What legendary Country Artist will play Bonnaroo 2010?

While predicting the always unpredictable Bonnaroo lineup is a tough job, examining the trends from past years can often give clues into who might show up on the farm. One such trend that has held up every year of Bonnaroo is the presence of a legendary “Hall of Fame” caliber Country Music elder statesman. In 2002, Bonnaroo brought in The Del McCoury Band. In 2003 it was Emmylou Harris. In 2004 it was Doc Watson. 2005 saw Earl Scruggs grace the stage. In 2006, bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs performed. In 2007, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys played. In 2008, Willie Nelson showed up. In 2009, it was Merle Haggard.

So the question is, what legendary country or bluegrass artists will show up to perform at Bonnaroo 2010? Here is a list of several Hall of Fame Country stars who have never played at Bonnaroo but might change that in 2010.

George Jones
If you’re looking to top names like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, there are few legendary country acts who can do that. George Jones is one of those few. With a list of #1 country hits that few can rival, George Jones would be a huge get for Bonnaroo. Not only is he a name that will sell tickets, but his “hard living and hard drinking” style of Country Music is the kind that tends to go over well with the Bonnaroo crowds.

Kris Kristofferson
In recent years, Bonnaroo has seemed to move toward acts that fit into the “Outlaw Country” genre. With Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings dead and Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard already having performed, Kris Kristofferson seems like a natural progression. Kristofferson’s songwriting resume is second to none and his list of legendary friends and collaborators would make for the kind of “possible guest appearance” buzz that Bonnaroo strives for.

Loretta Lynn
On the surface, Loretta Lynn seems like an odd fit for the Bonnaroo audience. Known mainly as a straight laced, highly moral country/gospel artist, Lynn doesn’t fit the mold for a typically successful Bonnaroo act. But Lynn has two things going for her. First, while her wholesome songs like “Coal Miners Daughter” made the charts, Lynn has lesser known songs with some edge, including “The Pill” and “Dear Uncle Sam”. Second, she has increased credibility with Bonnaroo’s twenty-something skewed audience through her 2004 album Van Lear Rose, produced by White Stripes and Raconteurs frontman Jack White. With a new album produced by White scheduled to drop later this year, it seems like a perfect time for Lynn to make an appearance at Bonnaroo.

The Charlie Daniels Band
Of all of the bands on this list, the Charlie Daniels Band probably fits the stereotypical “Bonnaroo sound” more than any other. Always genre bending, Daniels’ shows are as much Southern Rock as they are Country. While in recent years he has been more a spokesman for religious and Republican causes, Charlie Daniels has his share of “outlaw” songs, including “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Uneasy Rider.” More importantly, his live shows are always energetic, guaranteeing a good time for anyone who wanders by his stage.

Is there a legendary Country act you’d like to see at Bonnaroo? Do you want to make a prediction of your own? Let me know in the comments section.

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Photo Credit:  AP Photo/Josh Anderson