‘D’ Is for Dixie Chicks – Top Country Artists A to Z

Why: Before their 2003 controversy, the Dixie Chicks were a safe bet to win the Vocal Group of the Year award at every CMA and ACM awards show. They added an Entertainer of the Year award from each, plus several Grammys, including an honor in 2007 for music from their comeback album 'Taking the Long Way.' Charlie Daniels' lengthy career stands up nicely to the Dixie Chicks resume, and who should ultimately own 'D' was fiercely debated. Politics aside (Daniels is equally passionate about the government), the group with more hardware and greater mass appeal (albeit for a shorter period of time) took the letter.

Honorable Mentions: Charlie Daniels, Diamond Rio and Little Jimmy Dickens.