40 Best Country Artists Ever, Ranked. You Agree?

Country music started blowing up in the South back in the early 1920s and now you can hear it from coast to coast and around the world. The sound has stretched and shifted since Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson first hit the scene, with pop-tinged crossover hits dragging country into the mainstream. Narrowing this down to 40 names was brutal, and picking a No. 1 made us argue like old friends. So pull on your boots, grab a cold one, and get ready to ride. Yeehaw.

Little Big Town: Harmony-Driven Country Powerhouse

Formed in 1998 and named after a Nashville publisher, Little Big Town built a reputation on four-part harmonies and smart, radio-ready hooks. They’ve released nine albums and racked up 24 charting singles, with chart-toppers like Pontoon, Girl Crush, and Better Man. Awards followed, from ACMs and CMAs to four Grammys, an Emmy, and a People’s Choice nod. Small-town name, enormous sound.

Kacey Musgraves: Boundary-Pushing Country Songwriter

Kacey Musgraves arrived with songs that asked different questions and sang about things mainstream radio often avoided. Her 2013 debut Same Trailer Different Park earned a Grammy for Best Country Album, and Golden Hour later swept major awards and pushed her into broader audiences. She writes sharp, wry lyrics and pairs them with a sound that slides between country, pop, and alt. That mix is what keeps her songs sticking around.

Dierks Bentley: From Small Town To No. 1s

Dierks Bentley moved to Nashville at 19 and exploded onto the scene with his 2003 debut and the breakout single What Was I Thinkin'. He’s followed with multiple albums and a stack of hits you’ve definitely heard on the radio, like Drunk on a Plane and Somewhere on a Beach. Bentley has collected plenty of accolades at the CMTs and ACMs and even took home ACM Male Artist of the Year in 2020. He knows how to turn a good country story into a stadium singalong.

Thomas Rhett: Pop-Forward Country Hitmaker

The son of songwriter Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett burst onto the scene with It Goes Like This in 2013 and kept the momentum rolling with follow-up albums and crossover appeal. He’s placed nearly 20 singles on the country charts, with most reaching the top spot on Country Airplay, and he writes for other big names too. Much of his material pulls from family life, which helped songs like Die a Happy Man and Look What God Gave Her become radio staples. He blends pop hooks with country heart and keeps fans coming back.

36. Kane Brown

Brown grew up listening to country music and he auditioned for several shows including American Idol and X-Factor before he found fame posting covers of Brantley Gilbert, Billy Currington, Lee Brice, and Alan Jackson on Facebook. One of the newest artists on this list, Brown has released two albums and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. His baritone voice is reminiscent of country legends of the past and he isn’t afraid to collaborate with artists outside of country music including DJ Khalid for "Saturday Nights REMIX" and Marshmello’s "One Thing Right". In 2017, Brown became the first artist to simultaneously top all five Country Billboard charts and his 2018 album Experimentbecame his first No. 1 album on the Billboard Top 200. Oh, and did we mention he’s already won nine awards including Favorite Country Male Artist at the 2018 and 2019 American Music Awards?

35. Luke Combs

Another newcomer, Combs has released two albums, which have produced 10 singles, nine of which have reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. His debut album, This One’s For You in 2017, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 5 on Billboard 200. The album spent 44 weeks at number one on Top Country Albums, which was the longest reign at top of that chart by a male artist. His most popular songs are “Beautiful Crazy”, “When It Rains It Pours”, and “Beer Never Broke My Heart”. Combs may be new to county music, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking home 15 awards, which include Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, and Top Country Male Artist at the Billboard Music Awards in 2019 and 2020.

34. Martina McBride

Known for her soprano singing range and country pop material, Martina McBride made her debut in 1992 with the single “The Time Has Come”. Her sound is similar to Shaina Twain and Faith Hill and she’s had a ton of hit singles on the Billboard country chart as well as some on the adult contemporary chart. Five of her singles have reached No. 1 on the country chart and one reached No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart. All together this powerhouse singer has thirteen studio albums and she’s sold over 14 million albums. She ties Reba McEntire for having the second-most CMA award for Top Female Vocalist, with three. Her most famous songs are “Independence Day”, “A Broken Wing” and “This One’s for the Girls”.

33. Zac Brown

Many people may not think that Zac Brown Band, which consists of lead vocalist Zac Brown, Jimmy De Martini, John Driskell Hopkins, Coy Bowles, Chris Fryar, Clay Cook, Matt Mangano, and Daniel de los Reyes, belongs on a best country artists list as they’re a country/rock band, but crossover bands have made country music more widespread. The band released seven studio albums and they’ve had 16 singles, with 13 of them reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs or Country Airplays chart. It’s not just their albums which have carved a name for Zac Brown Band, they’ve also collaborated with Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffet, Kid Rock, Jason Mraz, David Grohl, Chris Cornell, and Avicci. Zac Brown Band has won 12 awards including three Best New Artist awards— a Grammy, an ACM, and a CMA. Some of the band’s best songs are “Chicken Fried”, “Home Grown”, and “Knee Deep”.

32. Jason Aldean

It’s hard to imagine modern-day country music without Jason Aldean whose career leaped off in 2005 with his debut album Jason Aldean. That same year, he took home the Top New Male Vocalist at the ACMs. Since then, Aldean’s released nine albums and 24 singles, with 21 of the singles reaching number one on the Hot Country Songs or Airplay charts. Keeping track of all of Aldean’s awards since is challenging as he’s won a total of 29 awards, 11 of which were in 2011 alone. Aldean’s most recent was the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award in 2019. You may recognize some of his hits like “She’s Country”, “Dirt Road Anthem”, “You Make It Easy”, and “Big Green Tractor”.

31. Kenny Chesney

The singer, songwriting, and record producer had a rather slow start to his career, releasing his debut album In My Wildest Dreams in 1994. By 1995, he earned his first top 10 hit, but it wasn’t until the early part of the 2000s that his career took off. Chesney has been on overdrive since—he’s recorded over 20 albums and produced more than 40 Top Ten singles on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplays chart, with 31 reaching number one. What puts Chesney above the rest is that many of his singles have reached the Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 charts, making him one of the most successful crossover country artists. It also doesn’t hurt that Chesney’s won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award four times. We’re sure you’ve heard “American Kids”, “Get Along”, and “All the Pretty Girls” played on the radio.

30. Lady A

Previously known as Lady Antebellum, Lady A consists of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Hollywood. Since their 2007 debut, Lady A has released six albums that have produced 16 singles on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplays charts, nine of which have reached number one. Perhaps their most famous single, “Need You Now”, also happens to be the longest-lasting number one single, spending five weeks at the top position in 2009. “Need You Now” and 2011’s “Just a Kiss” reached number one on the Adult Contemporary charts. Lady A has taken home too many awards to count starting in 2008 with Top New Duo or Group at the ACMs and New Artist of the Year at the CMAs, and then sweeping the Grammy awards in 2011, winning five including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

29. Brooks & Dunn

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dun started separately in Nashville during the ‘80s before they paired up in the ‘90s. Dunn is more reserved with strong vocals and Brooks is a showman—a match made in heaven. Brooks & Dunn blend classic country with honky-tonky and rock. The duo has recorded eleven studio albums and 50 singles, 20 of which have reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs and 19 more reached Top 10. Many of their songs have also made it to the Billboard Hot 100. One of their biggest accomplishments was winning the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year award every year from 1992-2006, except in 2000. There most popular songs are “My Maria”, “Ain’t Nothing ‘bout You”, and “Hard Workin’ Man”. In 2009, they announced their retirement and they continue to record as solo artists.

28. Taylor Swift

We bet you’re thinking, “How Could Taylor Swift make a top country artist list?”, but although the singer/songwriter is now associated with pop music, she got her start in country. Before even turning 18, she impacted country radio with “Our Song” with which she became the youngest person to write and perform a number one song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. In total, Swift’s released eight albums and sold over 200 million records worldwide, and she’s one of the best-selling music artists of all time. On top of that, she’s won 10 Grammys, an Emmy Award, 7 Guinness World Records, and she’s the most-awarded act and woman at the American Music Awards with 29 wins and 23 Billboard Music Awards wins. Other Taylor Swift songs you may know and love include “We Are Never Getting Back Together”, “I Knew You Were Trouble”, “Shake It Off”, “Look What You Made Me Do”, and “Cardigan”.

27. Luke Bryan

Like many artists, Luke Bryan started his career writing songs for other artists including Travis Tritt and Billy Currington. And in an interview with The Huffington Post Bryan cited George Strait, Alan Jackson, Alabama, and Merle Haggard as his influences. Luke’s first 10 albums have included 23 number one hits and he’s been busy as a judge on American Idol. Luke has won ton of awards including 2013’s Entertainer of the Year at the ACMs and the CMAs and the first Album of the Decade award for 2013’s Crash My Party at the AMAs in 2019. He’s certainly deserving of the award—he’s sold over 15 million albums and 60 million singles worldwide. His most-famous hits include “Country Girl (Shake it for Me)”, “Crash My Party”, “Play It Again”, and “That’s My Kind Of Knight”.

26. Toby Keith

Toby Keith’s distinguishable voice and redneck persona make him one of the most recognizable artists in modern country. Keith’s debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” reached number one in 1993 and since then he’s released 19 studio albums, with total worldwide sales of over 40 million albums. He’s had 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, with 20 number one hits and 21 top 10 hits. “Beer for My Horses” (a duet with Willie Nelson) and “As Good as I Once Was” are his longest-lasting number one hits, at six weeks each. Keith has had his fair share of awards including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2002 and 2003’s ACMs, Favorite Country Album at the 2002 and 2003 AMAs, the Billboard Country Artist of The Decade in 2009, and the Visionary Artist Award in 2010.

25. Rascal Flatts

Made up of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney, Rascal Flatts are another country pop/country rock crossover band. In total, the band has released 11 studio albums, charting 40 singles along the way, with 16 of them reaching No. 1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, or Canada Country. Their most well-known single, a cover of Marcus Hummon’s “Bless the Broken Road”, also happens to be their longest No. 1 single, having spent five weeks in the top spot. Another one of their singles, “What Hurts the Most” was No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs and Adult Contemporary charts, and reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sadly, Rascal Flatts disbanded in January 2020 after 21 years together. But before disbanding, they earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award, and have won several AMA, CMA, and People’s Choice Awards.

24. Faith Hill

One part of country music’s power couple—with the other half being Tim McGraw (more of him later), Faith Hill stands alone on this list. When Hill moved to Nashville, she auditioned to be a backup singer for Reba McEntire, but she didn’t get the job. Things always happen for a reason and after working some small jobs, she was discovered and the rest is history. Since then, she’s released eight studio albums and some of her most-well known songs are “This Kiss”, “The Way You Love Me”, and “Breathe”. Hill’s one of the most successful country music artists of all time, having sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. In addition, she’s won five Grammys, 15 ACMs, six American Music Awards, and several other awards.

23. Carrie Underwood

You may remember that Carrie Underwood got her big break on American Idol. Although she started out on the show, Underwood became the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history with her debut album, Some Hearts, which produced the hits “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats”. The album is the best-selling country album of the last 17 years. With her sixth album, Cry Pretty, she became the only woman to top the Billboard 200 with four country albums. Underwood, who sold 70 million records worldwide, is the sixth highest-certified female digital singles artist of all time, and is the female artist with the most number-one entries on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. She’s won seven Grammys, 11 Billboard Music Awards, 15 American Music Awards, has a Guinness World Record, and is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Did we mention that Forbes declared her as the most successful American Idol winner? —sorry Kelly Clarkson.

22. Miranda Lambert

Like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert got her start on a TV singing competition titled Nashville Star. But unlike, Underwood, she didn’t win. That didn't stop her from becoming one of the biggest, most successful country stars in recent years. Lambert is all about female empowerment with hits like “Gunpowder and Lead” and “Mama’s Broken Heart” and she also has a sensitive side with songs like “The House That Built Me” and “Over You”. In addition to her solo career—she’s released eight studio albums—Lambert’s a member of the Pistol Annies with Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. Lambert’s been honored with more ACMs than any artist in history, which includes winning the ACM for Female Vocalist of the Year for nine consecutive years and she was the first woman to have the CMA Album of the Year twice. She also has won two Grammys.

21. Brad Paisley

One of the 21st centuries biggest stars, Brad Paisley broke onto the country scene with his 1999 debut album Who Needs Pictures and in total, he’s released 11 studio albums. To date, Paisley’s had 32 top singles on the US Billboard Country Airplay chart, 19 of which have reached number 1. In 2009, he set a record for the most consecutive singles reaching the top spot on that chart with 10. Paisley’s sold over 11 million albums, won three Grammys, 14 ACMs, 14 CMAs, and two American Music Awards. Some of his songs you may recognize are "Whiskey Lullaby", "Waitin' on a Woman", “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)”, and “She’s Everything”.

20. Keith Urban

The Australian native, born in New Zealand, is known for so much more than being married to Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman. Urban started off in Australia before moving to the U.S. and being part of the band The Ranch. But Urban’s known for his solo career which started in 1999 and over his career, he’s released 11 studio albums and had 37 singles on the US Hot Country Songs chart, 18 of which went to number one. In addition to his many Grammys, ACM, CMA, Urban has also won awards in Australia. Of course, we have to mention his four-season long stint as a judge on American Idol as well as a coach on the Australian version on The Voice. Some of his greatest hits include “Blue Ain’t Your Color”, “Somebody Like You”, and “The Fighter”.

19. Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton became on overnight sensation after releasing his debut album Traveller, which reached number one on the US Billboard 200. But he had a long road to the lime-light—for years, he worked behind-the scenes as a songwriter. His music blends country, Southern soul, and classic rock and he’s co-written over 170 songs, six of which went on to become number one country hits. Stapleton’s cowritten for Sheryl Crow, Ed Sheeran, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, and George Strait. He’s been recognized with several awards including five Grammys, seven Academy ACMs including Songwriter of the Decade, and 10 CMAs. His most famous songs are “Tennessee Whisky”, “Broken Halos”, and “Parachute”. Stapleton’s fourth studio album, Starting Over, is set for a November 13, 2020 release date.

18. Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton stepped onto the country music scene with a bang, with his debut Austin, which spent five weeks at number one of the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Shelton’s had 11 studio albums which have charted 40 singles, including 27 number ones. His 11th No. 1, “Doin’ What She Likes”, broke the record for the most consecutive No. 1 singles in the Country Airplay chart’s 24-year history. In addition to his music, Shelton’s known for his role as a judge on Nashville Star, Clash of the Choirs, and a coach on The Voice. Shelton’s list of awards is long and includes 10 CMAs, six ACMs, five People’s Choice Awards, two American Music Awards, and one Billboard Music Award. He continues to be one of the most successful country artists today with over 10 million records with some of his most famous songs being “Honey Bee”, “Boys ‘Round Here” (feat. Pistol Annies), and “God’s Country”.

17. Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers’ career spanned six decades, but did you know the country hitmaker actually started off as the singer of a psychedelic rock band? Rogers was always destined to be a solo artist, as he had over 120 hit singles across various music genres including jazz, folk, pop, rock, and country, and he topped the country and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks in just the U.S. His signature song, “The Gambler” won him a Grammy and was selected in 2018 for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. Rogers was voted “Favorite Singer of All Time” in a 1986 poll by USA Today and People readers. Rogers won numerous ACAs, Grammys, CMAs, and a lifetime achievement award before retiring in 2017 and passing away in March 2020 at the age of 81.

16. The Chicks

Formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, which consists of Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison and powerhouse singer Natalie Maines, the band became popular in mid to late ‘90s with hits including “There’s Your Trouble” and “Wide Open Space”. The Chicks have won 13 Grammys, five of which were in 2007 for Taking the Long Way and the single “Not Ready to Make Nice”, eight ACMs, four American Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, and 10 CMAs. They’re also the best-selling female band and best-selling country group in the U.S. during the Nielsen SoundScan era (1991-present). As of July 2020, The Chicks have sold 33 million albums and they released their film album in 14 years, Gaslighter.

15. Reba McEntire

“The Queen of Country” had her break when she performed the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma and caught the attention of country artist Red Steagall, who brought the then sophomore in college to Nashville, Tennessee. A couple of year later, Reba released her first solo album and in total, she’s released 33 studio albums. She’s sold more than 75 million records worldwide and has achieved solo number ones across four decades (1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s). We’re sure you’ve heard “Fancy”, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”, and “Whoever’s in New England”. Reba’s achieved so much during her career including having the second most wins for the ACM’s Top Female Vocalist, holding the record for the American Music Awards Favorite Country Female Artist, and she’s the first artist to win CMAs Female Vocalist of the Year four consecutive times.

14. Alan Jackson

Although Alan Jackson is one of the quieter country stars, don’t let his humble demeaner fool you as he’s been in the spotlight for over 30 years. He has his wife to thank for helping him get his big break, as she handed out demos that ended up in the hands of Glen Campbell. Jackson blends honky-tonk and mainstream country pop and has released 16 studio albums and sold over 75 million records worldwide. He’s one of the best-selling music artists of all time with 35 of his songs reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Jackson has also won two Grammys, 16 CMAs, and 17 ACMs and some of his most recognizable this are Chattahoochee”, “Midnight in Montgomery”, and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”.

13. Shania Twain

Known as the “Queen of Country Pop”, Shania Twain, is one of the artists responsible for changing the way the world saw country music. She’s the best-selling country female artist in country music history and among the best-selling music artists of all time. Did we mention she’s sold over 100 million records? Her third studio album, Come On Over, became the best-selling studio album of all time by a female artist in any genre and the best-selling country album. Come On Over produced some of her greatest hits including “From This Moment on”, “You’re Still the One”, “That Don’t Impress Me Much”, and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”. Over her career, she’s won a whopping 188 awards including five Grammys. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she’s the sixth-best-selling artist in the U.S., and Billboard named her the 13th Greatest Music Video Female Artist of all time.

12. George Jones

George Jones was one of country’s greatest vocalist as he could reinvent melodies and stretch out words in ways that were so natural. He had many successful records from the ‘60s to the ‘80s with his best-known song being “He Stopped Loving Her Today”. During the last 20 years of his life, Jones was often referred to as the greatest living country singer having over 150 hits as a solo artist and he had duets with other artists like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. Although he never reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and rarely had his music played on mainstream radio stations, he was admired by musicians like Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra. George Jones passed away in 2013 at the age of 81, but he can be remembered from his hits like “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, “The Grand Tour”, and “She Thinks I Still Care”.

11. Patsy Cline

Considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and as one of the first country music artists to successfully crossover into pop music, Patsy Cline’s career came to an end all too quickly. Sadly, the country star passed away at the young age of 30, in a plane crash that killed everyone on board. Although she was only in the music business for eight years, Cline had several hits including two number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart. Known for her husky alto sound that conveyed emotion, her music connected with a wider audience and she’s seen as a forerunner for women in country music. Some of her best hits include “Walkin’ After Midnight”, “Crazy”, and “I Fall to Pieces”.

10. George Strait

Known by many as the “King of Country”, George Strait is considered one of the most influential and popular recording artists of all time. Unlike many of the artists on this list, with his cowboy look and neotraditional country style, Strait is one of the only popular country artists to bring country music back to its roots, away from the pop country era in the ‘80s. During the 1980s alone, seven of his albums reached number one on the country charts and in the 2000s, Strait was named Artist of the Decade by the ACM. Over his career, Strait’s released 30 studio albums and been named Entertainer of the Year by the CMAs and ACMs several times. To date, Strait’s sold more than 100 million records worldwide, which makes him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His most popular songs are “Amarillo by Morning”, “The Chair”, and “Check Yes or No”.

9. Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks has changed the way people see country music thanks to his crossover hits during the ‘90s like “Friends in Low Places” and “The River”. While many purists, didn’t like him, Brooks is the biggest-selling solo artist of all time selling more than 170 million records and with his return after a 15-year hiatus in 2015, he’s back and better than ever. In total he’s released 12 studio albums and as of 2020, Brooks is the only artist to have released nine albums that achieved diamond status in the U.S., which surpasses the Beatles six. And did we mention the tons of awards he won over the years? To date, Brooks has won two Grammys, 17 American Music Awards, he’s been Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs since 2015, and he won the Icon Award at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. He’s also married to fellow country musician Trisha Yearwood and they’ve gone on tour together.

8. Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn’s career has spanned six decades and she’s sang about everything from veterans to scorned wives. Her music is as much classic as it is controversial with hits like “The Pill”, “Rated X”, and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)”. The most awarded female country recording artist and the only female ACM Artist of the Decade (1970s), Lynn’s had 24 No. 1 singles and 11 number one albums. In 2018, Lynn was named Artist of a Lifetime by the CMT, and at the age of 88, she continues to tour, release new albums, and appear at the Grand Ole Opry.

7. Waylon Jennings

Known as one of the founding pioneers of the Outlaw Movement along with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Tanya Tucker to name a few, Waylon Jennings ended up not wanting to be associated with it. He said the movement became a “self-fulfilling prophecy”. But an outlaw at heart, Jennings turned away from Nashville convention and used his own backing band in the studio. He also preferred to wear all black. Along with country greats Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser, and Jessi Cotler, Jennings created country music’s first platinum album Wanted! The Outlaws. Jennings unmistakable sound can’t go unnoticed as it influenced artists today and his songs “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” and “Honky Tonk Heroes” will forever be some of country’s greatest.

6. Hank Williams

Although Hank Williams recording career only lasting seven years, his influence in country music continues to live on. He sang about heartbreak in songs like “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, had catchy tunes like “Move It on Over,” “Jambalaya [On the Bayou]”, and had charming pickup lines in songs like “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Honky Tonkin'”. Often regarded as one of the most influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century, he recorded 35 singles that reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, with 11 that reached No. 1. Sadly, Williams passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 29 after years battling drug abuse.

5. Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw, who’s married to country star Faith Hill, has outlasted many other country artists. The rugged, cowboy-hatted man from the Deep South began his career in 1994 and has released 15 studio albums, of which 10 have reached number 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, and he’s had 25 singles reach the No. 1 spot on the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplays charts. Three of his singles, “It’s Your Love”, “Just to See You Smile”, and “Live Like You Were Dying” were the top country songs of 1997, 1998, and 2004. McGraw has many awards to his name including three Grammys, 14 ACMs, 11 CMAs, 10 AMAs, and three People’s Choice Awards. He’s sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time and he even was a huge influence for Taylor Swift—she named her debut song after him.

4. Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard didn’t let his troubled childhood which included the death of his father at a young age and incarceration, stop him from becoming a successful country music star. The singer referred to his music style as “country jazz,” and he sang songs about common men and women and about finding something better. Between the ‘60s and ‘80s, he had 38 number one hits on the US country charts including “Okie From Muskogee” and “The Fightin’ Side of Me,” and many of them made the Billboard all-genre singles charts. His music was honored with many awards including a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a BMI Icon Award. Like Hank Williams, many artists including The Chicks, Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes, and George Jones, have mentioned Haggard in their songs.

3. Johnny Cash

Country’s self-proclaimed Man in Black was a true embodiment of country’s rebel spirit as he sang about criminals in “Folsom Prison Blues”, gigged in prisons, and overcame a drug habit. Known to start his concerts by introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash," Cash’s deep, calm bass-baritone voice makes his songs instantly recognizable. Some of his signature songs include “I Walk the Line”, “Ring of Fire”, “Get Rhythm”, and “Man in Black”. One of the best-selling artists of all time, Cash has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and his genre-spanning music has crossover appeal in rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel. Cash is one of the few artists to be inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

2. Willie Nelson

The Red Headed Stranger and his distinctive voice is among country’s greatest crossover artist. One of the main figures of outlaw country, Nelson’s had great success on the country charts and Top 40 in the ‘70s and ‘80s with hits like “Always on My Mind,” “On the Road Again", and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”. Nelson’s unique sound that’s known for singing behind the beat and off-center phrasing, blends country, jazz, blues, pop, rock, and folk. Nelson’s credited for influencing new country, new traditionalist, and alternative country in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Since his 1962 debut, Nelson has released 95 studio albums and sold more than 40 million in just the U.S.

1. Dolly Parton

The girl with big hair, an incredible figure, and a bubbly personality to match, is so much more than that—she’s one of the most well-known country performers across the world. Dolly’s classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors”, “9 to 5”, and “I Will Always Love You”, define the country genre. She’s had 25 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard country music charts, which is a record for a female artist that she holds with Reba McEntire. In addition, she has 44 career Top 10 country albums—a record for any artist, and she has 110 career-charted singles over the past 40 years. Listing her many awards is a challenge and we’d need a whole other article just for that, but we’ll try. Among the awards Dolly has to her name are 10 Grammys, 10 CMAs, five ACMs, four People’s Choice Awards, and three American Music Awards.

Long Story Short

Country music has been moving and shaking for a long time, from Hank Williams and Johnny Cash to the stars we named above. What ties them together is simple: honest songs, memorable voices, and fans who sing along no matter what. This list tries to capture that through decades of hits, heartbreak, and honky-tonk. If you love a fiddle, a story, or a great chorus, you already get why these names matter.

Why This List Still Matters

Rankings are splashy, sure, but they also point to how the music changed and who kept the flame alive. The artists here shaped radio playlists, awards stages, and Sunday drives alike. Looking at names across eras shows how country borrowed, blended, and then made those sounds its own. That matters because it tells us which songs stuck and which artists kept people coming back.

Standouts Who Still Shine

Some artists on the list keep sounding fresh no matter how many times you hear them. Their songs turn up at weddings, on long drives, and in quiet kitchens at midnight. Whether it’s Dolly’s storytelling, George Strait’s steady tunes, or Chris Stapleton’s raw voice, these performers have that rare mix of skill and heart. They don’t just have hits, they have moments people remember.

What Fans Take Away

Fans walk away from country shows with more than a playlist. They leave with lines they’ll sing for years and memories that feel personal. That connection is the real currency here, not charts or awards alone. It’s why a simple chorus can outlast fancy production and why people keep debating who belongs at the top.

Final Pick? You Decide

We picked our 40 and even named a No. 1, but lists like this are built for arguing over beers with friends. Point to your favorite verse, play your pick, and see if anyone can top it. Country has room for tradition and surprise, so your No. 1 might be different than ours-and that’s how it should be. So saddle up, press play, and tell us if we got it right.

Long Story Short

Country music here is built on plain truths and big voices. From Hank Williams and Johnny Cash to Dolly and George Strait, the common thread is songs you can feel in your bones. This list tries to catch that feeling across decades and styles. If a chorus sticks with you, the artist earned their spot.

Why Voice Still Wins

A great voice can carry a simple line into a memory. Think of Dolly telling a story, George Strait keeping things steady, or Chris Stapleton cutting loose with raw grit. Those voices turn ordinary lyrics into scenes you can replay. That is the muscle behind so many of these careers.

Tradition Meets Surprise

Country has never been static. The genre folded in pop, rock, and soul and then made those sounds its own. Artists like Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and the Zac Brown Band blurred lines and widened the audience. That mix of roots and risk is why country still shows up everywhere.

The Awards Don’t Tell All

Trophies and chart numbers look good on a shelf, but they are not the whole story. The real score is the songs people sing on the drive home or at a backyard party. That kind of loyalty keeps artists on these pages long after the headlines fade. Fans are the final judge.

Your Turn at the Jukebox

We picked 40 and named a No. 1, but the list is only the start of the argument. Play your favorite, shout about it over a beer, and make your case. Country thrives on those debates, so press play and see who wins in your circle. Tell us if we missed someone who moved you.