25. Thomas Rhett
Having turned 32 in March 2022, it is incredibly impressive to see that Thomas Rhett has had 17 singles peak at No. 1 on the Country Airplay charts. A native of Georgia, Rhett briefly attended Lipscomb University in Nashville before dropping out to pursue a career in music. To date, four of his six studio albums have reached No. 2 on the country charts — with Life Changes and Center Point Road topping the charts. In addition to being a great singer, Rhett is known for his skill as a songwriter. Thus far, the star has received four Grammy nominations — two for Best Country Album and two for Best Country Song, “Some People Do” and “Die a Happy Man”.
Image Source: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
24. Rascal Flatts
For over 20 years, Rascal Flatts was one of the biggest acts in country music. A three-man group consisting of Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, background vocals) and Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, background vocals), Rascal Flatts disbanded in 2021. First active in 1999, the group released 10 studio albums — eight of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts. From 2000-2010, the band released six albums which have all been certified platinum. Unfortunately for the legendary band, their farewell tour was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Image Source: Matt Winkelmeyer/ACMA2017/Getty Images
23. Miranda Lambert
How great is Miranda Lambert? In 2018, the Texan won the Academy of Country Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year for the NINTH year in a row. Starting with Kerosene, Lambert’s major-label debut album, the star saw seven-straight albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts. Lambert’s brilliance is recognized by fans and critics alike. To date, the superstar has won three Grammy Awards, 29 ACM Awards, eight CMT Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards. Lambert’s first Grammy win came in 2011 — winning Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “The House That Built Me”. In 2015 and 2021, Lambert won the Grammy for Best Country Album for Platinum and Wildcard, respectively.
Image Source: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
22. Jon Pardi
When people think about the sounds of California, country music isn’t often at the top of many minds. However, that doesn’t mean that the state hasn’t produced some top-notch country stars. Born and raised in Dixon — a town close to Sacramento, the capital of California — Pardi left his home state in favor of Nashville after graduating from high school. Pardi got a taste of the road in 2010 performing on tour as the opener for fellow star Dierks Bentley. Two years later, Pardi released his debut single “Missin’ You Crazy”. Pardi’s second studio-album, California Sunrise, reached No. 1 on the Country charts and is certified Platinum. The rising star is set to release his fourth album, Mr. Saturday Night, in September 2022.
Image Source: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
21. Dierks Bentley
Speaking of Dierks Bentley…
Now 46 years old, Bentley has been an active performer since 2001. Another country star originating from the West Coast (Arizona), Bentley is known for his work in both country and bluegrass music. So far in his career, Bentley has had seven albums and 17 songs reach No. 1 on the Country charts. The star has racked up 14 Grammy nominations throughout his career — including three for Best Country Album (Long Trip Alone, Up on the Ridge, Riser). Though thus far, he has zero wins.
Image Source: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
20. Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers is a legend. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rogers was a main power on the country scene from 1956-2017. Over the course of his historic career, Rogers sold more than 100 million records worldwide and had nine albums reach No. 1 on the Country charts. In total, the icon released 39 studio albums and 80 singles — with 21 singles reaching No. 1. Famously, Rogers produced two historic albums which went 5x and 3x Platinum, respectively — The Gambler and Kenny. Rogers earned 20 Grammy nominations and took home four trophies during his career (three wins for Best Country Vocal Performance, one for Best Country Song).
Image Source: David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images
19. Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is only going to move up this list as time moves forward. Over the course of his 20-year career, Shelton has headlined nine tours and has toured with the likes of Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley. Shelton has had two albums — Red River Blue and Bringing Back the Sunshine — reach No. 1 on the Billboard US Charts. The popular star has had 14 singles reach No. 1 and has won numerous awards over the years. In addition to earning nine Grammy nominations, Shelton has won six ACM Awards, 10 CMT Music Awards, and 10 Country Music Association Awards. Formerly married to Miranda Lambert, Shelton is now married to another music star in Gwen Stefani. Notably, Shelton has been a coach on The Voice since 2011.
Image Source: Jeff Kravitz/ACMA2019/FilmMagic/Getty Images
18. Rodney Atkins
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Rodney Atkins broke into the country music scene in 1997 with his debut single “In a Heartbeat”. Despite the song’s popularity, Atkins would wait another six years to release Honesty, his debut album. While Honesty peaked at No. 50 on the Country charts, Atkins’ second album helped establish the Tennessee native as a star. Released in 2006, If You’re Going Through Hell topped the Country charts. Two singles from the album — If You’re Going Through Hell and Watching You — reached No. 1. Atkins would go on to release three more No. 1 singles between 2007-2008. In total, Atkins has six No. 1 singles to his name.
Image Source: Rich Fury/Getty Images
17. Toby Keith
Oklahoma loves its Sooners and Toby Keith — one of the biggest stars to call the Sooner State home. Born in 1961, Keith released his first album, Toby Keith, in 1993. Approaching the 30-year anniversary of his debut album, Keith now has 21 studio albums to his name — 10 of which have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts. Of his 69 singles, 65 have reached the Billboard charts. During one stretch between 2000-2004, Keith saw 10-of-11 singles reach the mountain top. The legendary singer has seven Grammy nominations under his belt, but has yet to win his first golden gramophone.
Image Source: John Shearer/Getty Images
16. Luke Bryan
One of the top country stars today, Luke Bryan may be considered one of the all-time greats by the time his career comes to an end. Only in his mid-40s, Bryan is one of the most successful artists of the last 15 years. Starting with his debut album in 2007, Bryan has produced 27 No. 1 hits via his first 10 albums. From 2013-2017, Bryan had three-straight albums — Crash My Party, Kill the Lights, What Makes You Country — hit No. 1 on the Billboard US charts. In 2012, Bryan won a whopping nine American Country Awards, one CMT Music Award and one American Music Award. His most revered album, Crash My Party, was named the Album of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music in 2013.
Image Source: Shannon Finney/Getty Images
15. Keith Urban
Keith Urban may be one of the best country stars of all-time, but he isn’t even the biggest star in his household. The New Zealand-born star is married to Nicole Kidman — the recipient of an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards and six Golden Globes. As for Urban, the singer has four Grammy Awards to his name and has been in the business for more than 30 years. After beginning his career in Australia, Urban moved to the United States and saw his popularity skyrocket. Urban has had seven albums reach No. 1 on the US Country charts, and has 10 certified Platinum albums. An excellent guitarist, Urban has produced his own signature line of guitars for nearly 10 years.
Image Source: Mickey Bernal/WireImage/Getty Images
14. Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard is a name synonymous with country music. Born in California in 1937, Haggard had a somewhat troubled youth. The future star began getting in trouble following his father’s death, and was eventually arrested a few times. Following his release from San Quentin Prison, Haggard began making music. Between the 1960’s and 1980’s, Haggard produced a remarkable 38 No. 1 hits including “Okie From Muskogee”, “The Fightin’ Side of Me”, and “Natural High”. In total, Haggard released a whopping 66 studio albums. In addition to winning to Grammy Awards, Haggard received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Also a Kennedy Center honoree, Haggard passed away on his birthday — April 6 — in 2016 at the age of 79.
Image Source: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
13. Garth Brooks
How do you make more people enjoy country music? Add elements of pop and rock. A native of Oklahoma, Garth Brooks became one of the biggest names in music thanks to his unique style. Brooks didn’t rely solely on classic country sounds — he incorporated elements of rock and pop into his songs. As a result, Brooks was an immediate success. From his debut album (Garth Brooks) in 1999 to his 2016 release titled Christmas Together, all of Brooks’ albums reached No. 1 or No. 2 on the US Country charts. Six of his albums are certified Diamond — with 1990’s No Fences going 18x Platinum. How historic is Brooks? He is the only artist in the history of music to have nine albums reach Diamond status in the United States.
Image Source: Charley Gallay/Getty Images
12. The Chicks
Formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, The Chicks are a three-woman band who have been together for more than 30 years. The trio of Natalie Maines (lead vocals, guitar), Emily Strayer (backup vocals, banjo/guitar), and Martie Maguire (backup vocals, mandolin/fiddle) have produced five No. 1 albums including Wide Open Spaces, Fly and Gaslighter. Since 1990, The Chicks are the best-selling female band and best-selling country group in the United States. The group has won an impressive 13 Grammy Awards over the years — including four for Best Country Album (Wide Open Spaces, Fly, Home, Taking the Long Way). In 2022, The Chicks went on tour for the first time since 2017.
Image Source: Kevin Kane/Getty Images
11. Jason Aldean
Dating back to his self-titled debut album in 2005, Jason Aldean has been a top star in country music. His next two albums — Relentless and Wide Open — reached No. 1 and No. 2 on the US Country charts, respectively. However, Aldean reached new heights in the 2010’s. The Georgia native released six studio albums during the decade, and all six reached No. 1. In fact, all but two of the albums also topped the Billboard 200. As one could imagine, Aldean has had numerous singles blow up around the country. To date, 27 of his 38 singles have topped the charts. The star hasn’t won an Emmy Award thus far, but he does have five nominations under his belt.
Image Source: Mickey Bernal/WireImage/Getty Images
10. Willie Nelson
This is a man that needs no introduction. Willie Nelson is one of the most recognizable names in the United States — whether you are a fan of country music or have never listened to one minute of the genre throughout your life. One of the faces of outlaw country, Nelson has long advocated for the legalization of marijuana. In terms of his music, Nelson has accomplished it all. The 89-year-old has been nominated for 53 Grammys, and has walked away with 10 victories. Amazingly, Nelson’s first and most recent Grammy wins are separated by 45 years. The legend won the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1975, and Best Country Solo Performance in 2020. Additionally, the icon earned an Oscar nomination in 1981.
Image Source: R. Diamond/WireImage/Getty Images
9. Luke Combs
Only 32 years old, Luke Combs has established himself as a budding legend in the genre. Born in North Carolina, Combs — like many before him — dropped out of college and moved to Nashville with dreams of becoming a star. To this point in his career, Combs has released three studio albums. All three albums (This One’s For You, What You See Is What You Get, Growin’ Up) topped the US Country charts. The gifted vocalist and guitarist has had numerous No. 1 singles, but a few stand out from the rest. “When It Rains It Pours”, “Beautiful Crazy”, and “She Got the Best of Me” will stand the test of time. Combs has been nominated for two Grammy Awards thus far, and many more are sure to follow.
Image Source: Terry Wyatt/WireImage/Getty Images
8. Eric Church
Five certified Platinum albums and 10 No. 1 singles for Eric Church. Not too bad for the 45-year-old. One of the current faces of country music/southern rock, Church enjoyed the best stretch of his career (to date) in the 2010’s. Church released four albums during the decade — Chief (2011), The Outsiders (2014), Mr. Misunderstood (2015), Desperate Man (2018) — and three ended up topping the charts. Church has earned 10 Emmy nominations, but has yet to taste gold. The star has headlined six tours since his career began, and has also joined the likes of Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., and Toby Keith on the road. It is only a matter of time until Church starts winning the biggest awards in music.
Image Source: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
7. Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are one of the preeminent power couples in music. Active in the business for 30 years, McGraw has produced a No. 1 album in three different decades — the 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s. While McGraw has had 10 albums reach No. 1, his breakthrough came in 1994 via Not a Moment Too Soon. The top country album of the year, Not a Moment Too Soon went 6x Platinum — kicking off a stretch in which McGraw had eight-straight albums certified Platinum. McGraw has won three Emmy Awards (20 nominations). Two of which were for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals…working alongside Faith Hill.
Image Source: James Gourley/WireImage/Getty Images
6. Johnny Cash
‘The Man in Black’, Johnny Cash. There isn’t much that needs to be said about this legend. Just take a look at some of his most famous songs:
“I Walk the Line”
“Ring of Fire”
“Folsom Prison Blues”
“Man in Black”
13 Grammys, a movie in his honor — sounds pretty good.
Image Source: Getty Images
5. George Strait
Now 70 years old, George Strait has been in the spotlight for six decades. Referred to by some as the “King of Country,” Strait has created 60 No. 1 hits — and holds the record for most No. 1 hits, 44, on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. To begin his career, Strait had 18-straight albums certified Platinum between 1981-1999. In 2008, Strait released arguably his best album — Troubadour. Featuring his single, “I Saw God Today”, Troubadour earned Strait the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. The win gave Strait his first — and only — Grammy. In the history of music, Strait is one of the 15 best-selling artists.
Image Source: Rich Fury/ACMA2019/Getty Images
4. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood introduced herself to the world on Season 4 of American Idol. It was clear from the very start that Underwood was an amazing singer, and the nation thankfully voted her as the winner of the contest. Following her triumph, Underwood released her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005. The album became the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history — and featured smash-hits such as “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel”. The superstar won three Grammy Awards that year, and has won a total of eight during her career. Underwood has released nine studio albums — eight have reached No. 1.
Image Source: Rich Fury/Getty Images
3. Dolly Parton
25 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country charts, over 40 top-10 country albums, a career dating back to the 1950s…Dolly Parton has done it all. A singer-songwriter, Parton has composed over 3,000 songs during her career — including the Whitney Houston classic “I Will Always Love You”. Often referred to as the “Queen of Country,” Parton has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has 21 Gold/Platinum certified projects. In addition to receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, Parton has won 11 Grammy Awards. Her 51 nominations trail only Beyoncé in terms of female performers all-time. Parton has produced some of the biggest songs in the history of country music including “Jolene”, “9 to 5”, and “Coat of Many Colors”.
Image Source: Getty Images
2. Zac Brown Band
Led by Zac Brown (shocker), the Zac Brown Band is currently comprised of eight people. Beginning with their 2008 album, The Foundation, the Zac Brown Band has released four certified Platinum albums. From 2010-2019, the band released five-straight albums which reached No. 1 on the US Country chart. The supremely talented group has released numerous No. 1 hit-singles over the years. Most notably, “Chicken Fried”, “Toes”, “Knee Deep”, “Colder Weather”, and “Homegrown”. A hit all around the country, the Zac Brown Band has headlined eight tours to date.
Image Source: Gary Miller/Getty Images
1. Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney released his Greatest Hits album just six years after his debut studio-album dropped. Cocky? Yes. Justified? We suppose so. Chesney’s sixth album sold over five million units — thus becoming a 5x Platinum record. At one time in his career, Chesney released 10-straight albums that reached No. 1 on the charts. The Tennessee native has seen 31 singles reach No. 1, as well. Remarkably, only two of Chesney’s singles dating back to 1998 have failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100. There are many artists deserving of the top spot, but Chesney reigns supreme this time around.
Image Source: John Shearer/Getty Images