Gabby Barrett is a modern country music performer who rose to fame on the TV program "American Idol," where she placed second in 2018. She frequently talks about how much she admires traditional country musicians like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, and Marty Robbins. Legends of the genre, these performers are renowned for their moving storytelling and soulful vocals.

Consider country music to be a massive, ancient tree with roots that go all the way back to the earliest eras of American civilization. This tree supports innumerable new growths every year thanks to its widely dispersed branches. One of these more recent branches, Barrett draws inspiration from some of the more established branches above her.

For instance, Marty Robbins was well-known for his storytelling songs, such as "El Paso," which narrates a realistic story set in the American Southwest. Country and pop songs like "Wichita Lineman" demonstrate Glen Campbell's versatility as a performer. With strong voices that could break through even the thickest mist, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline are two of the most significant female vocalists in the history of country music.

Barrett's admiration for these musicians is evidence of their ongoing impact on the genre and her own musical development. By recognizing them, she not only honors those who came before her but also emphasizes how she fits into the larger story of country music as a dynamic art form.