BITTERSWEET, Ky. — From time to time I pay a visit to the music charts just to see if I’m missing anything in the world of music data. This week I hopped on the Billboard top Americana/Folk album chart and I found many surprises.

Perhaps most surprising of all was the diversity, musician-wise, that I found. For instance, Chris Stapleton had the top three spots with his Traveller release, followed by From a Room, volumes 1 and 2.

I guess in some way that should not come as a complete surprise, since this guy took bluegrass to a new level before bursting onto main street country.

Hop down to the No. 5 and 6 slots and that is where I found two completely different artists from different generations. Joan Baez – yes, that Joan Baez – had a new entry in the 5 spot … and, you know, that feels so good to see such a legend who helped shape a genre still being on top with new music.

Comparatively speaking, Ed Sheeran comes in at No. 6, and while I do like much of his music, these two performers seem to be on different planets musically – yet here they are side by side on the charts. No complaints here; just a little surprised.

In sliding down through the rest of the top 25, I found some folks new to me and I found some folks with entries that date back many years – yet there they are on the chart, again.

That proves to me that no matter the age, good music is timeless and there will always be room for these great songs and great artists for as long as people are buying their music.

At No. 10 was an old friend, Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits. Even the most staunch country fans can appreciate one of the greatest duos in American music history. This collection was first released in 1972, and was one of many hit compilations that became available through the years after the two musical greats had parted ways.

Another greatest hits album was on the latest chart at No. 15. Jim Croce’s Photographs and Memories is a collection of some of his best music, released in 1974 after his tragic death.

Oh, and speaking of greatest hits: James Taylor had the No. 19 slot reserved for him this week with a collection of some of my favorite JT songs.

In finishing up this look at the Americana/Folk album chart I saw Bob Dylan and Neil Young also had spots in the top 25. I must say this chart venture certainly held a few surprises for me, and brought back some great memories.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.