Top 10 Best Country Singers of All Time

This list celebrates the artists who helped shape country music into one of America's most beloved and enduring genres. From legends who laid the foundation to contemporary stars carrying the torch, these singers have left their own distinct mark on country music fans everywhere.

Some voices are instantly recognizable. Others take you straight back to a particular moment in your life, whether you asked for the emotional ambush or not.

For a lot of people, the best country singers are the ones who tell stories in ways that feel personal. Maybe you love the old-school greats who helped build country music's golden era. Or maybe you're drawn to newer artists who bring a modern twist to traditional sounds.

Either way, you're part of a community built around a genre known for emotion, heart, storytelling, and authenticity.

The Top Ten

Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author. He is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 90 million records sold worldwide.... read more

Cash played a unique genre. It was not just country. I've heard it described like this: the honesty of folk, the attitude of rock, and the writing and twang of country. In no way was John like any other in the industry. He wore no rhinestones and didn't even play guitar normally!
From his minimal recordings in the mid-fifties to his deeper later songs, he wasn't just a country and western balladeer but an Americana icon. Even sunk in drug addiction, Cash managed to put out amazing songs. Though he died nearly 15 years ago, Cash's effect lingers in American music.

The most imposing and influential artist in the history of country music. He created his own genre, consisting of the blunt emotional honesty of folk, the rebelliousness of rock and roll, and the world-weariness of country.
When it comes to country music, Johnny Cash stands alone at the very top and will remain there as long as this old world keeps on turning.
George Strait

George Harvey Strait Sr. is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Often referred to as the King of Country, he is known for his neotraditionalist country style. Strait has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has more than 60 number-one hits on country charts... read more

Number one. Period. The king. He IS country music. Johnny Cash is the blues. While one could argue that Johnny Cash is the most influential, perhaps the best artist of all time, I just can't say he is the best country artist of all time. George Strait is the standard that all true country fans hold the new generation of country musicians to.
The only reason country music is so out of shape now is because of teenage girls. When someone asks, What is country music? the best answer is George Strait. Besides The King, I see a lot of people on this list like George Jones and Merle Haggard and think, Wow, that's the definition of country. I see Johnny Cash and think, Wow, what a legend. Call me ignorant, but I consider him a huge influence and an important staple in the history of music, but not the definition of country. That goes to the King himself.
George Jones

George Jones was the best pure singer. Every note and word felt authentic, and he had a beautiful voice. His singing was as smooth as silk, and his phrasing was innovative and captivating.
I bet if you asked most of the singers on this list who was the best singer, they'd pick George Jones. Many of them did. Johnny Cash had a stock answer to that often-asked question, "Who is your favorite singer?" "You mean," he teased, "apart from George Jones?" George Jones was also highly respected outside of country music. Frank Sinatra said that Jones was the second-best singer in the world (Sinatra thought Tony Bennett was the best).

George Jones deserves to be at the top of this list. His voice alone warrants that. I'm sure even George Strait would agree. In fact, when George Jones inducted George Strait into the Country Music Hall of Fame, he said, "George, you're the king." Johnny Cash also admired George.
Additionally, I love George Strait. Songs like "Carrying Your Love With Me," "Unwound," and "Write This Down" are all great. I also really love Johnny Cash. "Get Rhythm," "A Boy Named Sue," "Big River," and "I Walk the Line" are fantastic songs. I just believe George Jones's wonderful voice deserves to be at the top of this list.
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, a rawer alternative to the polished Nashville style. Over his career, Haggard had 38 number-one hits on the U.S. country... read more

The Hag is the poet laureate of country music. His writing is superb and transports you to his world of song with each verse and chorus. An example is Silver Wings, where Hag wrote a song that has no verse. It consists of chorus, bridge, solo, chorus, end. Nobody can pull that off but The Hag. No writer in Nashville would dare even try that. Country music is where it is today because of the gift The Hag brings to the world.

Johnny Cash was the most influential and deserves a top spot, but I'd vote Merle as the absolute best country singer. Best voice hands down, excellent songwriting. A master at half notes and key changes.
I greatly admire Johnny Cash, George Jones, and George Strait, but Merle was the best. His influence on country music (and music in general) will be reflected upon for generations.
Hank Williams

Hiram King "Hank" Williams was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in country music history. His backing band was called The Drifting Cowboys.

Ole Hank poured his heart into every single song he did, with the solemn urgency of a country preacher. He delivered every line as if your soul depended on it. He could write, play, and sing his own music, and he did a mighty fine job of it. He is regarded as the "Hillbilly Shakespeare" by many today.
Hank could write a rollicking song such as "Move it on Over," filled with wit and humor, and just as easily write country standards of heartbreak and sorrow such as "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry." His songwriting aptitude was only matched by his electrifying stage performances that made him a rockstar before rockstars existed. Hank also recorded a number of recitations under the name of "Luke the Drifter," with grandfatherly intonations and a moralist style that seemed far advanced beyond Hank's years.
Whether it was going "Honky Tonkin'" or yodeling out the "Long Gone Lonesome Blues," or proclaiming "I Saw the Light," Hank and his stellar band, The Drifting Cowboys, played it all. In this way, they gave all of America a snapshot into the life of the rural South in a way that few, if any, have been able to equal.
Waylon Jennings

Waylon, the official groundbreaker in country music, has his own style unlike any other. He has more recordings and releases than anyone except George Jones, who could be the only singer ranked ahead of Waylon. Sure, Johnny Cash was awesome, but if he hadn't recorded his last album on his deathbed, he would not have been as popular with young listeners and probably deserves the fifth spot.
You can't take anything away from Hank Sr., except for having passed at the tender age of 27. It's mostly young people doing these votings, and how could they understand that Taylor Swift, after a few years, couldn't possibly make an all-time list?
Willie Nelson

Willie Hugh Nelson is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, author, poet, and activist. He rose to prominence with critically acclaimed albums such as Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust, which helped define the outlaw country movement. Nelson is also known for his work in activism... read more

His voice may not be the most conventionally beautiful or polished, but Willie Nelson's voice is the greatest in music. It is raw and natural. George Jones once mentioned that he tried to evoke memories that made him feel as his narrator felt.
While Willie doesn't use this technique, he achieves the same result: a voice that portrays all the emotion his song intends to convey. Add to that some of the most perfect lyrics in music (like in You Were Always on My Mind), and there is no beating it.

This guy goes beyond incredible. His 1978 album Stardust, where he did updated versions of classic songs from the thirties and forties, is the best concept album I've ever heard.
When you look up musical genius in the dictionary, Willie's picture should be beside it. This is a very intelligent top ten. Everyone absolutely deserves to be there. Could've used a woman, though, perhaps Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, or Dolly Parton.
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. Brooks is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 170 million records sold.

Garth Brooks is without a doubt in the top three.
You have to put George Jones at number one in my book. A true pioneer.
Then you have to give George Strait the number two spot - not just for all the number one hits, but for the fact that he's stayed relevant for so long.
Finally, Garth Brooks at number three. He came onto the scene in 1989, and by 1991 was the biggest star country music had ever seen. In 12 short years before his retirement in 2001, he outsold Elvis Presley with more than 135 million records. His performances were unlike any other country artist, or anyone else for that matter, across any genre.
Many people say he came around at the "right time" or that the stage was set for him. But think of his competition in the '90s: George Strait, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, Travis Tritt, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill, and so many more. They were all at the top of their game. While some, like Joe Diffie or John Michael Montgomery, fell off later, Garth stayed on top throughout all of the '90s. Absolutely remarkable.
If it weren't for George Jones being the pioneer he is, and George Strait's undying popularity for the last 30 years, I would have no problem putting Garth at the top of the list.
Thank you.
Conway Twitty

Conway doesn't get nearly the credit for his solo career as he should. His style of music at that time was "not cool"! I say this as a man who grew up in the 70's, and I remember him well, more for his duets with Loretta than for his solos. The love songs he sang weren't considered "macho" then, unlike Cash, Merle, etc., at that time. Just my opinion.

Conway's songs were all unique from each other, unlike the generic same old sound of today's so-called country singers without talent. Conway was a master in performance, having voice variety, classic personality, and a gift in music communication. He was and is unbeatable!
Sara Evans

Sara Lynn Evans is an American country music singer and songwriter. She rose to fame with hits such as No Place That Far and Born to Fly. Evans has received numerous nominations and awards from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

BEST FEMALE ARTIST OF ALL TIME

The Newcomers

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Megan Moroney

Beautiful voice, brilliant songwriter, and amazing live in concert.

She just started her career, but I'm really loving her so far.
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Chris Young

The Contenders

Alan Jackson

Alan Eugene Jackson, born October 17, 1958, is an American country music singer and songwriter. He was the first artist signed to Arista Nashville Records and remained with the label from 1989 to 2011. Known for his neotraditional country style, Jackson has recorded 21 studio albums and released dozens... read more

Alan Jackson is one of the most respected country music singers today, yet he might also be the most underrated. Garth Brooks has always been in the limelight, winning Entertainer of the Year in 2016 after a 13-year absence, with just one album release. Meanwhile, other artists have risen to fame by packaging a different product under the title of country music.
Alan Jackson has been the purest country singer in the past 30 years. Even George Strait's last couple of albums have adopted a more mainstream sound. While Strait makes it work, Alan Jackson has never wavered from his country roots, despite pressure from Nashville. He has been touring and releasing albums nonstop. Many of his songs are worthy of top hits but have failed to receive radio play simply because they are purely country.
Jackson has had more number one hits than Garth Brooks and has written more of his own hits than George Strait. Additionally, he does not use auto-tune for his voice. Alan Jackson is, without a doubt, the modern George Jones. This is evident in the words of the songs he writes, the way he sings, and his unwavering loyalty to country music. He's also a good man to his fans.
Dolly Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian, primarily known for her work in country music. She has composed over 3,000 songs and received numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award.... read more

Seriously, Dolly Parton at 27th with Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and some of the newer country singers in front of her? She is one of the reasons there is a Carrie Underwood and Alan Jackson. Don't get me wrong, Carrie and Alan are pretty awesome, but Dolly at 27?
I'm not even going to read the rest of this article. It's too stupid. But, I do think you got number 1 correctly with Mr. Cash. After that, this list is crap. Dolly and Garth should be in the top 5.

This is the most ridiculous list I have ever seen. Dolly should at least be in the top 5. Her voice and songwriting are legendary, as is her longevity. Not to mention what a smart businesswoman she is.
Today's singers don't have the unique style or voice that Dolly, Loretta, Tammy, and others have. Today, the singers all sound the same - men included.
Carrie Underwood

Carrie Marie Underwood (born March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma) is an American country singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained fame by winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005.
Her debut album Some Hearts, released in 2005, produced five hit songs, including "Before He Cheats... read more

Carrie Underwood has such a powerhouse of a voice within her. Though people always try to sing just like her, no one can sing the way she does. She turns ordinary songs into incredible vocal masterpieces. She is such a real person, too - her faith and her values shine through her music.

There is no debating. Carrie Underwood is an amazing singer, along with all the most presented songs. In my opinion, I think she should be higher than she is. She won the 2005 version of "American Idol." She surely deserved every award she received. To consider her anything less than a great musician, in my mind, is wrong.
#1 fan!
Tim McGraw

Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He has been married to fellow country singer Faith Hill since 1996, and he is the son of the late Major League Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw.
Tim McGraw has released fourteen studio albums, many of which have achieved multi-platinum... read more

I must say, Tim McGraw is definitely one of my favorite country singers of all time! He is a noble Christian, a devoted husband and father, and even has a remarkable wife with the same soothing voice. He is also a wonderful actor as well as an artist. If you haven't heard any of his songs, I highly suggest you do.

He is outstanding. I think the top 3 should be George Strait, Garth Brooks, and Tim McGraw. I like Tim McGraw the best, but they're all great. I mean, honestly, for some reason, I really don't like Johnny Cash.
Hank Williams Jr.

Simply put, the greatest. He did it his way. Not only a great singer but also a great writer of music. There will never be another like Hank Jr.

A great example of a continued legacy of the Williams name. Hank Jr. did end up filling his dad's shoes with the music he shared.

After drinking and nearly dying after falling off Ajax Mountain, he made his own music, which in my opinion is the best, and he is my number one favorite singer.
Ray Price

Noble Ray Price was an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was known for his wide-ranging baritone voice, which is considered one of the finest in country music. His rhythmic innovation, which shifted the country beat from 2/4 to 4/4 time and became known as the "Ray Price beat... read more

This man is not number 25, he should be in the top 3. He invented modern country music in 1956 and had the biggest voice of any singer in the genre. He has been around since the time of Hank and is still going. This position in the list reflects great ignorance.

Ray Price had respect for country music and, most of all, his fans. Not like some of the so-called new country singers. I sure hope we keep real country alive. It was in my life growing up and still is every day.

The purity of his voice is really not matched by anyone above.
Brad Paisley

Brad Douglas Paisley (born October 28, 1972) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
His first success came in 1997 as the writer of David Kersh's "Another You." Following this, he signed with Arista Nashville in 1998 and released his debut album Who Needs Pictures in 1999.... read more

The amazing scope of topics covered in his emotive songs, peppered with witticism and backed by his strong and sweet vocals, absolutely brings him into the discussion of the GOAT! Let's not romanticize the old greats for old time's sake. Brad has dominated country music for the past 20 years, and long may that continue!

He's not the best country artist of all time, but you could definitely argue he's one of the best guitarists in all of country music.

He's an absolute icon. Every song is crisp and is straight vibes. Probably not top ten, but you could make a solid case for it.
Kenny Chesney

Kenneth Arnold "Kenny" Chesney is an American country singer and songwriter. He has recorded 20 studio albums, 14 of which have been certified gold or higher by the RIAA. Chesney is known for his energetic concerts and numerous chart-topping hits.

Saying Kenny Chesney isn't in the top 10 is blasphemy, but saying he isn't as good as Brad Paisley is just dumb. Not only should Kenny be in the top 10, but he should also be number 1 on the list. There's no way in any world that Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks are even on Kenny's level.

He is the best! He has no bad songs. He sings from the heart and has never changed. He is still that same old country boy he used to be. In my opinion, he almost has what it takes to keep up with Cash, Hank, Willie, and Strait. Keep it up! He is the best.
Marty Robbins

Anyone who knows anything about music would put Marty Robbins at No. 1 on the list. His voice was beautiful. He knew how to emote, phrase, and write.
I could go on and on! Marty had class. When he walked on stage, he was mesmerizing right from the start! George Jones? Come on. He couldn't carry Marty's music. Marty could sing with an orchestra as well as with a lone guitar because he had a voice that stood on its own.
I get so upset when other singers are placed above him. Who decides these ratings, anyway?

If you actually compare the quality of their voices, no one comes close to Marty Robbins. He had perfect control as well as the most beautiful tone to his voice.
If you want to know how good an artist is, take away all the instruments and electronic support, and listen to just the voice. That's where Marty Robbins stands head and shoulders above all the rest.
Don Williams

Don Williams is the best country singer. His songs are heart-touching and emotional. His voice is truly amazing. Other country singers don't sing like Don Williams. I have more than 100 of his songs in my collection. My favourite country singer is Don Williams.
He is a talented country singer with an emotional voice. His straightforward yet smooth bass-baritone voice, soft tones, and imposing build earned him the nickname "Gentle Giant" of country music.

What a songwriter and what a voice. I saw him in concert in 2012 or so, and he was even better live in his 70s than on the recordings. It was truly the best concert I have been to, and I have seen quite a few rock and country concerts. The warmth and homespun honesty the Gentle Giant brought are unparalleled. And the rich, smooth voice. "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" and "Lord I Hope This Day Is Good," for example.
Keith Whitley

I would place Keith at about No. 5 personally, primarily because his influence on country music was so short. If he had lived longer, country might have been way different! If based purely on vocals, he's the best singer in my opinion.
So much emotion from every song, and instantly recognizable. George Jones would also be up there in that category. Keith lived his songs, was an awesome personality, and still inspires new artists in spite of his short career.

I had a demo tape when he started out that my brother gave me. He said, Listen to this and tell me what you think. I got back with him and told him if this guy keeps it up, he would be bigger than Merle. When they found him and said that he had passed, my heart felt like it broke. What a voice.
David Allen Coe

Pleased to see that DAC made the list. My favorite artist by far due to his outlaw attitude. Coe doesn't give a damn.

He is one of the original outlaw country singers and an amazing songwriter.

David Allan Coe, in my opinion, is one of the top five songwriters of all time. He sings all genres of music and sings them well. His influence on country music has no bounds, and he has helped to achieve the careers of many young artists. He never took no for an answer.
I think you should be in the top three and probably the top one of the outlaws. He is one of my true heroes. Thank you, David. You're what makes America great. If you ain't country, they can kiss my ASS.
D.R.S.
John Denver

Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer-songwriter, actor, activist, and humanitarian, whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singer starting in the 1970s.
He was known for hits such as Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie's Song, and Rocky... read more

He should be higher than this. "Country Roads, Take Me Home" is one of the best-loved songs of all time. When it was first released, everyone loved it. Even as a young child, I understood how poignant the song is.

Good singer and one of the very best poets ever to put his lyrics to music. He bridged the gap between folk and country. The results were so good they hit the pop charts as well.

I have no idea why Taylor Swift is rated higher than John Denver. His songs are sentimental and sweet, and he just has an amazing voice.
Randy Travis

Randy Bruce Traywick, known professionally as Randy Travis, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He is notable for his work in country music as well as Christian country music. Travis has had a significant impact on both genres throughout his career.

A younger George Jones with a deep, rich baritone, Randy Travis breathed new life into country music, staying true to his roots and the genre while developing his own unique style. While a foray into Gospel and a series of personal problems derailed his career, he is the godfather of the neo-traditionalist country movement.

This man doesn't get the praise he deserves, for some reason I don't know. If this list is in terms of who has had the biggest career, then OK, but if it is in terms of the best country singer and talent, then this man belongs at number 1. Randy Travis is the most gifted country singer ever and can do things with his voice that no one else can get close to.
Blake Shelton

Blake Tollison Shelton is an American country singer and television personality. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin," which spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Shelton is also known for being a long-time coach on the television show The Voice.

Unlike any other country artist, this King has had number ones across all the different lanes of country music. He is the best country music vocalist in terms of vocal craft. His ability to play with vocal delivery techniques in a way complementary to the message of the songs he sings sets him apart from the rest. Blake's songs are very diverse, not only in terms of theme but also style.

I think he is on the top list because he sings from the heart and always will. Other artists may be above him because he isn't the best of all time, but he is one of the best. There will always be someone better than you, even if you don't think so.