Who were the first country singers?

Jimmie Rodgers is widely considered the "Father of Country Music." He was known as "The Singing Brakeman" because he initially recorded music while working as a railroad brakeman. Rodgers gained popularity in the early 20th century with songs like "Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)," "Mule Skinner Blues," and "Waiting for a Train." He passed away due to tuberculosis at the young age of 35 in 1933.

Carter Family is another influential group in country music history. The trio originally consisted of Alvin Pleasant "A.P." Carter along with his wife Maybelle and her sister Sara Dougherty Carter. They recorded music between the 1920s and 1940s, and are regarded as pioneers of country music. The Carter Family contributed significantly to the development of country music and influenced later generations of musicians.

Vernon Dalhart was an early country singer who gained prominence during the 1920s and 1930s. He had several chart-topping country hits, including "Wreck of the Old '97" and "The Death of Floyd Collins." Dalhart is recognized as one of the pioneers of country music during its commercial beginnings.

Bradley Kincaid emerged in the early 1930s as a notable country music artist. He was also known for his yodeling, and some of his popular songs included "The Wabash Cannon Ball," "When It's Sleepy Time Down South," and "Just Wait 'Til I Get You Alone."

These artists were among the early pioneers and significant figures in the history of country music, helping shape the genre and setting the foundation for its future development.