Willie Nelson, in spite of his terrible politics, was salt-of-the-earth, a honky-tonk player at heart who will always be a honky-tonk player at heart. He was, at the time, at possibly the highest point of his career, and yet he was as genuinely humble and kind (it was no act .. I've been around) and real as could be.
John Anderson and Randy Travis took special time and paid special attention to EACH AND EVERY ONE of the fans, regardless of age or sex, who came to see them. For Randy Travis in particular, who was nearly a super-star in country at the time (late 80s), it was very poignant. I remember seeing him, again and again, lean his head down closer to hear the words of some old lady or old man as, thrilled to their hearts, had the chance to speak with him and have their pics taken. He connected on an individual level with each and every one, and he didn't have to do it. My regard for all three of these musicians is high because of the ways I've seen them treat real people.