Merle was my favourite Phil.
Have you listened to Townes Van Zandt? Nanci Griffiths sang his "Tecumseh Valley" and introduced him to me, metaphorically speaking.
John Prine, I`ve only discovered recently.Just cannot explain why I missed him first time round. Listen to his "Jesus, the missing years"
I could go on , but this is a Lexus Forum!!
Regards
John