Country music is one of the most popular music genres in America. Many influential figures have changed the way country music sounds and the way people interpret it. Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan are two important people who have had a huge impact on country music over time. From their youth, their careers, and the way society perceives them, they have opened the minds of people and country musicians across the country. Johnny Cash's songs help people learn about his life during the Great Depression and how people lived back then. Through Luke Bryan's songs, people could understand what Luke's life was like growing up in Georgia and all the hardships he faced. Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan are two of the many country singers who have inspired country fans to be more optimistic and hopeful. Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas on February 26, 1932 (Enslow 19). He became interested in music when his father bought a radio. His mother loved listening to music and his mother and Johnny would sing songs throughout the house. Taught by his mother and childhood friend, he learned to play the guitar (Enslow 19). Through hard work and practice, he became very good at guitar and singing. However, he grew up during the Great Depression and it was very difficult for him and his family. In “The Man in Black” by Edward Enslow, Johnny Cash says: “We were very poor and I almost starved to death when I was a child. » This quote shows how much of a struggle life was for Cash early in his life. Facing all the many challenges was difficult for him, but he found a way to get through it. Thanks to his older brother Jack, he was able to cope with his life growing up. Jack was a huge role model for Johnny growing up, he taught...... middle of paper ......Bryan: Luke Bryan Biography: Great American Country. Np, and Web. March 18, 2014. “Biography.” IMDb. IMDb. com, sd Web. February 11, 2014.Brian Mansfield@brian_mansfieldSpecial to the United States, TODAY. “Luke Bryan has only one place to go: up.” USA Today nd: Newspaper source. Internet. February 3, 2014 "Concert Review | Luke Bryan: Cheesy Show can be a lot of fun." The Columbus Dispatch. Np, and Web. March 18, 2014. Glickman, Simon. “Johnny Cash.” Journalists. Detroit: Gale, 1995. Student Resources in Context. Internet. February 13, 2014. “Luke Bryan and Family: The Good Things in Life (2010) – Country Weekly.” » Weekly country. Np, and Web. March 18, 2014. “Luke Bryan Biography.” AceShowbiz. Np, and Web. March 18, 2014. Neimark, Anne E. Johnny Cash: A Life in the Twentieth Century. New York: Viking, 2007. PrintWillett, Edward. Johnny Cash: “The Man in Black” Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2011. Print.