The most popular radio format in the United States, country music is nothing to scoff at. It has the largest and most loyal fan base, also making it one of the most demanding and critical of multi-genre crossover. So why have so many pop artists and rock stars made the attempt to build a bridge to troubled waters? Plenty of popular musical artists have Southern- or country-influenced pasts, but it takes guts and confidence to make a move from pop/rock to country and back again. In this hot gallery, find out which big-name artists scored a hit, both with fans and on the country music charts!

Snakkle wants to look back on some of our favorite CMA winners, nominees and other country music hard-hitters. You might think you know your favorite singers by sight, but how about if their pictures reflect their early years, before fame and personal stylists were in their lives? Check out this hot photo gallery of country music’s elite, before they were stars!