Ernest Tubb, Tex Ritter, OH MY LORD, the list goes on.
You boys are gonna drive me back too beer.
I like this conversation.
There has always been changes in music styles, country and pop,
Willie and others ran into the style of Chet Atkins and rebelled at it, others like Ernie Ford and Conway twitty, not too mention Eddie Arnold stayed with it and did well. Me thinks they got away from the roots of country but, that doesn't make them not-country, just a different genre.
Now, being from texas, we also had our own brand of Country---call it country western if you wish or western swing, if you wish. it was a very distinct brand and many were involved.
Ballardeers are also a different brand. Tom T. and hank Snow fall into this as do a number of others. BTW, one of the biggest rebels was also very close too being a ballardeer, Johnny Cash.
Blessings