Best Male Country Singers 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 I grew up with his spectacular voice and his great TV performances. He was so cool back in those days.
Indeed a boss! No one can stop him, but what about Charley Pride?
I agree, Man in Black is one of the best ever!
George Harvey Strait Sr. is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Of all the things he has accomplished, #1 songs, albums, etc., I believe George Strait has earned the title The King and should be at the top.
George is the real king. There is no singer ever with his current influence. Brooks and Dunn are next.
50+ number ones of quality hits over four decades! Enough said.
I'm a 68-year-old country radio and live mobile DJ, and a charter member of the ACM since 1967. I loved Waylon Jennings as a singer and a person, but even the Chief said, "If we could all sound any way we wanted, we'd all sound like George Jones."
Admittedly, in his last few years, his voice lost much of its rich timbre and range. However, take, for example, the remake of "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which George considered "the way I should have recorded it the first time." I've played it for people who say they don't care for country (that and "50,000 Names"), and they are in tears before it's done. Possum power!
George was one of the most fascinating, kind, funny, and intelligent entertainers in any genre who ever lived. Today's greatest living country singer: Vince Gill. Thanks!
Blake Tollison Shelton is an American country singer and television personality. In 2001, he made his debut with the single "Austin". My wife and I just love Blake. He is so country and does everything he can to promote country music. He has been an advertisement for country music on The Voice. He has done an excellent job mentoring the country talent that he picks, and out of his five wins, four have been country singers, with four being runners-up and one third place.
After they are on his team, he continues to promote them, like taking last year's winner, Sundance Head, on tour with him this year. Above that, Blake has a great voice and always produces top hits and albums. Our favorite is Ol' Red. Unfortunately, Blake was overlooked for nomination in Entertainer of the Year and Best Male Vocalist in the upcoming ACM show.
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.
Hiram King "Hank" Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician. His band was called "The Driftin' Cowboys" Hank was the greatest country singer that ever got behind a microphone. Comparing his songs to Johnny Cash's copied Folsom Prison, Johnny can't even be in the same room. There are only a few real country artists out there, and Hank was the best!
Most influential singer and songwriter of all time. All of the best singers name him as an influence. Hank was the best singer to ever walk the streets of Nashville.
Other than Jimmie Rodgers, there were "no" country singers before Hank. This Englishman started listening to him in 1951/52 and just thinks he's the greatest.
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. Garth Brooks was the first country singer to "crossover" into the mainstream like no one had done before. I saw him just before he hit national fame at Graham's in Oklahoma City. I remember he dedicated a song to his favorite three country singers: George Jones, George Jones, and George Jones.
At the time, I had never heard of him, being from Brooklyn and not a real country fan. I was there to dance and was surprised that a crowd was gathering around his band instead of dancing. I remember saying that he was pretty good for a country singer. Little did I know.
Waylon was like the stallion in the sky. The angels of heaven circle him to honor him as he rides his horse through heaven. And when you hear his music on earth, it's like the earth angels are everywhere!
No frills, no fancy backup, just pure raw talent that sang from the roots of his soul. No one could change him or his style. He remained true to himself, the very purest country music was ever meant to be.
NUMBER 1 now and always. None have the courage to follow in his footsteps. RIP, the true OUTLAW!
This list is laughable. Waylon Jennings has no other spot than number one.
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. Kenny is a great singer. I love his songs. They thrill me. He needs to be ranked a little higher. Come on, people, vote for him!
His voice was the best. Nobody has come from country and gone pop as successfully as he did. All due to his raspy voice.
Have to agree with your comment. My mother likes him, so he gets my vote.
Thomas Luther Bryan, known professionally as Luke Bryan, is an American country music singer and songwriter. Luke has an amazing attitude and such great energy on and off stage. He's also an absolutely amazing singer and sounds awesome on the radio and in person. His songs are also relatable and inspire so many people to go get their dreams. If you ask me, he is the best country singer ever!
Luke is the best singer that ever walked the face of this planet! Have you like never heard his songs? He is so sweet and a great father!
How is he not in the Top Ten? I mean, have ANY of you heard "Most People Are Good" or "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)"? Seriously.
The Newcomers
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.
Most multi-talented one on the list. Every song delivers.
Most talented combined with versatility of all.
He can bring me up or down in an instant.
Kenneth Arnold "Kenny" Chesney is an American country singer and songwriter. He has recorded 20 albums, 14 of which have been certified gold or higher by the RIAA.
He has the most beautiful love songs! Yet he also has the best sense of humor, and he's so great with his funny songs! He gets what the issues are too, and he takes chances. And I love his voice!
One of the most all-around talented country stars today! Amazing guitar skills as well as a gifted songwriter. Very handsome too!
Brad has such a gift for his songwriting and singing. I'm from the Phila area and wish they would play his music more.
Randy Bruce Traywick, known professionally as Randy Travis, is an American country music and Christian country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. Such a distinctive voice. He, too, can change your mood.
Real country voice. What is played today is not country.
Makes you know there is a higher power!
Alan Jackson is an American country music artist. The first artist signed to Arista Nashville Records, he was with them from 1989 to 2011. This list surprises me. In my opinion, Alan Jackson and George Jones are tied for 1st place. Their songs are honest-to-goodness pure country at its finest.
Alan writes and sings "REAL" country. His voice is so distinctive. He's up there with George Jones and Randy Travis. Love him!
Absolutely, hands down, the best country singer/songwriter ever!
Hank made country music what it is today. They brought electric guitars into country because of him.
He truly lived out the songs he sang.
Dwight has an old-time voice, singing old-style country songs.
Conway sang his songs as if each were one-on-one, just for you to dream your dreams your way all the way.
No doubt in my mind Conway is one of the top three of all time.
Conway should be in the top three, no questions asked.
Eric Church is the best country singer of these days.
Yes, he is the complete package. So amazing.
He is definitely my favorite! He's amazing.
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. I love your songs. I'm your biggest fan. From Shelby.
There isn't a song by this genuine, gentle giant I don't love. He doesn't just sing those songs. He feels them and makes you feel them too. He has a voice that makes you feel safe. I used to watch videos of him singing and playing his guitar with his eyes closed and a tiny smile playing around his lips.
I imagined climbing onto his lap, curling up, and pressing my ear to his chest as he sang. He still has the ability to make all hurt go away. I love him. RIP. Sweet dreams, lovely man.
Toby Keith Covel, known professionally as Toby Keith (1961-2024) was an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and actor. One of the best I have seen or heard. Thanks, Toby, for being there for the military support.
It seemed Toby knew every bar in every town and what happened there.
LOVE his patriotism, humor, and beat!
Marty is the best ever. Singer, songwriter, actor, author, etc. I love watching his DVDs and listening to his music. Every day is not enough.
El Paso is a legendary song, and people of all ages still love this guy whenever they hear his music.
The greatest singer in country music, ever. There will never be another voice like Marty.
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. Merle was awesome and unbelievable. So many listed above him! Such an unbelievable talent. So happy I was able to see him live in 1991.
Just an original, maybe the best ever, but very unique. I would call him an American idol if not an icon. Glory on him.
It makes me sad that he isn't number one. At least he will be number one in my life, always and forever.
Kristoffer Kristofferson (June 22, 1936 - September 28, 2024) was an American country singer, songwriter, and actor. Among his songwriting credits are "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times," "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," all of which were hits for other artists... read more