multiple Grammys. His solo career features 11 acclaimed albums and collaborations with Phil Collins, Jimmy Page, and Alison Krauss. His diverse influences span from Morocco to Nashville, showcased in bands like The Honeydrippers and The Sensational Space Shifters. Plant also explores his musical journey in his popular Digging Deep podcast.

Bob Dylan, born in Duluth, Minnesota, emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early '60s. Known for his influential songwriting, he penned classics like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Like a Rolling Stone." He revolutionized music with impressionistic lyrics and electrifying folk-rock. Dylan won Grammy Awards for albums like Love and Theft and received the Nobel Prize for Literature. He collaborated with the Band and the Traveling Wilburys, leaving a lasting mark with his profound musical storytelling and ceaseless tours, dubbed the "Never-Ending Tour."