Rodney Crowell and Sam Baker

Born in Houston, Rodney Crowell is known for blending country and rock. He gained fame in the '80s, collaborated with Emmylou Harris, and had hits like "Ashes by Now." Crowell produced Rosanne Cash's acclaimed albums and achieved success with 1988's Diamonds & Dirt, featuring five #1 singles. He has worked with many iconic artists, including Bob Seger, Mary Karr, and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.

Sam Baker, born in Itasca, Texas, is known for his raspy, spoken-word vocal style and poignant songwriting. A near-death experience in 1986 profoundly influenced his music journey. He released his acclaimed debut in 2004, with albums like "Mercy" and "Say Grace" earning critical praise. Baker's work reflects influences from Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, and his "Mercy Trilogy" is self-released. Despite losing most of his hearing, he crafted a distinctive, quietly powerful style.