Top 10 Best Country Music Artists of All Time

The Top Ten
1 Johnny Cash John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author, who was widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He died of complications from diabetes in 2003. It was suggested that Cash's health worsened due to a broken heart... read more

Johnny is just great, no matter what he's singing, whether it's something slow and somber or something fast and funny it's always great. Theres not a single song that's bad with him

I now love country thanks to Johnny. Walk the line, Hurt, Thing called love, Ring of fire and When the man comes around are some of my favorite songs ever. Honerable mention to Dolly for 'I will always love you' as it is the most beautiful song I ever heard and much better than all the other cover versions of it.

Overrated, everyone is going to hate me for saying this, but it is the truth. Can't sing. Literally can't sing to the point that he is just talking. His lyrics are awful. The only song that he has that I like even a little bit is Folsom. Plus he was a terrible person anyway.

2 Shania Twain Shania Twain is a Canadian singer and songwriter. She has sold over 100 million records, making her the best-selling female artist in country music history and among the best-selling music artists of all time.

She's the best female country artist ever. No one can come close to her Come on Over record sales and she went triple diamond with her albums. Who else has done that?

She is such a beautiful person! I just love the music she creates, she expresses her feeling s into them so well!

The Canadian Artist that you naturally believe was from Tennessee, with such creativity and magic that she made a huge impact in her short music career to me

3 Kenny Rogers Kenneth Ray "Kenny" Rogers was an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and entrepreneur. He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Best with Bee Gees and Dolly Parton in Eyes that See in the Dark album

4 Hank Williams Hiram King "Hank" Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician. His band was called "The Driftin' Cowboys"

Mount Rushmore of Country Music
# 1. Hank Williams
# 2. Johnny Cash
# 3. Willie Nelson
# 4. still trying to figure this out...but, the first 3 artists ranked above are unchallenged.

If he was still alive he would kill himself again if he heard Luke bryan or any other fake ass trailer trash. hank is the greatest country music singer of all time period.

After Johnny Cash... He is the best.

5 George Strait George Harvey Strait Sr. is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer.

George is real country. Much better than that Garth Brooks=Chris Gaines crap. Yes johnny is good but he sure ain't the king.

George straite should not be tenth he should be higher he is the King of Country. If you truly like country than you should love George Strait

I think that George Strait is one of the most talented country singers ever! He should be at least in the top 3

6 Dolly Parton Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian, known primarily for her work in country music.

The Queen of Country! No discussion needed. No one above her, no one besides her - She holds the Throne! She IS the Queen of Country Music! Discussion ended!

All singers should take lessons from the dazzling Dolly.. She remains the greatest female entertainer in show business today.

She is the queen, she should number 1, people are you kidding? She is the most talented and the most selling country singer and she is really the best! SH

7 Zac Brown Band Zac Brown Band is an American country band based in Atlanta, Georgia. The lineup consists of Zachry Alexander "Zac" Brown, Jimmy De Martini, John Driskell Hopkins, Coy Bowles, Chris Fryar, Clay Cook, Matt Mangano, and Daniel de los Reyes.

This is a wonderful band with country line dancing and wonderful songs like Boot Scoot Boogie and many more . I am a big fan of this wonderful country Band .

8 Carrie Underwood Carrie Marie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, in 2005. Her debut album, Some Hearts, was released in 2005.

Carrie Underwood has had every country song she has released go to number except for one song that went to number 2. Her duet with Brad Paisley went to number 1 as well. She has fourteen number one songs under her belt and has only released three albums so far. Her voice is unparalleled and her devotion to country music is one of her highest priorities. As a member of the Grand Old Opry she performs there often despite a very busy schedule. She is a great representative of country music not only with her music but with the example she sets in how she lives her life both spiritually and philanthropically. She is what country music is all about.

Carrie Underwood is the number one Queen of country music and is my all time number one favorite and I am a big huge number one Carrie Underwood fan . all of her songs are my all time favorites especially, Blown Away, The Champion, ghosts on the Stereo , Southbound, See you again , Wasted, Jesus take the wheel Flat on the floor , Before he cheats ! Carrie Underwood has the most awesome singing voice and I really love her so very much . Also Carrie Under wood has a new Christmas Cd out now called my gift and I plan to be the first one to order it .

9 Eric Church

Even at #10, he might be the most under-rated country singer on this list. He is bringing outlaw country back, the way past "outlaws" respect. He doesn't play radio/popular music for airplay but puts out good music that also hits the charts. Aside from that he puts out good/complete albums, regardless of what the charts may decipher. He puts out HIS music and it's outstanding. Give this man credit, he is a true musician/singer/songwriter. That is unquestioned whether you love his music or not.

You never seen a show until you go to see Eric Church! Nobody has the passion and drive like him. I have been to a lot of shows but none like his! "New wave country"

He is the best, he has so many hits, and I can relate to all of his songs! Good Girls Never Miss Church,... Eric Church!

10 Tim McGraw Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American singer, songwriter and actor. He has been married to singer Faith Hill since 1996, and is the son of the late baseball player Tug McGraw. McGraw has released fourteen studio albums.

What's wrong with you guys lol. I agree with Garth brooks, Johnny cash, George straight and Carrie Underwood but everyone else I think I can find people to replace them. Tim McGraw is just the best example there are loads of other guys I can probably choose from. you can put Toby Keith in there or maybe Montgomery Gentry, in my opinion this list is not completely accurate.

He's had so many hits that I'm surprised he's not in the top ten. He'd at least be number six in my opinion! By far my favorite country musician.

The Contenders
11 Garth Brooks Troyal Garth Brooks is an American singer and songwriter. His integration of rock and roll elements into the country genre has earned him immense popularity in the United States.

He should be number 1 and yu knoww it. If you have listened to any of his songs, you know. He makes real country and good to. How could he be in 6th place. If you really know country and really know counrty artists you know, this man makes real country. So VOTE!

Best selling country music artist with so few albums out. He's gotta be number one. Sorry George but if Garth didn't retire he would be king of country today.

In country's history nobody can top garth! Now he is back and still is the greatest man alive! Keep going Garth! You're the #1 artist ever! I love Garth Brooks!

12 Emmylou Harris Emmylou Harris is an American singer and songwriter. She is also known for her activism. Despite her diverse talents, she is best known for her contributions to the country music genre. Her career has spanned several decades, during which she has released numerous albums and received multiple awards for her music. Her work as an activist has also been widely recognized.

For those of you who have never heard her voice I invite you to. When Emmylou travels to the Grand Ole Opry in the sky the angels will make her lead singer in their choir.

Her voice is so pure and expressive.. it's like listening to an angel sing!

13 Taylor Swift Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. She was born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Swift is best known for writing personal songs and has won 11 Grammy Awards.

She developed an interest in country music when she was around nine years old. After watching a documentary about Faith Hill, Swift felt inspired to go to Nashville to begin a country music career. Subsequently,... read more

Only three things to say about Taylor Allison Swift : Talented, Beautiful and has a wonderful singing voice . And Taylor Swift is a wonderful role model of young adults like me. her songs are wonderful so keep on singing Taylor Swift !

Taylor was the best country artist. Who makes the country music popular? So, I choose taylor to be the choosen one...

Taylor gave life to Country Music!

14 Willie Nelson Willie Hugh Nelson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie, combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust, made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in country music.

Why the f is willie nelson not even in the top 25.

Seriously.. Not even in top 10..? What is this list..

15 Sturgill Simpson
16 Lady Antebellum Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum) is an American country music group formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2006. The group is composed of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood. The band changed their name from "Lady Antebellum" to "Lady A" in June 2020 in response to the George Floyd protests.
17 George Jones

I think maybe this is a popularity list more so than talent. I mean George Strait and Johnny Cash were good but they wasn't a patch on this man. George Jones is the greatest country singer of all time maybe the greatest singer in any genre. George Jones was the greatest singer amongst most of his peers including top artist like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny cash even the great Roy Acuff said he would give anything if he could sing like George Jones. No one really compares I mean I like Randy Travis and Merle Haggard but George Jones is as good as it gets.

Do to the the amount of time George has spent not only providing some of Country Musics MOST memorable songs, but influencing all those who followed after him, he is most certainly top 2! Personally, I would say that he is the greatest in that he was and has been able to have major hits in almost every decade since the 1950s, making him the most enduring and successful of all Country Music Singers! He is a truly Unique American Treasure!

18 Hank Williams Jr.

Uh hello? He's the greatest country musician of all time. Why is he not on the list? Maybe some people should go to Africa since you don't know anything about country music.

19 Alabama

Alabama is the best country artist of all time. They dominated the 80's (Artist of the Decade) and had over 40 #1's. Additionally, they are great in concert. Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, and Brooks and Dunn round out my top five. All these artists have had exceptional careers in country music.

Alabama, Alan Jackson, and Kenny Rogers are the top three. Anyone voting for Taylor Swift (not really country anymore), Carrie Underwood (way overrated) or the Zac Brown Band (solid, but not an all-time great) really don't know "country" music.

20 Kacey Musgraves

Her voice has peace. Something which connects you to yourself

21 Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley is my number 1. That guy is just so so amazing... He voice is like showering of awesome snows from heaven. His has a voice captivating enough to invite Angel's from heaven above. I couldn't stop listening to his songs. Literally, Brad and others..

This guy is awesome! I only wish I could play like him because he is so good on that guitar that no other country artists can even compare with how good he is. He's the only one I listen to because all the others suck compared to him!

I like him. He doesn't sing about one thing. He can be sad, or he can be happy. He can switch moods and tones. His best album is Wheelhouse, I think.

22 Jason Aldean Jason Aldine Williams, known professionally as Jason Aldean, is an American country music singer. Since 2005, Jason Aldean has been signed to Broken Bow Records, a record label for which he has released eight albums and 24 singles.

Muscle man. VERY HOT. What are you crazies talking about? I don't know how Keith Urban got on this list.

He is amazing and deserves a lot more credit than he gets. He's the best country singer ever.

He is the best country singer ever!

23 Luke Bryan Thomas Luther Bryan, known professionally as Luke Bryan, is an American country music singer and songwriter.

Best country music artist on the charts. He should be in the top 10.

24 Merle Haggard Merle Ronald Haggard was an American country singer, songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band the Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound.

He was the jazz artist of country. I would rank him in my popularity top five for sure. I have been a DJ for 60 years and do a "classic country" show on Saturday mornings at www.wkdq.com. My list is based on popularity and success of classic country songs the MOST listeners want to hear. A list of most talented would be slightly different.
1. Hank Williams
2. George Jones
3.Johnny Cash
4. Merle Haggard
5..Conway Twitty
6. Loretta Lynn
7. Buck Owens
8. Dolly Parton
9. Willie Nelson
10. Patsy Cline
11. Carl Smith
12. Hank Snow
13. Elvis Presley
14. Glen Campbell
15. Charley Pride
Please remember this list is what I use to get the most people listening. My show will usually include a song or two by each of these. There are a few other artists that are usually included: Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Porter Wagoner and Don Williams would be in that category.

Insane he's not #1. And a crime that Shania Twain is higher than him

25 Blake Shelton Blake Tollison Shelton is an American country singer and television personality. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin".

Love Blake! I went to one of his concerts last year and he is even better live! My favorite new country artist, though I have to say, I'm pretty happy to see the classics towards the top of this list as well.

Blake Shelton is so amazing live! Just him, his amazing voice and his guitar. I love the songs he writes also like Delilah, Over You, Savior's Shadow. I wish he'd wrote more!

Two words for Blake Shelton - scum bag!

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