The gravelly Nashville pro has inspired many a songwriting great to transcend limitations. Two early adopters—Elvis Costello ("Brilliant Mistake") and Nick Lowe ("The Beast in Me")—echoed Hiatt's penchant for pairing smart, witty writing with not-quite-country melodies. Aimee Mann ("Going Through the Motions") and Sheryl Crow ("Strong Enough") channel his forthright determination to put lovers on notice.