Over the years, there have been many incredible country music stars who have hit the stage and played their hits over the radio airwaves. The country genre is so huge that radio stations are dedicated exclusively to this type of music that play 24 hours a day, and people love it. Like in any genre, there’s often going to be a few performers that rise above the pack, and that’s who we’re looking at today. These are the most popular country music artists amongst all age groups.
We hope you enjoy this list, but keep in mind it’s not based on our opinions. To create this arrangement of the most popular country music artists, 24/7 Tempo consulted a list that was curated by the website YouGov. They spoke to people in the general public and brought up different country music stars. Then, they asked if the people surveyed had a generally positive opinion of the musicians. That’s why we’ll be going by the popularity metric.
This list is vast and includes country music artists from many different decades. Of course, there are contemporary stars on this list who are still making music today, like Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and Carrie Underwood.
However, the great thing about country music is that there are artists from many years ago who are still beloved today. We’re talking about musicians like Hank Williams, Sr., Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn. There are also many of the usual suspects that you’ll typically see on a list like this, such as Garth Brooks and Johnny Cash. If you’re part of the younger crowd and you want to know what your friends are listening to, check out this list of the most popular country music artists among millennials.
20. Garth Brooks – Popularity: 56%
Coming in at a popularity of 56%, Garth Brooks starts off this list at No. 20. For many years, Brooks was at the top of the heap in the country music world, but he’s had some noteworthy events that have likely hampered his popularity, including creating the alter ego Chris Gaines. Still, he’s one of the best-selling artists in history, and he’s sold over 170 million records worldwide. Plus, he’s still making music today, so he will always be in the heart of country music fans.
19. Huey Lewis – Popularity: 56%
Also with a popularity of 56% is Huey Lewis, who continues to be a fan favorite well into his 70s. He’s the singer of many famous songs, including “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” “The Power of Love,” and “Do You Believe in Love,” among many more. While working solo and as a part of his larger band, Huey Lewis and the News, he has managed to sell over 30 million records worldwide, and his songs are still played on many radio stations today. He has also won several Grammy Awards during his career and is an influence on other acts.
18. The Everly Brothers – Popularity: 56%
When many people think about country music, the first artist that often comes to mind is The Everly Brothers. They were a rock duo whose claim to fame was their steel-string acoustic guitar work. Their music combined country, rock, pop, and more. Some of their hits include “All I Have to do is Dream” and “Let it be Me.” The band has had a great deal of success over the years by selling over 50 million records during the course of their career. Sadly, both of the brothers have passed away, but clearly, their music lives on.
17. Kris Kristofferson – Popularity: 56%
At 87 years old, Kris Kristofferson continues to be a darling in the world of country music. Though he’s retired now, his songs live on and continue to be played on Spotify, on the radio, and in living rooms across the nation. A couple of his hits include “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” During his long career, he was able to sell close to 8 million records. He also had two gospel-inspired, No. 1 hits: “Why Me” and “Highwayman.”
16. Hank Williams Sr. – Popularity: 56%
People who love old-school country music are likely fans of Hank Williams Sr., who practically helped to invent the genre. He was considered to be one of the first country music stars. Sadly, he only lived to age 29, but his legacy lives on with hits like “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” and “Honky Tonk Blues.” With just a few records under his belt, he was still able to sell around 10 million records. He’s been gone since 1953, but people still listen to his music to this day, and they enjoy his son, Hank Williams Jr.
15. Keith Urban – Popularity: 57%
Keith Urban is currently one of the most recognizable country stars in the world. Though he hails from Australia, he has the country sound down, and he’s had amazing success throughout the years. He has released 11 albums and had 37 singles on the country charts. Some of his biggest hits include “Somebody Like You,” “Stupid Boy,” and “The Fighter,” among many others. Throughout his amazing success, he and his bands have managed to sell over 20 million records. He’s also often seen on the red carpet at movie premieres, mostly because of his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.
14. Alabama – Popularity: 58%
The band Alabama formed way back in 1969, but though they’re older, they are still rocking and that notoriety is why they remain one of the most popular country music artists. The band hit their stride during the 1980s when they had 27 No. 1 hits. To be fair, they produce a blend of country music and Southern rock, but people love what they do. Many of their albums, from “Roll On“ to “Alabama Christmas” and even their live albums, are all hits. Altogether, they’ve sold 75 million records, which is amongst the best of all time.
13. Linda Ronstadt – Popularity: 58%
Fans enjoy Linda Ronstadt’s music because she’s performed in a number of genres, from rock to light opera to Latin music. However, she’s also one of the most popular country music artists of all time. She’s had many big hits, including “Long Long Time” and “You’re No Good.” She’s also won many different awards during her career, including 11 Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. Throughout her career, she has sold over 100 million records, which solidifies her as one of the top-grossing artists and concert performers in history.
12. Patsy Cline – Popularity: 59%
Patsy Cline tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 30, but she left a lasting legacy, and many consider her to be one of the most famous country music singers. She was one of the first to cross over into pop music and win over a whole new audience. Many of her songs have been in movies and TV shows over the years. Some of those hits include “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces.” For such a short life, she had amazing success. Overall, over 10 million Patsy Cline albums have been sold worldwide.
11. Faith Hill – Popularity: 59%
Folks who have listened to the genre during the last few decades know why Faith Hill is one of the most popular country music artists. She has had many hits over the years, from “This Kiss” to “The Way You Love Me,” and they have dominated the radio waves and have been featured in movies and pop culture through the years. She’s undoubtedly one of the most successful country music stars, and she’s been able to sell close to 50 million albums worldwide. Her albums have gone platinum and multi-platinum, and she’s still going strong.
10. Tim McGraw – Popularity: 60%
In addition to being the spouse of Faith Hill, Tim McCraw has had an incredible life because of his massive success in country music. Throughout his career, he has released 16 albums, and 10 of them have reached No. 1 on the country charts. Some of his biggest hits include “I Like It, I Love It,” “I Need You,” and “Something Like That.” He’s still producing music and reaching the top of the charts. At this point, his records have sold more than 90 million copies and he’s also won three Grammy Awards over the years.
9. John Denver – Popularity: 61%
John Denver is a famous figure because of his music career and his untimely death, but most people celebrate his music. He was easily one of the most famous acoustic artists of the 1970s. Some of his incredible songs include “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Many of his songs and albums have gone gold and platinum. Although his career was cut relatively short, he sold 33 million albums, and he will likely always be on lists like this for producing the best country and acoustic music.
8. Loretta Lynn – Popularity: 61%
Next on the ranking of the most popular country music artists is Loretta Lynn, who had a very long and successful career that spanned six decades. During that time, she had many amazing shows and dominated the airwaves by producing multiple gold albums that countless people still enjoy to this day. Some famous songs include “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’.” Altogether, she had 24 No. 1 hit singles, and more than 45 million of her records have been sold worldwide.
7. Shania Twain – Popularity: 62%
Anyone who listened to just about any radio station during the 1990s has likely heard at least one Shania Twain song. She’s one of the best to ever do the job. She had many huge hit singles during her career, including “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” “You’re Still the One,” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” among others. The Canadian-born singer took the nation by storm, and because of her efforts, she’s sold more than 100 million albums, which makes her one of the highest-selling artists of all time in any genre.
6. Carrie Underwood – Popularity: 63%
Carrie Underwood is on this list of the most popular country music artists because she has an incredible catalog of music, and she’s still producing hits to this day. Her go-to genres are gospel and faith-based gospel, although she has also gone more mainstream with many of her songs. She’s also famous for singing the theme song for Sunday Night Football. Hits include “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats.” Through it all, Underwood has sold over 85 million records worldwide, which is incredible for such a short career.
5. Kenny Rogers – Popularity: 63%
Kenny Rogers is a country music star who will likely have a place near the top of every best-of list. He was just that good. Rogers had many hits over the years. One of his most famous is called “The Gambler” and it has been covered by many bands. His other noteworthy songs include “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream,” among others. He was so celebrated that he made his way into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Throughout his career, he sold over 120 million records, and many of those went Gold and Platinum.
4. Reba McEntire – Popularity: 64%
She is so famous that you can mention just her first name, and people will know who you’re talking about. Reba McEntire is easily one of the most popular country music artists, hands down. Some of her biggest hits include “I’m a Survivor” and “Consider Me Gone.” She has sold over 75 million records during her career and is often referred to as the “Queen of Country.” In addition to her music, she’s famous for starring in several sitcoms about her life, and they’ve all been hits. She’s still very active to this day, and people love her.
3. Willie Nelson – Popularity: 67%
Singer Willie Nelson is easily one of the most recognizable names in country music, and he’s a notable figure overall because of his personality and outside interests. His original claim to fame was being a part of the outlaw country subgenre of the 1960s. Some of his most noteworthy songs include “Always on My Mind,” “I Am the Forest,” and “Bring Me Sunshine.” Now, at over 90 years old, he continues to amaze, and he’s had quite a career. He’s been able to sell over 40 million records in the United States alone. He’s also had 25 No. 1 hits.
2. Johnny Cash – Popularity: 74%
Johnny Cash is one of the most famous country music artists because of his amazing songs and his very eventful life. Most of his songs carry themes of sorrow, redemption, and moral tribulation. A lot of that is in response to his many brushes with the law. Some of his most famous songs include “Hurt,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Throughout his career, he was able to sell over 90 million records. Even though he passed away in 2003, he continues to sell records and be an inspiration.
1. Dolly Parton – Popularity: 78%
Finally, on our list of the most popular country music artists is the incredible Dolly Parton. She’s had an amazing career and she’s still working at close to 80 years old. She even had a Krispy Kreme donut named after her. Some of her biggest hits include “Islands in the Stream” and “Jolene.” She’s sold over 100 million records worldwide and shows no sign of stopping. Dolly Parton is so beloved among all age groups that she’s even on this list of all-time favorite country artists of millennials.