Rock royalty the Eagles had a number 8 country hit in 1975 in “Lyin’ Eyes.”

AP

Country and pop. For years the musical genres have borrowed from each other as well as invaded each other’s territories. That’s even more present now with former pop stars Jewel and Jessica Simpson recently making their bona fide switches to country. So let’s take a fun look at some of the artists who began with pop, or dabbled in it simultaneously, before making the complete leap to country.

Jewel: Some of her pop-folk proved engaging, particularly 1996’s “You Were Meant for Me” and 2001’s “Standing Still.” But the Utah-born, Alaska-reared Jewel Kilcher hasn’t a clue about real country music, judging by her paltry Nashville debut CD, “Perfectly Clear.” Her wispy diary musings about love have no business in a honky-tonk. Despite this, she’s a judge on NBC’s reality TV show, “Nashville Star.” Go figure.

Conway Twitty: Before Harold Jenkins (aka Conway Twitty) ruled the country airwaves with “Hello Darlin’ “ and “You’ve Never Been This Far Before,” turning sexy country-soul into an art form, he was a rock ’n’ roller with a No. 1 pop hit, 1958’s “It’s Only Make Believe.” The late Twitty’s legendary baritone defined country, though.

Eagles: They’re rock royalty; some call them country-rock. But aside from 1975’s “Lyin’ Eyes,” which peaked at No. 8 on the country charts, Don Henley and his gang always mined pop and rock. Until now. “Long Road Out of Eden” sounds like classic Eagles, but these days they are embracing their influence on a slew of modern country stars.

Exile: In 1978 you couldn’t avoid Exile and the band’s pop smash “Kiss You All Over.” A mere five years later, the Kentucky group went country, unleashing a string of huge singles that began with 1984’s “Woke Up in Love.” They were all pop-country stylistically, but had heart, melody and good vocals, and remain memorable.

Waylon Jennings: He spearheaded the outlaw movement in country and became one of the most revered figures in the genre, and rightfully so. But back in 1958, rock ’n’ roller Buddy Holly produced Jennings’ first record, “Jole Blon.” Plus, he was Holly’s bassist in 1959. So that rock ’n’ roll sound fueled his country right out of the chute.

Ray Charles: The late soul man was already a pop and R&B force when he released 1962’s “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” a landmark country-soul effort that still commands attention. Thanks to that recording, he would later duet successfully with country icons Willie Nelson, George Jones and Hank Williams Jr.

Bon Jovi: After the success of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” a chart-topping country pairing with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Jon Bon Jovi saw the dollar signs, did some recording in Nashville with star producer Dann Huff and released “Lost Highway,” a blatant attempt to cash in on the country crossover audience.