Countdown

Separately, Dolly Parton's artistry, versatility, business sense and courage would earn her a high ranking on this list of country music's all-time great female singers. Combined these unique assets make her a no-doubt pick for the most powerful woman in country music history.

Any conversation that mentions country music's most powerful women of all time is bound to bring up Loretta Lynn. Her influence as a singer, songwriter and female trailblazer can't be overstated.

Miranda Lambert is closer to 30 years old than 40 and she already has 14 combined Female Vocalist of the Year wins. Is that a mic-drop answer to any question about why she's No. 3 on this of country music's most powerful women?

For a decade country fans have been able to count on the sun rising and Carrie Underwood songs on the radio.

Of course, we can't list country music's most powerful women of all time without including Patsy Cline. Her tremendous legacy has given her iconic status commensurate with Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra.

Tammy Wynette's name is a necessary inclusion to any discussion about country music's greatest women, and her resume and legacy certainly earned her a high spot on this list of country music's most powerful females.

Shania Twain is one of the watershed artists in contemporary country music, male or female. Her vast influence makes her an easy choice for the list of country music's most powerful women of all time.

Kitty Wells' status as the first real female country star earns her a place in the Top 10 on the list of the most powerful women in country music.

At this point in the list of country music's most powerful women, each artist's name is essentially the explanation. "Because she's Faith Hill" is enough. She's an all-time great female country singer.

It's impossible to ignore the heavy influence the Dixie Chicks have had on today's country music women.