'15 Songs That Changed Country Music' Special: Watch Tribute Songs by Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Martina McBride, Kacey Musgraves

Country stars honor country music legends who shaped their careers.

ByABC News
November 3, 2014, 8:04 AM

— -- To honor the country music legends who have shaped their careers, country music stars Hunter Hayes, Kacey Musgraves, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum sang special tribute performances of country music classics for the ABC News special, “Countdown to the CMA Awards: 15 Songs That Changed Country Music.”

The special was hosted by “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts.

For the special, Lady Antebellum performed the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers mega-hit, “Islands in the Stream.” Hunter Hayes performed Johnny Cash’s "Folsom Prison Blues,” Kacey Musgraves performed Patsy Cline’s "Crazy" and Martina McBride sang the Tammy Wynette classic "Stand By Your Man.”

Scroll down to watch the country music stars’ performances.

The special airs in advance of the 48th Annual Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast live on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

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The 15 songs that were selected for the ABC special were chosen following months of research and input from country music insiders, veteran experts and numerous country music artists. The songs aren’t necessarily the best-selling songs or the classics, and include hits from country music legend Hank Williams and contemporary country-turned-pop sensation, Taylor Swift.

The special also includes appearances by Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker.