Old Western Country Singers Wore Cowboy Hats

The cowboy hat is a defining piece of western wear for farm workers in the United States, Canada and northern Mexico as well as for country singers. It is recognized around the world as part of Old West cowboy lore. Nothing says Wild West more than a cowboy hat.

Classic country music is still popular today, and not just among country music fans. You can still hear country music legends such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers played on classic country radio stations all over the world. If you're new to country music, here are some classic artists who wore cowboy hats that you should know about.

Willie Nelson by far is one of the most classic western singers in the business. He’s been around for ages and still rocks the hat as well as the guitar with a style unlike any other. His hat is only outdone by his famous braids and you will be riveted watching him when he sings “On the Road Again.”



Another famous singer who wore the hat with panache was Johnny Cash. What would “Burning Ring of Fire” be without the man in black? He is easily one of the most influential musicians the country music world has ever heard.

“Your Cheatin’ Heart” could be won over by the infamous Hank Williams and his hat. With a career that began at age 14 from winning a talent competition, he won the heart of many. Mr. Williams was one of the first three people to be inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Think it was only the men who wore the hats? Even while “Walking After Midnight,” Patsy Cline wore a cowboy hat from time to time. Only some of her amazing outfits could ever detract from her amazing talent.

Today, singers such as Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw show off classic designs with a modern flair. Cowboy hats add a little something special to those who perform while wearing them. It gives drama to a performance like nothing else can.

In the early days, the cowboy hat was valued for being functional, with the wide brim protecting working cowboys from the sun and rain. While the hats can still serve these purposes, most people wear them for aesthetic value as a part of Western lifestyle. Country music wouldn’t be the same without the hats.