Top 10 Best Country Music Artists of All Time
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... 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. There's 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. Honorable 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.
Johnny Cash is one of the most influential artists of all time. He is the only person who has ever been inducted into the Country, Rock, and Gospel Hall of Fame. He is the King.
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 feelings into them so well!
The Canadian artist that you naturally believe was from Tennessee, with such creativity and magic, made a huge impact in her short music career to me.
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 the Eyes That See in the Dark album.
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 Strait should not be tenth. He should be higher. He is the King of Country. If you truly like country, then 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 three.
Hiram King "Hank" Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician. His band was called "The Driftin' Cowboys" The man who started it all. If it weren't for Hank, we wouldn't have Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley. The music world needed Hank Williams.
Mount Rushmore of Country Music:
#1. Hank Williams
#2. Johnny Cash
#3. Willie Nelson
#4. Still trying to figure this out... but the first three artists ranked above are unchallenged.
The person who sparked a new generation of country and western music to follow.
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 be number one. People, are you kidding? She is the most talented and best-selling country singer, and she is really the best! SH
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.
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 one, except for one song that went to number two. Her duet with Brad Paisley also went to number one. 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 Ole 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.
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 one and you know it. If you have listened to any of his songs, you know. He makes real country and good too. How could he be in 6th place? If you really know country and really know country 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 the greatest man alive! Keep going, Garth! You're the #1 artist ever! I love Garth Brooks!
Even at #10, he might be the most underrated country singer on this list. He is bringing outlaw country back in a 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, and songwriter. That is unquestioned whether you love his music or not.
You haven't 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."
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. 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.
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... read more 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!
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 13 Grammy Awards... read more Only three things to say about Taylor Allison Swift: Talented, Beautiful, and has a wonderful singing voice. Taylor Swift is a wonderful role model for young adults like me. Her songs are wonderful, so keep on singing, Taylor Swift!
Taylor was the best country artist. Who makes country music popular? So, I choose Taylor to be the chosen one...
Taylor gave life to country music!
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. Seriously? Not even in the top 10? What is this list?
I love the song Cruel Cruel World from the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack.
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.
I think maybe this is a popularity list more so than a talent list. I mean, George Strait and Johnny Cash were good, but they weren'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 considered the greatest singer among most of his peers, including top artists like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and even the great Roy Acuff, who 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.
Alabama is the best country artist of all time. They dominated the '80s (Artist of the Decade) and had over 40 #1s. 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 doesn't know "country" music.
Her voice has peace, something that connects you to yourself.
Brad Paisley is my number one. That guy is just so amazing. His voice is like a shower of awesome snow from heaven. He has a voice captivating enough to invite angels 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 artist 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 just one thing. He can be sad, or he can be happy. He can switch moods and tones. His best album is Wheelhouse, I think.
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.
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 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 the popularity and success of classic country songs that the most listeners want to hear. A list of the 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.
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!
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, like Delilah, Over You, and Savior's Shadow. I wish he'd write more!
Good singer with a powerful vocal. I like everything about him. Blake rocks!