steve earle

Ever since Elvis' very first Sun Studios recording sessions, artists have been finding ways to bring the country and rock genres together.

An impressive roster of artists on the fringes of country and Americana will perform on board Outlaw Country Cruise 8 next year.

No doubt -- Earle has written some truly iconic songs.

This year's class of inductees also includes Steve Earle, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham.

They may be stars now, but some of country music's most popular performers really paid their dues in their early days.