What's in a Name? For These Country Stars, Everything

In the world of country music, a name can be as iconic as a twangy guitar riff or a heartfelt lyric. But what if the name you were born with wasn't quite the right fit for the stardom you were destined for? It turns out, some of country's biggest legends had a little help from a name change along the way.

Take, for instance, the legendary Hiram "Hank" Williams. The man who gave us "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" was born with a name that, while perfectly respectable, just didn't have the same ring to it as "Hank." It's hard to imagine the history of country music without a Hank Williams, isn't it?

Then there's the First Lady of Country Music, Virginia Wynette Pugh, who became the one and only Tammy Wynette. With a voice that could break your heart and mend it all at once, "Tammy" just feels right.

And what about Jason Aldean? The multiplatinum star was born Jason Aldine Williams, but somewhere along the way, he dropped the "Williams" and embraced "Aldean." It was a smart move; the name now conjures images of sold-out arenas and chart-topping hits.

Not to be outdone, Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox was born Gary Wayne Vernon Jr. His stage name, a nod to his powerful vocal talent (le vox means "the voice" in French), perfectly encapsulates his role as the band's lead singer.

And let's not forget the "Take This Job and Shove It" singer, Donald Eugene Lytle, who became the unforgettable Johnny Paycheck.

Whether it's a slight tweak or a complete overhaul, these stars proved that sometimes, a new name is just the ticket to a new chapter of fame.