Sturgill Simpson

Simpson has repeatedly named Merle Haggard among his biggest influences; the two grew close in Haggard's final years, co-writing "Hobo Cartoon" together, with Haggard texting him lyrics from the hospital captioned "from one railroad man to another" (both had worked railroad jobs).

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1968

Mama TriedMerle Haggard

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2014

Long White LineSturgill Simpson

listen forPlay Haggard's unhurried, road-worn 'Mama Tried,' then Simpson's own trucking song 'Long White Line' — both ride a plain, driving honky-tonk band under a conversational, quietly sung vocal.

Simpson has said he looked up to and listened to Willie Nelson more than anyone growing up, and has cited Nelson's concept album Red Headed Stranger as a direct influence on his own songwriting, saying he's 'only ever really been interested in concept albums.'

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1973

Whiskey RiverWillie Nelson

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2014

It Ain't All FlowersSturgill Simpson

listen forCue up the loping, road-tested groove of Nelson's 'Whiskey River,' then Simpson's woozy, psychedelic-leaning 'It Ain't All Flowers' — both take a plain country foundation and push it somewhere stranger than a typical Nashville single.

Simpson has named Keith Whitley — the neotraditional balladeer who died in 1989 — among the artists who were huge influences on his music, drawing on Whitley's ability to wring maximum ache from a slow, understated country ballad.

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1988

When You Say Nothing at AllKeith Whitley

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2013

Sitting Here Without YouSturgill Simpson

listen forListen to the aching restraint of Whitley's 'When You Say Nothing at All,' then Simpson's own heartbreak ballad 'Sitting Here Without You' — both let a quiet, unhurried vocal carry the emotional weight rather than reaching for a big note.