20 Famous Country Singers

Country music has a rich history in the United States and has produced some of the most talented and successful artists of all time. From the traditional sounds of Hank Williams to the modern pop-infused stylings of Taylor Swift, country music has evolved over the years to capture the hearts and minds of fans around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at 20 of the most famous and influential country singers of all time. These artists have left an indelible mark on the genre and have helped to shape the course of country music history. From the classic sounds of Johnny Cash and Reba McEntire to the modern-day hits of Luke Combs and Carrie Underwood, these singers have transcended boundaries and have become beloved icons of American music. Join us as we explore the lives and careers of these legendary country singers and celebrate the impact they have had on the world of music.a

1. Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is a country music icon known for his rich, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Born in Delhi, Louisiana in 1967, McGraw grew up listening to country music and playing sports. After college, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music, and quickly rose to fame with his debut album “Tim McGraw” in 1993. Since then, he has released numerous hit albums, including “Everywhere”, “Live Like You Were Dying”, and “Southern Voice”.

McGraw is known for his ability to tell stories through his music, and many of his songs touch on themes of love, loss, and heartache. He has won numerous awards for his music, including three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 11 Country Music Association Awards. He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in several movies and TV shows, including “Friday Night Lights” and “The Blind Side”.

2. George Strait

George Strait is a legendary country music singer and songwriter known for his smooth vocals and traditional sound. Born in Poteet, Texas in 1952, Strait grew up listening to country music and playing in his high school’s band. After serving in the Army, he moved to Nashville in the 1970s to pursue a career in music, and released his first single, “Unwound”, in 1981. Since then, he has become one of the most successful and influential country artists of all time, with 33 platinum or multi-platinum albums and more than 60 number one hits.

Strait is known for his classic country sound, which often includes fiddles, steel guitars, and honky-tonk rhythms. Many of his songs focus on themes of love, heartbreak, and the simple joys of life. He has won numerous awards for his music, including three Grammy Awards, 22 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 18 Country Music Association Awards. Despite his immense success, Strait remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and is widely respected as a true country music legend.

3. Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actor known for his deep, distinctive voice and his influence on the country music genre. Born in Arkansas in 1932, Cash grew up listening to gospel and country music, and began writing and performing his own songs in the 1950s. He achieved widespread fame in the 1960s with hits such as “I Walk the Line”, “Ring of Fire”, and “Folsom Prison Blues”. Cash was also known for his humanitarian work, and his commitment to social justice causes such as prison reform and Native American rights.

Cash’s music was known for its raw, emotional honesty and its ability to capture the struggles and joys of ordinary people. He was a master storyteller, and his songs often touched on themes of love, loss, and redemption. Over the course of his career, he won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. His influence on country music and American culture is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

4. Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks is an American country music icon known for his energetic performances and his ability to connect with audiences. Born in Oklahoma in 1962, Brooks began his music career in the 1980s, and quickly rose to fame with hits such as “The Dance”, “Friends in Low Places”, and “Thunder Rolls”. His music blended traditional country sounds with rock and pop influences, and his high-energy concerts were known for their pyrotechnics, special effects, and enthusiastic crowds.

Brooks is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 150 million records sold worldwide. He has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. In addition to his music career, he has also been involved in various charitable and philanthropic endeavors, including his work with Habitat for Humanity and his support for tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma.

5. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary pop influences. Born in Oklahoma in 1983, Underwood rose to fame in 2005 after winning the fourth season of the singing competition show “American Idol”. Since then, she has released numerous hit albums, including “Some Hearts”, “Carnival Ride”, and “Blown Away”.

Underwood’s music often touches on themes of love, empowerment, and faith, and her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence have earned her legions of fans around the world. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. In addition to her music career, she has also dabbled in acting, appearing in TV shows such as “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Sound of Music Live!”. Underwood is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential country music artists of her generation.

6. Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton is an American country music singer, songwriter, and television personality. Born in Oklahoma in 1976, Shelton began his music career in the early 2000s, and quickly became known for his laid-back, down-to-earth style and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with rock and pop influences. He has released numerous hit albums, including “Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton” and “Red River Blue”.

Shelton is also known for his work as a judge on the hit singing competition show “The Voice”, where he has been a coach for 20 seasons. His wit and easy-going charm have made him a fan favorite on the show, and his coaching has helped numerous aspiring singers achieve success in the music industry.

7. Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is an American country music singer and songwriter known for his upbeat, feel-good music and his high-energy live performances. Born in Georgia in 1976, Bryan began his music career in the early 2000s, and quickly rose to fame with hits such as “All My Friends Say”, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)”, and “Drunk on You”. His music blends traditional country sounds with rock and pop influences, and his infectious enthusiasm has earned him legions of fans around the world.

Bryan has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards. He is also known for his charitable work, including his support for various organizations that work to fight hunger in America.

8. Keith Urban

Keith Urban is an Australian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his virtuosic musicianship and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with rock, pop, and other influences. Born in New Zealand in 1967 and raised in Australia, Urban began his music career in the 1990s, and quickly became known for his impressive guitar skills and his ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly songs.

Urban has released numerous hit albums, including “Golden Road” and “Fuse”, and has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Country Music Association Awards. He is also known for his work as a judge on the hit singing competition show “American Idol”, and for his charitable work, including his support for organizations that work to help children and families in need. Urban is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative country music artists of his generation.

9. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter known for her catchy pop-infused country music, as well as her evolution into mainstream pop music. Born in Pennsylvania in 1989, Swift began her music career at a young age, and quickly rose to fame with hits such as “Teardrops on My Guitar,” “Love Story,” and “Shake It Off”. She has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with multiple Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades to her name.

Swift is also known for her philanthropy, including her support for various charitable organizations such as UNICEF, the Red Cross, and the Nashville Symphony. She is also an advocate for various social and political causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, education, and women’s empowerment.

10. Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his unique vocal style, his songwriting skills, and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with elements of jazz, blues, and rock music. Born in Texas in 1933, Nelson began his music career in the 1950s, and has since released numerous hit albums, including “Red Headed Stranger” and “Stardust”.

Nelson is also known for his activism and humanitarian work, including his support for various environmental causes, farm aid, and various charities that support military veterans. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic country music artists of all time.

11. Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is an American country music singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and her ability to blend traditional country sounds with rock and pop influences. Born in Texas in 1983, Lambert began her music career in the early 2000s, and quickly rose to fame with hits such as “Kerosene,” “Gunpowder & Lead,” and “The House That Built Me”. She has since become one of the most successful and critically acclaimed country music artists of her generation, with multiple
Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades to her name.
Lambert is also known for her support of animal rights, and has worked with various animal welfare organizations throughout her career. She is also an advocate for women’s empowerment, and has spoken out about the challenges that women face in the country music industry.

12. Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton is an American country music singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with elements of blues, rock, and southern rock music. Born in Kentucky in 1978, Stapleton began his music career as a songwriter, penning hits for other country music artists before launching his own solo career in 2015 with the release of his album “Traveller”. He has since released multiple successful albums and has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards.

Stapleton is also known for his collaborations with other artists, including Justin Timberlake and Ed Sheeran. He is widely regarded as one of the best songwriters and vocalists in the country music industry.

13. Luke Combs

Luke Combs is an American country music singer-songwriter known for his deep, powerful voice and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern elements of rock and pop music. Born in North Carolina in 1990, Combs rose to fame with hits such as “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” and “Beautiful Crazy”. He has since become one of the most successful and popular country music artists of his generation, with multiple awards and nominations to his name.

Combs is also known for his down-to-earth persona and his dedication to his fans. He has often cited his love of traditional country music as a major influence on his music, and is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in the genre today.

14. Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley is an American country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and entertainer known for his catchy, upbeat songs and his ability to blend traditional country sounds with elements of rock and pop music. Born in West Virginia in 1972, Paisley began his music career in the 1990s and has since released multiple hit albums and singles, including “Whiskey Lullaby,” “Mud on the Tires,” and “Ticks”. He has won multiple awards for his music, including three Grammy Awards and fourteen Academy of Country Music Awards.

Paisley is also known for his comedic timing and his ability to connect with his audience. He has hosted numerous award shows and television specials, and is often praised for his ability to entertain and engage his fans both on and off stage. Additionally, Paisley is an advocate for various charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society.

15. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and versatile style. Born in Oklahoma in 1955, McEntire rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Can’t Even Get the Blues” and “The Heart Won’t Lie.” She has since become one of the most successful and respected country music artists of all time, with multiple awards and nominations to her name, including multiple Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Country Music Association Awards.

In addition to her music career, McEntire has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films and television shows such as “Tremors” and “Reba”. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in country music, and has inspired generations of female country music artists with her trailblazing career and her commitment to empowering women in the industry.

16. Hank Williams

Hank Williams is an American singer-songwriter and musician who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in country music history. Born in Alabama in 1923, Williams began his music career in the 1940s and quickly became known for his unique voice, heartfelt lyrics, and distinctive style. He is best known for hits such as “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” which have become iconic examples of the country music genre.

Williams’ life was tragically cut short when he died at the age of 29 from heart failure brought on by drug and alcohol abuse. Despite his short career, however, his music has continued to inspire generations of country music artists and fans, and his legacy has become an integral part of the country music canon.

17. Shania Twain

Shania Twain is a Canadian country music singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice, her innovative style, and her ability to cross over into mainstream pop music. Born in Ontario in 1965, Twain rose to fame in the 1990s with hits such as “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One.” She has since become one of the most successful and iconic country music artists of all time, with multiple awards and nominations to her name, including five Grammy Awards and multiple Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards.

Twain’s music is known for its catchy hooks, strong melodies, and empowering lyrics, and she has been credited with helping to bring a new level of sophistication and commercial success to the country music genre. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, including her efforts to support education and disaster relief efforts.

18. Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney is an American country music singer-songwriter known for his laid-back, beachy style and his ability to connect with audiences through his music. Born in Tennessee in 1968, Chesney began his music career in the 1990s and quickly became known for hits such as “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” and “The Good Stuff.” He has since become one of the most successful and popular country music artists of his generation, with multiple awards and nominations to his name, including multiple Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards.

Chesney is also known for his energetic live performances and his dedication to his fans. He has often cited his love of the ocean and island life as major influences on his music, and his laid-back style and easygoing personality have made him a favorite among country music fans and non-fans alike. Additionally, Chesney is an advocate for various charitable organizations, including Music and Memory and the Spread the Love Fund.

19. Jimmie Rodgers

Jimmie Rodgers was an American country singer-songwriter and guitarist, often referred to as the “Father of Country Music.” Born in 1897 in Meridian, Mississippi, he began his career as a railroad worker before pursuing music full-time. Rodgers’ unique blend of country, blues, and folk music, along with his distinctive yodeling style, helped establish him as one of the most influential musicians of his time. His songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and life on the road, resonating with audiences across the country. Some of his most well-known songs include “Blue Yodel,” “Waiting for a Train,” and “T for Texas.”

Rodgers’ impact on country music is immeasurable. He was one of the first musicians to record country music and his innovative sound paved the way for generations of artists who followed in his footsteps. He was also one of the first artists inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, cementing his place in music history. Despite passing away at the young age of 35 due to complications from tuberculosis, his legacy lives on through his music and the countless musicians he inspired.

20. Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn is an American country music singer-songwriter who has been hailed as the “Queen of Country Music.” Born on April 14, 1932, in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, she grew up in a poor family of coal miners and began singing at a young age. Lynn’s music tells stories of her upbringing and experiences in rural America, and her songs often focus on the struggles of working-class women.

Lynn’s career took off in the 1960s with hits such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” and “Fist City.” Her strong voice and relatable lyrics made her a favorite among country music fans. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.