Hmmm i wouldn't call bruce springsteen a country artist per se, although he has done some country-ish stuff like the seeger sessions from 2006, plus the more folk-y parts of his discography like nebraska and the ghost of tom joad. Same with dylan, though he has done a lot of country-ish songs din, especially early in his career.
Anyhow, I love both artists. Bob Dylan is definitely in the top three most important artists ever in my life. It Ain't Me Babe, Boots of Spanish Leather, Girl from the North Country, and The Lonesome Tale of Hattie Carrol break my heart each time I hear 'em.
America and Bread are more of light rock with heavy folk and country accents. They've definitely put out some beerhouse and bonfire classics.
Johnny Cash and Steve Earle are firmly rooted in country, although JC has heavy gospel leanings.. Both legends in their own right also.
As for other artists who are unimpeachably country, there's willy nelson of course, and dolly parton and loretta lynn- all of whom have continued to release great records until today. Fun fact: Loretta lynn's last album was produced by Jack White of The White Stripes.
I love a lot of alt-country/nu-country also like early Ryan Adams, Damien Jurado, Richmond Fontaine... very sad music... perfect for knocking back a bottle of fire water thinking about that girl you knew back then... great breakup music.
