Making lists of the top artists of any kind is always tough because there’s no one-way to sort artists’ success.
When it comes to ranking top country singers, there are a few ways they could be compiled. How do you decide the best way? Is it by who has the most played song online? The most records sold? Who has the biggest net worth? Who was the most influential?
While it’s impossible to measure some of these subjective qualities, we can always offer up appreciation for musical artists who are generally popular and influential in the hopes of teaching readers something new!
Here you can vote for the most famous country singer according to your own perspective, who do you think takes first place?
Who is the most famous country singer in history?
Here is a list of famous and influential country singers that will hopefully inspire you to listen to some new music and consider the artistic stylings of different musicians.
John Denver (1943-1997)
Even people who don’t know country know that John Denver is one of the most famous country singers in recent history.
His hit song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” continues to be referenced in pop culture to this day in movies like “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” videos on YouTube, and in memes and sound bites on TikTok and Instagram. Before the internet, John Denver was still extremely influential in the country music scene. He popularized the genre outside of country lovers with his easy listening and joyful lyrics.
Over his career, he earned many awards including Album of the Year (1974), Emmy for Outstanding Variety (1975), Favorite Country Album & Male Artist (1976), Grammy Hall of Fame Award (1998), and the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Folk Music Association (1998); an award which was invented for John Denver. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996.
Merle Haggard (1937-2016)
One of the most recognizable old country singers, Merle has been called the “Poet of the Common Man” for his ability to capture mundane, everyday life in emotive, profound lyrics.
Haggard debuted in 1964 with a cover of “Sing a Sad Song" by Wynn Stewart, which was an immediate success. The following year, he released "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers," written by Liz Anderson, which turned into his first top-10 record.
Over his career, he and his classic country songs have won numerous awards including Most Promising Male Vocalist (1965), Top Male Vocalist (1969, 70, 72, 74, 81), Album/Song/Single of the Year (1969), 4 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Dolly Parton (1946-)
Dolly is one of the most popular country artists of all time, maintaining her relevance over the years since her debut in 1967. To this day, people of all age groups and music preferences sing her most famous songs like “9 to 5” and one of the top country songs of all time, “Jolene.”
A quotable woman, Dolly continues to serve as an inspiration for many people, especially girls and women, with lines like:
- “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
- “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
- “I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb—and I'm not blonde either.”
- "I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.”
- And famously “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!”
As of 2012, Dolly has written over 3,000 songs and sold 100+ million records!
The RIAA has certified 25 of her releases as Gold, Platinum, or Multi-Platinum Records. She boasts 26 Billboard country chart-topping songs, a record for females. With 42 Top 10 albums, she holds the record across all artists. She's also charted in seven decades; a unique feat. Parton has won eleven Grammys and received fifty nominations, second-most among female musical artists. And, she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1969.
Johnny Cash (1932-2003)
Johnny Cash is without a doubt one of the top country artists by any metric. His signature baritone voice and iconic guitar stylings, paired with his winning stage persona and relatable lyrics has cemented him in the category of eternal country stars.
He was well-known for performing always in all-black, earning him the nickname “The Man in Black” and for performing free concerts in prisons, which was requested by prisoners themselves after he released “Folsom Prison Blues” in 1968.
Cash’s music wasn’t strictly country although as a whole, his music and persona fit comfortably into that category. Many of his songs can be called rock and roll, blues, rockabilly, folk, and gospel.
Over his 5-decade career, Cash won dozens of awards including Single of the Year (1985), Spirit of Americana Free Speech Award (2002), Album of the Year (1968, 69, 2003), 18 Grammys, 7 different Hall of Fame inductions, a Grand Ole Opry membership in 1956, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Loretta Lynn (1932-2022)
The Queen of Country in the 60’s, Loretta will forever be in the list of top female country singers. One of her most famous songs, the 1970 hit “Coal Miner’s Daughter” became an overnight success and reached the #1 spot on Billboard’s Country Chart. Ten years later, a musical film with the same name was written about her life.
Her songs hit home for country fans because Lynn had real-life experience of growing up poor in the South; “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is an autobiographical song, after all. Loretta’s clear vocals and pure country spirit helped her become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962.
Her award-studded accolades include Top Female Vocalist (1970, 72, 74, 75), Top Vocal Group for her country group Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn (1971, 74, 75, 76), Favorite Country Group (1975, 77, 78), Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting (2014), and the Legend Award (2015) in addition to four Grammys.
George Strait (1952-)
The “King of Country” is recognized for leading the neotraditional country movement in the 1980s. His charm, handsome appearance, and authentic cowboy persona enhanced his popularity.
He rose to fame in the '80s and '90s, and his career is, marked by an impressive 60 #1 singles (although they didn’t make it into the Billboard list), which is more than any other performer in history.
With over 120 million records sold globally, he stands as one of the highest-selling music artists ever.
Strait’s musical influences started with rock and roll, notably, The Beatles, when he was a boy in the early 60s. But, since he lived in Texas, he experienced a lot of country music, which helped him earn a place in the Army-sponsored country music band, "Rambling Country" while he was an infantryman in Hawaii.
As one of the most popular 90s country artists, Strait holds multiple records in country music history, including most number-one albums and singles, gold, platinum, and multiplatinum albums. He ranks 11th for most number-one albums across all genres, and only Elvis Presley and The Beatles surpass him in gold and platinum album sales.
With 70 million records sold in the US, he's the 12th best-selling American artist ever. Since 2013, he's held the world record for most number-one hit singles, with 60 across all charts. He's the sole artist to have a top-10 hit annually for 30 years, meaning he is a large contributor to the top 100 country songs of all time. He's also second all-time for top-10 hits, nearing Eddy Arnold's record. Strait has won 22 CMA Awards, including three Entertainer of the Year honors and he holds the career record for CMA nominations.
He was inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and Texas even declared his birthday, May 18th, to be “George Strait Day,” a yearly holiday. It’s no wonder that Strait is one of the most popular male country singers of all time!
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Deana Carter (1966-)
You’re unlikely to find Carter on many other lists of overall best country singers because, compared to other names on this list, she has won few awards and isn’t nearly as timeless. However, the 90s was a very unique time in pop culture history and has its own list of top 90s female country singers to go along with it.
The 90s had a definite vibe about it which touched every aspect of culture: every genre of music, the movies and TV shows, the fashion, the food… if you can think of it, the 90s did it just a little bit different than the 80s and late 00s.
Deana Carter was one of the definitive 90s country voices, especially her hit songs “Strawberry Wine,” “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” and “You and Tequila.”
Other notable 90s and early 2000s country voices include:
- Gretchen Wilson
- Trace Adkins
- Billy Ray Cyrus
- Faith Hill
- Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood (1983-)
Underwood currently sits in a pivotal place in the overall country music scene. She was one of the most popular country singers of the 2000s and 2010s, which is a decidedly different era of sound from the 50s-80s, and the 90s (which were their own unique beast).
Unlike previous country music artists, Underwood’s career began when she won American Idol in its 4th season in 2005, making her the first country singer to begin their career this way.
Since her debut, she has produced dozens of popular country songs, like “Before He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Dirty Laundry,” and “Two Black Cadillacs.”
Carrie Underwood, the most decorated country artist ever, has won numerous accolades, including eight Grammys, twelve Billboard Music Awards, sixteen ACM Awards, seventeen AMAs, and more. She's also received recognition as a songwriter, with a Golden Globe nomination and ten BMI Awards. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2009, she later earned a spot in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2020, she made history as the first woman to win the ACM Entertainer of the Year award three times.
Modern country simply wouldn’t be the same without Underwood’s contributions.
Alan Jackson (1958-)
Alan Jackson is one of the most iconic names in the history of country music, known for his traditional sound and storytelling. A standout among 90s male country singers, Jackson rose to fame with his debut album Here in the Real World (1990), which included hits like "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow" and the title track. Throughout the decade, he became a dominant figure in the genre, producing classic songs such as "Chattahoochee" and "Remember When," which have become staples of country music. His ability to blend honky-tonk and mainstream appeal solidified him as a favorite among both critics and fans.
Known for his authentic approach to songwriting and his signature blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds, Jackson's influence on the genre is profound, and he continues to be a revered figure in country music today.
With a career spanning over three decades, Alan Jackson's contribution to the genre goes beyond chart-topping singles. His dedication to keeping classic country alive, while also embracing modern themes, helped shape the sound of 90s country and secured his legacy as one of the all-time greats among top country singers.
Willie Nelson (1933-)
Willie Nelson is a legendary figure in country music, known for his distinctive voice, songwriting, and influence across multiple genres. Emerging in the 1960s, Nelson played a pivotal role in the outlaw country movement, breaking away from the polished Nashville sound. Songs like "On the Road Again" and "Always on My Mind" became timeless hits, cementing his status as one of the top country singers in music history.
Throughout his career, Nelson's contributions to country music earned him numerous awards, including Grammy and CMA honors. Today, Willie Nelson remains an icon, celebrated for his artistry, activism, and lasting influence on the country music landscape.
Shania Twain (1965-)
Shania Twain is a groundbreaking artist who rose to fame in the 1990s, becoming one of the top '90s female country singers. Her 1995 album The Woman in Me blended country, pop, and rock, revolutionizing the genre and paving the way for other female artists in a male-dominated industry.
Her 1997 album Come On Over became the best-selling by a female artist, with hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” that crossed genres and redefined country music. Twain’s bold style and crossover appeal made her a global icon, reshaping the role of '90s female country singers.
Garth Brooks (1962-)
Garth Brooks is one of the most iconic figures in country music, known for blending traditional country with elements of rock and pop. Since his debut in the late 1980s, Brooks has consistently been at the forefront of the genre, known for his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence. His music resonates with both country purists and mainstream audiences, making him one of the best-selling artists in history.
Brooks has received numerous awards throughout his career, reflecting his influence and success in the music industry. He is a seven-time recipient of the prestigious Country Music Association (CMA) Entertainer of the Year award, a record in itself.
He also holds two Grammy Awards and 22 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, including several Entertainer of the Year honors. In 2012, Brooks was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy.
He is one of the best-selling solo artists of all time, surpassing even Elvis Presley in the U.S. in terms of album sales.
Reba McEntire (1955-)
Reba McEntire also referred to as 'the Queen of Country' is one of the most influential '90s women country singers, known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Throughout her career, she has delivered numerous country hits that have become classics, such as "Fancy," "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," and "Is There Life Out There." Her ability to tell compelling stories through her country songs has made her a beloved figure in the genre.
With over 50 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, McEntire's success spans decades. She has won multiple awards, including three Grammy Awards and 16 Academy of Country Music Awards. Her enduring popularity continues to inspire new generations of country artists.
Tim McGraw (1967-)
Tim McGraw is one of country music's biggest stars, known for his smooth voice, heartfelt lyrics, and crossover appeal. With hits like “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind,” McGraw’s songs connect deeply with fans, blending traditional country with modern influences.
His career spans over three decades, earning him 3 Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, and 10 American Music Awards. He’s sold over 50 million records worldwide and released multiple #1 albums. McGraw's influence extends beyond music, with standout acting roles in films like The Blind Side and Friday Night Lights.
Tim McGraw’s lasting legacy is his ability to push country music boundaries while staying true to its roots.
Toby Keith (1961-2024)
Toby Keith's rise to fame began with the release of his debut single, "Should’ve Been a Cowboy," in 1993, which quickly became a number one hit and the most-played country song of the '90s. His relatable, no-nonsense lyrics and traditional country sound resonated with listeners, setting him apart in the industry. Keith's hardworking, blue-collar image, along with his ability to blend humor and patriotism, helped him carve out a unique space in country music.
As his career progressed, Keith continued releasing hit albums and singles, including fan favorites like "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" and "Beer for My Horses." His success through the '90s and early 2000s cemented his status as a leading figure in country music. With multiple chart-topping albums, multi-platinum sales, and accolades like ACM Entertainer of the Year, Keith built an enduring legacy as one of the genre's most successful and influential artists.
Top Country Artists 2024 - Watch Out for These Rising Stars!
In the present-day country scene, there are a few up-and-coming musical artists to watch as they progress in their careers.
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Check out these artists to stay in the loop about contemporary country:
- Kacey Musgraves
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Luke Combs
- Mason Ramsey
- Bailey Zimmerman
- Kassi Ashton
- RaeLynn
- Zach Bryan
- Morgan Wallen
Over the years, countless country musicians have left their marks on the genre and their fans. Their music isn't just notes on a page; it's a soundtrack to life, weaving stories that resonate with us all. There will surely be many names added to the list of the best country musicians of all time as time moves forward!
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No Alan Jackson tsk tsk!!
Hello R. Lewis! Unfortunately, we couldn’t list every famous country singer, but I would love to know the singers you think should be on the list in the comments!
love it
Thank you for your feedback, Aleya!
Hello R. Lewis! The article has been updated and Alan Jackson was added. Thank you for the suggestion!
i love Carrie Underwood songs
Toby Keith should have had at least honorable mention.
Hello Linda Karen! The article has been updated and Toby Keith was added. Thank you for the suggestion!
What happened to George jones???!!!!
George Jones is at a level above this group.
He is awesome not Vince Gill was also.
Garth Brooks is the best. I have been a fan since he first started his career. You go Garth. You are amazing 💕💕💕💕
He is awesome not Vince Gill was also.
I would never consider John Denver a country western singer. He was more of a folk singer. And l go way back. I’m 87. Thanks
I’m trying to remember the name of a country western singer that never had huge success and he would have been around in the ’80s and ’90s. I think. He had dark hair, was kind of short and wore his hair and a mullet. I’ve been looking everywhere for a list of country and western singers and so far he’s not in them. Thanks, Gail
Why is not Charlie Pride not mentioned?