Country and western music has come a long way from its stereotype of white male-dominated music that’s played on a fiddle to the rhythm of stomping cowboy boots. These days, women are also finding success, and the country and western genre has continued to evolve, today often incorporating other genres such as pop, rock, and hip hop.
In recognition of this singular American music genre, 24/7 Wall St. has compiled a list of 100 of the most popular country music stars, who have sung their way to the top.
Click here to see the 100 most popular country music stars.
Click here to see our methodology.
The music genre is closely associated with the South, but since at least the late 1960s, its popularity spread to other parts of the country. According to a Country Music Association report from 2017, at least 30% of the U.S. population listens to country music. And in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, it is 55% of the population. No surprise there. What might be surprising is the high share of country music fans in the country’s midsection — in states such as the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. There, 51% of people are country music aficionados.
The CMA report also claims that country music fans listen to music from that genre almost five hours a day, an hour more than fans of other types of music.
The industry is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Hopefuls from all over the country and the world go to Music City to take their shot at songwriting for stars and performing in clubs and bars in the hopes of being offered a record deal. They dream of reaching the ultimate destination of country and western venues — performing on the stage of the venerable Grand Ole Opry.
Country and western music is a vital part of Nashville, contributing $5.5 billion to the local economy, according to a Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce study.
The chamber study also says Nashville has the highest concentration of music business establishments — music publishers, recording studios, record labels, distributors — of any major metropolitan area in the United States.
Because country and western music is an expanding industry, there are many opportunities to succeed.
The journeys to stardom of some country and western performers are often themselves similar to a country and western song itself. Many have overcome childhood adversity, a shattered marriage, or working multiple jobs to support their family before fame arrived.
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
100. Jessie James Decker
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 1
> Biggest country hit (all time): Lights Down Low
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,045,291
Decker is not only a popular singer-songwriter, but also the star of her own reality tv show called “Eric & Jessie: Game On.” She is married to pro football wide receiver Eric Decker. Her popular songs include “Flip My Hair” and “I Look So Good.”
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Source: Daniel Boczarski / Getty Images
99. Alan Jackson
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 4
> Biggest country hit (all time): Drive (For Daddy Gene)
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 939,080
A fixture at the Country Music Awards, Alan Jackson is a veteran guitar player and singer who stirred controversy in 2016 when he walked out on the CMA performance of Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks. Jackson was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.
Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images
98. A Thousand Horses
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 21
> Biggest country hit (all time): Smoke
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 28,044
Made up of band members Zach Brown, Michael Hobby, Graham DeLoach, and Bill Satcher, this musical group is known for mixing country and rock music. They were nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in the category of New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year.
Source: Frederick Breedon IV / Getty Images
97. Montgomery Gentry
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 2
> Biggest country hit (all time): Something To Be Proud Of
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,068,153
Made up of Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery, this duo’s career has been cut short by the death of Troy Gentry in a helicopter crash in 2017. The deceased singer’s wife filed a wrongful death suit against the maker of the helicopter earlier this year.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
96. Jerrod Niemann
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 22
> Biggest country hit (all time): Lover, Lover
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 64,714
Aside from being the popular country singer of the song “Lover, Lover,” Jerrod is a rebel who is not cowed by misfortune. In Tennessee in 2012, Niemann’s tour bus caught fire and exploded. No one was injured. Then he reportedly posed for a photo along with friends in front of the blaze with his middle finger defiantly sticking out.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
95. Tyler Farr
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 21
> Biggest country hit (all time): Redneck Crazy
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 57,070
Farr’s music is raw. It’s so raw that he took heat for lyrics about stalker-like behavior involving an ex-girlfriend in the song “Redneck Crazy.” The song included descriptions of driving his truck onto his ex’s lawn and and throwing beer cans toward her.
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94. Craig Campbell
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 25
> Biggest country hit (all time): Family Man
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 42,892
Known for his 2010 hit “Family Man,” Campbell is also known for putting a Southern twist to Lorde’s hit pop song “Royals.” He is now singing with his teen daughter Preslee, an emerging star in the industry. Campbell has tattoos of both his daughters, Preslee and Kinni Rose, birth dates on his arm.
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93. Morgan Evans
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 21
> Biggest country hit (all time): Kiss Somebody
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 195,353
This country crooner sings about love and not only of his wife. For example, the song “Kiss Somebody” was dedicated to a friend. Originally from Australia, his star was launched in 2006 when his band won Artist of the Year & Best Rock Act at the MusicOz awards.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
92. The Band Perry
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 22
> Biggest country hit (all time): If I Die Young
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 261,131
The Band Perry was harassed two years ago in Delaware, and one of their performances was postponed after threats of violence by two unknown men.
Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images
91. Morgan Wallen
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 26
> Biggest country hit (all time): Up Down
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 110,416
This rising star was rejected by judges on the TV show “The Voice” for his version of Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” in 2014. The Tennessee native rebounded by recently collaborating with Florida Georgia Line in the song “Up Down,” which broke into the ranks of the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year.
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
90. Canaan Smith
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 27
> Biggest country hit (all time): Love You Like That
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 32,135
This singer-songwriter is on a mission to spread the gospel, but he’s not above showing a little skin and getting a tattoo. He showed his six pack at a Country Jam in Colorado in 2016 and displayed faith-based ink.
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89. Hillary Scott
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 21
> Biggest country hit (all time): Thy Will
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 389,407
Born into a country music family, Scott, the co-lead singer of the musical group Lady Antebellum, achieved country music fame with “Need You Now.” She has the number 14 tattooed on her wrist because it was the age at which she decided to pursue a singing career. She is married to drummer Chris Tyrrell, and they have three children.
Source: Rick Kern / Getty Images
88. Lindsay Ell
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 25
> Biggest country hit (all time): Criminal
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 207,911
Lindsay Ell is a Canadian country singer who faced controversy when a Sacramento radio station canceled her appearance because she was dating a popular DJ named Bobby Bones who worked at a rival radio station. The controversy led to the breakup of the couple. Ell went on to release a full-length country music album called “The Project” debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Current Country Albums chart last August.
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87. Hunter Hayes
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 24
> Biggest country hit (all time): Wanted
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 252,014
Part of Hunter’s claim to fame is a duet he performed with Taylor Swift whom he met her at the VMA Awards in Nashville. He’s gone on to win two awards at the Country Music Awards for his hit song “Wanted” and appeared in the 2016 Nickelodeon project Bella and the Bulldogs as himself.
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86. Tucker Beathard
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 27
> Biggest country hit (all time): Rock On
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 42,765
Tucker Beathard was born into a country music family. His father, Casey, produced a Kenny Chesney hit “I Will Stand.” As for Beathard, his claim to fame is the song “Fight Like Hell.” His brother C.J. is a quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
85. Aaron Watson
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 29
> Biggest country hit (all time): Outta Style
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 86,196
This self-made father of three was at a disadvantage because he’s not from Nashville, where the majority of country western music action takes place. Watson hails from Texas, where he became a star after playing in clubs and bars there. His self- released album, “The Underdog,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Album chart in 2015.
Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
84. David Lee Murphy
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 29
> Biggest country hit (all time): Dust On The Bottle
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 86,453
Murphy started out as a songwriter, but it wasn’t long before he was catapulted to center stage with the help of Kenny Chesney for whom Murphy had written a number of hits. He is currently promoting his recent album “No Zip Code.”
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83. Kid Rock
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 3
> Biggest country hit (all time): All Summer Long
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,623,023
The aging Kid Rock is still relevant although he has switched from rock and roll to country and western in recent years. He is known for his hit music, but these days he’s running for U.S. Senate.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
82. Parmalee
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 33
> Biggest country hit (all time): Carolina
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 40,539
Made up of Barry Knox, Josh McSwain, Matt Thomas, and Scott Thomas, this popular country music band was a victim of an attempted robbery eight years ago. Drummer Scott Thomas was shot but survived, and the band is back on tour. Their music has been described as a cross between southern rock, country, and blues.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
81. Kacey Musgraves
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 21
> Biggest country hit (all time): Follow Your Arrow
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 796,497
It was rumored that Kacey Musgraves was going to appear on “The Real Housewives of Dallas” this year. That is not going to happen. Instead, she’s focusing on her latest album Golden Hour, which is said to combine country music with disco.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
80. Maddie & Tae
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 32
> Biggest country hit (all time): Girl In A Country Song
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 105,128
Relative newcomers, these two young country artists already have a hit on their hands with “Friends Don’t.” They met through their vocal coach at a showcase in Dallas in 2010. Maddie is from the Houston area while Tae is from Ada, Oklahoma.
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79. Chase Bryant
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 34
> Biggest country hit (all time): Little Bit Of You
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 35,128
This teen sensation was the show opener at a fundraiser for Sandy Hook shooting victims.
Performing is in Chase’s blood. His grandfather, Jimmy Bryant, performed with Waylon Jennings and Roy Orbison.
Source: Jason Davis / Getty Images
78. Jennifer Nettles
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 29
> Biggest country hit (all time): Unlove You
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 411,816
Although Jennifer Nettles started out performing at dive bars in Atlanta, today she’s one of country music’s biggest stars. In addition to being LGBT-friendly, another interesting fact about her is that her first solo release was produced by Rick Rubin, co-founder of Def Jam Records with Russell Simmons.
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77. John Mayer
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 2
> Biggest country hit (all time): In The Blood
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,897,884
Mayer switched gears from being a rock star and embraced country music after surgery on a neck nodule that changed his voice. Paradise Valley, his sixth studio album, demonstrates country music influences.
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76. Trent Harmon
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 35
> Biggest country hit (all time): There’s A Girl
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 136,404
Originally from Mississippi, Trent won “American Idol” competition, beating out favorite La’porsha Renae. That was in 2016. His first full-length album, “You’ve Got’ Em All,” was released earlier this year.
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
75. George Strait
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 20
> Biggest country hit (all time): Write This Down
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,019,919
A true cowboy, George is a former competitive roper for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association team. Known as the King of Country, he has sold more than 100 million records worldwide with 16 Grammy nominations. He reportedly retired in 2012.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
74. RaeLynn
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 37
> Biggest country hit (all time): God Made Girls
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 160,995
Although she did not make it past the quarterfinals of “The Voice,” RaeLynn caught the eye of Blake Shelton for whom she worked as backup singer. Her 2017 debut album “WildHorse” shot to the top spot of the Billboard Country Albums Chart.
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73. Josh Turner
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 35
> Biggest country hit (all time): Your Man
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 199,322
After signing with MCA Nashville, Turner released his breakthrough single “Long Black Train.”
He subsequently got bit by the acting bug, snagging himself a role in the movie about evangelist Billy Graham.
Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images
72. Frankie Ballard
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 39
> Biggest country hit (all time): Sunshine & Whiskey
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 52,198
Ballard is not only a successful country music singer, but also known to be a generous tipper. In 2017, he left a $100 tip on a $22 order at a pizza and sandwich shop in Michigan.
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
71. Reba McEntire
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 8
> Biggest country hit (all time): Somebody
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,886,049
McEntire surprised fans by announcing her divorce in 2015. The life-altering experience didn’t faze her. She’s moved on with a gospel album that won her a Grammy in 2018.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
70. Randy Houser
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 40
> Biggest country hit (all time): Boots On
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 80,074
Randy Houser filed for a restraining order against wife Jessa Lee Yantz, whom he’s divorcing, to avoid vacationing with her in the Bahamas. Domestic upheaval aside, Houser has had many hits in his country music singing career, such as “We Went.”
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69. Devin Dawson
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 39
> Biggest country hit (all time): All On Me
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 76,356
Known for touring with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, the singer-songwriter now has a full-length album under his belt called “Dark Horse” that was released this year.
Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
68. Jordan Davis
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 42
> Biggest country hit (all time): Singles You Up
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 4,797
Jordan Davis arrived to Nashville from Louisiana but not before graduating from Louisiana State University. A relative newcomer, Davis already has two singles, one music video, and a full-length album.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
67. William Michael Morgan
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 44
> Biggest country hit (all time): I Met A Girl
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 37,254
Signed to Warner Music Nashville, Morgan’s debut single “I Met a Girl” was co-written by Sam Hunt and is a top critic’s selection in 2015. He is originally from Mississippi.
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66. Steven Tyler
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 10
> Biggest country hit (all time): Love Is Your Name
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,948,246
Although his claim to fame is being a rock star in the band Aerosmith, Tyler is also a country music singer. His crossover album, “We’re All Somebody From Somewhere,” shot to the top of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart two years ago.
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
65. David Nail
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 46
> Biggest country hit (all time): Let It Rain
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 31,200
A country soul singer, Nail is the frontman for the band David Nail and The Well Ravens. He left his record label MCA Nashville and signed a new deal with Mercury Nashville and subsequently Universal Music. The father of three recently announced that he is working on a seven-track release due out this fall.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
64. Russell Dickerson
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 43
> Biggest country hit (all time): Yours
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 78,743
In addition to being a YouTube star, Dickerson has more than 30 million streams on Spotify, his music was also heard with country heavyweights Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan in Sirius XM’s weekly Hot 45 countdown.
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63. Jana Kramer
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 34
> Biggest country hit (all time): Why Ya Wanna
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 598,423
In addition to being a popular country music singer, Kramer is an actress known for her role as Alex Dupre on the television series “One Tree Hill.” So far, she has two albums under her belt, “Jana Kramer”and “Thirty One.”
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
62. Walker Hayes
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 39
> Biggest country hit (all time): You Broke Up With Me
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 384,916
After losing a record deal at Capitol Records Nashville, Hayes, who is married and has six children, worked the overnight shift at Costco to make ends meet. That rough patch is behind him with the release of the single “You Broke Up With Me” that went platinum.
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61. Pentatonix
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 9
> Biggest country hit (all time): Jolene
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 2,417,884
This acapella country group is made up of five band members who have won three Grammys. Pentatonix supports causes such as suicide prevention. The group won a recording contract after winning a competition on the NBC show “The Sing-Off.”
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
60. Carly Pearce
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 49
> Biggest country hit (all time): Every Little Thing
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 205,034
After dropping out of school to perform at Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywood five times a week, Pearce’s debut single went straight to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
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59. Cam
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 50
> Biggest country hit (all time): Burning House
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 213,921
Cam combines country and western music with contemporary pop music. Originally from California, Cam had moved to Nashville in 2015..
Source: Rick Kern / Getty Images
58. Scotty McCreery
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 46
> Biggest country hit (all time): Five More Minutes
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 522,987
After winning the “American Idol” competition in 2011, McCreery’s studio album “Clear As Day” went platinum later that year. In 2013, the American Country Awards named him Breakthrough Artist.
Source: Erika Goldring / Getty Images
57. Drake White
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 60
> Biggest country hit (all time): Livin’ The Dream
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 51,933
Drake White worked for a general contractor in Nashville before quitting and pursuing his musical dreams. His debut album charted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
56. Midland
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 50
> Biggest country hit (all time): Drinkin’ Problem
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 360,352
Formed in 2016 out of Texas, Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, and Jess Carson make up the band Midland. The band reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart last September, lifted by its single “Drinkin’ Problem.” The name of the band is fashioned after the song “Fair to Midland” by Dwight Yoakam.
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55. Shania Twain
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 2
> Biggest country hit (all time): Honey, I’m Home
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 3,334,230
Twain has sold more than 100 million records and is the best selling female artist in country music history. The five-time Grammy winner went through a divorce and she suffers from from dysphonia, a condition that squeezes muscles in the voice box.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
54. Easton Corbin
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 68
> Biggest country hit (all time): A Little More Country Than That
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 104,954
Corbin has risen to fame and stardom from a day job at the Ace Hardware store in Nashville. His 2017 single “Girl Like You” ranked in the top 10 of the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
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53. Rascal Flatts
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 60
> Biggest country hit (all time): These Days
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 347,030
Originally, Rascal Flatts was made up Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney, and Eric Church until Church was booted out for extending the time of his solo performance while touring. The band has recovered just fine since. Fourteen of their singles have ranked among the top 5 between both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.
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52. Chase Rice
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 71
> Biggest country hit (all time): Ready Set Roll
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 193,059
After winning $100,000 on the reality television show “Survivor,” Chase embraced his inner cowboy and moved to Nashville. He joined his friend Brian Kelley, who had just formed a band called Florida Georgia Line, in writing music. The two combined to write “Cruise,” which went on to sell 10 million copies and become the most downloaded country song ever.
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51. Billy Currington
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 68
> Biggest country hit (all time): Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 177,135
Currington has performed country and western songs like “People Are Crazy,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” and “Let Me Down Easy.” However, the Georgia native has battled his own demons. In 2013, he was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to take anger management classes after pleading no contest to charges of making terroristic threats against an elderly charter boat operator.
Source: Frederick Breedon IV / Getty Images
50. High Valley
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 71
> Biggest country hit (all time): She’s With Me
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 75,126
Brad and Curtis Rempel, two musical brothers, were signed to Atlantic Records Warner Music Nashville following the success of several singles in their home country of Canada where they were raised in the Mennonite religion. A third brother, Bryan, withdrew from the group in 2014 to focus on his family. The duo’s 2015 single “Make You Mine,” ranked highly on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
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49. Big & Rich
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 74
> Biggest country hit (all time): Lost In This Moment
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 150,462
Big Kenny and John Rich are brothers whose single “Lost In This Moment” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list in July 2017. In 2014, they won Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards for “Immortal.” Their sixth album, “Did It For the Party,” was released last year.
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
48. LANco
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 76
> Biggest country hit (all time): Greatest Love Story
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 2,253
Short for Lancaster & Company, LANco members are Brandon Lancaster, Chandler Baldwin, Jared Hampton, Tripp Howell, and Eric Steedly. The band combines a country and pop vibe and specializes in anthems. Discovered by super producer Jay Joyce, their debut single was “Long Live Tonight.”
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
47. Garth Brooks
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 51
> Biggest country hit (all time): Two Pina Coladas
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,477,218
Brooks made a name for himself combining country and western with rock music and selling more than 134 million records. More recently, he joined the television show “The Voice” as a mentor to young talent.
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46. Lauren Alaina
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 70
> Biggest country hit (all time): Road Less Traveled
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 541,491
Originally from Georgia, Alaina turned a runner-up position from season 10 on “American Idol” into a successful singing career. The title track from her second album “Road Less Traveled” that was released last year shot to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. She also landed a movie role in a film of the same name. She’s had to overcome some difficulties on the road to success. Alaina has admitted to struggling with an eating disorder.
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45. Chris Lane
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 75
> Biggest country hit (all time): Fix
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 110,185
Chris Lane and his twin Cory played baseball in high school in North Carolina, but Chris veered toward music after an injury short-circuited his college baseball career. His audition with “American Idol” went nowhere, but a subsequent meeting with Big Loud Mountain Management launched his career. In 2017, he was nominated for New Male Vocalist of the Year at the ACM Awards. He’s been rising on country charts ever since.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
44. Kip Moore
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 79
> Biggest country hit (all time): Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 161,817
Moore won a golf scholarship to Valdosta State University, but he found fame when he switched to music. Upon relocating from Georgia to Nashville, he began as a songwriter for Jake Owen and country duo Thompson Square. Networking with producer Brett James led to a deal with MCA Nashville Records.
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43. Little Big Town
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 70
> Biggest country hit (all time): Girl Crush
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 666,038
Made up of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet, this band won Vocal Group of the Year in 2017 at ACM but not before courting controversy with conservatives who claimed the group was promoting gay agenda with the racy lyrics in “Girl Crush.”
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42. Lee Brice
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 83
> Biggest country hit (all time): A Woman Like You
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 154,870
After an arm injury ended his college football career at Clemson University in South Carolina, Brice began writing songs for Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks. He eventually signed with Curb Records where his blues-inspired voice has lead to several chart toppers, including “Parking Lot Party.”
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41. Granger Smith
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 82
> Biggest country hit (all time): Backroad Song
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 126,580
A songwriting contract with EMI Music Publishing led Smith to release nine studio albums since his career was launched in 1998. In 2016, he won a BMI Country Award for “Backroad Song.” His latest album, “When the Good Guys Win,” was released last year.
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40. Jake Owen
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 81
> Biggest country hit (all time): Barefoot Blue Jean Night
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 213,800
Owen is known for the songs “Yee-Haw” and “Startin’ With Me” along with many others. His second album, “Easy Does It,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart.
An avid golfer, Owen participated in the Nashville Golf Open this year.
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Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images
39. LOCASH
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 88
> Biggest country hit (all time): I Know Somebody
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 71,689
A country-pop duo, Chris Lucas and Preston Brust released “Here Comes Summer” and wrote the hits “Truck Yeah” for Tim McGraw in 2012 and “You Gonna Fly” for Keith Urban in 2011. “The Fighters,” their first full-length album for Reviver Records, debuted in 2016. In 2018, they released the single “Don’t Get Better Than That.”
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
38. Lady Antebellum
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 81
> Biggest country hit (all time): I Run To You
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 633,344
The group made its debut in 2007 as guest vocalists on Jim Brickman’s single “Never Alone” before signing to Capitol Nashville. Since then, Lady Antebellum has released seven albums and was awarded Top New Duo or Group by the Academy of Country Music and New Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association in 2008.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
37. Brad Paisley
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 80
> Biggest country hit (all time): We Danced
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 701,323
In addition to 11 studio albums, Paisley also released a Christmas compilation on the Arista Nashville label. All of his albums have been certified gold or higher, and he has had 32 top 10 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, 19 of which have reached No. 1.
Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images
36. Justin Moore
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 94
> Biggest country hit (all time): Small Town USA
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 137,105
Moore began performing during his junior year of high school. After graduating from high school, he joined his uncle’s southern rock band and moved to Nashville. After signing with Big Machine Records, Moore has released four studio albums and has charted on Billboard Hot Country Songs, with singles such as “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Til My Last Day,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” “You Look Like I Need a Drink,” and “Somebody Else Will.”
Source: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images
35. Chris Young
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 88
> Biggest country hit (all time): Voices
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 286,997
Young joined the prestigious Grand Ole Opry at 32 years old. Young has released six albums. His country and western music career was launched in 2006 when he won a televised singing competition called “Nashville Star.”
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
34. Miranda Lambert
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 76
> Biggest country hit (all time): Somethin’ Bad
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,105,370
Lambert has been honored by the Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Country Music Association Awards. Her first major label album “Kerosene,” debuted at the top of the country music charts and was well received by critics. In addition to a solo career, Lambert also performs in a band called Pistol Annies alongside Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley.
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Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
33. Michael Ray
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 96
> Biggest country hit (all time): Think A Little Less
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 123,712
After a hit record, Ray decided to try his hand at acting. He had a guest-starring role on an episode of CMT’s “Nashville” last year after his single “Kiss You in the Morning” became a hit. Fame has not kept him out of trouble. Early this year, he was arrested in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
32. Bebe Rexha
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 32
> Biggest country hit (all time): Meant To Be
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 3,411,538
Rexha has written Top 40 songs for Selena Gomez and Nick Jonas and collaborated with Florida Georgia Line. In 2013, she became a solo artist. Of Albanian descent, the first musical instrument Rexha learned was the trumpet while growing up in Brooklyn.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
31. Darius Rucker
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 85
> Biggest country hit (all time): Wagon Wheel
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 950,639
Rucker started as a rocker with Hootie & the Blowfish and enjoyed great success, but by 2002, he had switched to R&B with a solo album called “Back to Then.” In 2008, Rucker officially became a country western artist when he signed with Capitol Nashville, releasing his first country western album “Learn to Live.” His single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” in 2008 reached No. 35 on Billboard’s Country chart.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
30. Brantley Gilbert
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 99
> Biggest country hit (all time): Country Must Be Country Wide
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 271,905
While working as a songwriter for stars like Jason Aldean, Gilbert performed locally in Nashville. He launched his solo career with the release of his debut album in 2009. First he was engaged to fellow country crooner Jana Kramer, but a couple of years later he wound up making it into the tabloids when he married girlfriend Amber Cochran whom he had met in church.
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Source: Rick Kern / Getty Images
29. Chris Janson
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 100
> Biggest country hit (all time): Buy Me A Boat
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 167,016
Janson is touring with Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Billy Currington, and Brantley Gilbert. The title track of his first album, “Buy Me a Boat,” was a top five hit on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.
Source: Erika Goldring / Getty Images
28. Dylan Scott
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 107
> Biggest country hit (all time): My Girl
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 115,058
After signing with Curb Records, a Taste of Country magazine music critic rated this Louisiana native’s debut single “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy” with three and a half stars out of five in 2013. . His self-titled studio album was released in 2016 and debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
27. Zac Brown Band
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 99
> Biggest country hit (all time): Chicken Fried
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 444,066
Based in Atlanta, the Zac Brown Band lineup includes Zachry Alexander “Zac” Brown, Jimmy De Martini, John Driskell Hopkins, Coy Bowles, Chris Fryar, Clay Cook, Matt Mangano, and Daniel de los Reyes. Together, they have released six studio albums. Artist collaborations include Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, and Avicii.
Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images
26. Eric Church
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 99
> Biggest country hit (all time): Drink In My Hand
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 432,604
After being booted from the band Rascal Flatts for extending his cameo performances while touring and being replaced by Taylor Swift, Church continued in a solo career. He is known for vacillating between rock and country music. Mega producer Jay Joyce was behind Church’s successful release “Mr. Misunderstood.”
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
25. Dierks Bentley
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 109
> Biggest country hit (all time): What Was I Thinkin’
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 377,336
Bentley hit the ground running as soon as he was signed with Capitol Nashville in 2003.
His debut album and its follow-up went certified platinum, and his first single, “What Was I Thinkin’,” went to No. 1. He is a graduate of the boarding school Lawrenceville in New Jersey and Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
24. Kenny Chesney
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 101
> Biggest country hit (all time): How Forever Feels
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 854,037
After his marriage to actress Renee Zellweger disintegrated, there were rumors the marriage failed because Chesney was gay. He denied being gay during an interview on “60 Minutes” with Anderson Cooper.
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Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
23. Florida Georgia Line
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 105
> Biggest country hit (all time): Cruise
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 674,751
Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley launched Florida Georgia Line in 2010. By 2012, their first song “Cruise” was a hit. The song launched a new style of country music that added elements of hip hop and rap and is now known as bro-country. The single reached diamond status — 10 times platinum status — first country song to do so, after it was downloaded more than 7 million times.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
22. Brothers Osborne
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 126
> Biggest country hit (all time): Stay A Little Longer
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 310,489
In 2010, brothers T.J. and John Osborne launched the Brothers Osborne. Since then, the duo released six singles. In 2016, “Stay a Little Longer” ranked among the top 5 on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay chart.
Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images
21. Taylor Swift
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 8
> Biggest country hit (all time): We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 6,998,065
At 14, the famous singer-songwriter became the youngest artist ever to sign with Sony after moving to Nashville from Pennsylvania. She has ranked on several lists maintained by Forbes Magazine, including America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
20. Tim McGraw
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 114
> Biggest country hit (all time): My Next Thirty Years
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,283,551
Although he started out singing country and western songs, McGraw crossed over into the pop music genre by 1997. Sixteen of his 14 albums have reached the top of the Billboard Top Country Album charts. He married Faith Hill with whom he often collaborates.
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Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
19. Maren Morris
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 122
> Biggest country hit (all time): My Church
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 921,041
Originally from Texas, Morris spent time in Nashville writing songs for Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson. It was her father who turned her on to music after he bought her a guitar when she was 12. She is a five-time CMA Award nominee despite being an “American Idol” reject.
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
18. Jon Pardi
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 131
> Biggest country hit (all time): Dirt On My Boots
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 287,099
Within two years of touring with Dierks Bentley, Pardi released his debut single, “Missin’ You Crazy” in 2012. The single peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Not bad for a California boy who moved to Nashville just after high school.
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
17. Brett Young
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 137
> Biggest country hit (all time): In Case You Didn’t Know
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 11,017
After injuring his arm playing college baseball, Young took up singing country pop music.
Originally from Orange County, California, his albums include “Broken Down,” “Brett Young,” and “On Fire.” Just this year, he proposed marriage to his college sweetheart Taylor Mills.
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Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
16. Dan + Shay
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 135
> Biggest country hit (all time): Tequila
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 366,760
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney launched their duo Dan + Shay in 2012. Their recently released self-titled album topped the Billboard Top Country Album chart, featuring a tune with Kelly Clarkson called “Keeping Score.”
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
15. Luke Combs
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 131
> Biggest country hit (all time): When It Rains It Pours
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 537,873
Combs only has one album under his belt, “This One’s For You,” but it’s a good one. Four singles on the Columbia Records Nashville release “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “One Number Away,” and “She Got the Best of Me” have charted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay. Although he now lives in Tennessee, he hails from Asheville, North Carolina.
Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images
14. Dustin Lynch
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 144
> Biggest country hit (all time): Cowboys And Angels
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 297,679
Dustin has released three albums with Broken Bow Records. He decided to start a band after performing at an open mic at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. His debut single “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012 reached No. 2 on the Billboard country chart.
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Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
13. Brett Eldredge
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 140
> Biggest country hit (all time): Lose My Mind
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 482,090
Eldredge has worked with Terry Eldredge, Ross Copperman, and Chris Young. This country crooner won a CMA award for New Artist of the Year and was nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award for New Artist of the Year. His current album includes the hit single “Something I’m Good At.”
Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images
12. Kane Brown
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 125
> Biggest country hit (all time): What Ifs
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,981,479
Kane Brown climbed his way to stardom using social media. The scrappy millennial’s song “Closer” went viral, earning him a fanbase of more than 785,000 fans on Facebook, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Source: Bryan Steffy / Getty Images
11. Kelsea Ballerini
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 145
> Biggest country hit (all time): Peter Pan
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 689,849
This year, Ballerini was presented with a Recording Industry Association of America-certified gold song plaque for her song “Legends” at the Music Biz 2018 Awards Breakfast & Presentations where she performed her new single “I Hate Love Songs” and her first No. 1 “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
10. Carrie Underwood
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 123
> Biggest country hit (all time): Before He Cheats
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,862,397
Underwood performed as a child at the Robbins Memorial Talent Show and sang at her local church in Oklahoma. It wasn’t until after she graduated from college that she seriously began pursuing a recording career. Her star officially launched after winning “American Idol” in 2005. Now that she’s a married mom of two kids, she has returned to the TV show as a mentor.
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Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images
9. Old Dominion
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 154
> Biggest country hit (all time): Break Up With Him
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 223,939
The band members of Old Dominion include Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung, and Brad Tursi. The band was named Old Dominion after the nickname for the state of Virginia, since four members of the group have links to that state. In 2018, the group won Vocal Group of the Year at the ACM Awards.
Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images
8. Cole Swindell
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 157
> Biggest country hit (all time): Chillin’ It
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 209,103
Friendly with Luke Bryan, who was a fraternity brother from Georgia Southern University, Swindell first sold merchandise for his buddy, moved up to writing songs for him, and now he performs. Swindell went on his first headlining tour in late 2017 after opening for his pal Bryan. Notable singles include “Flatliner” and “Middle of a Memory.”
Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Images
7. Keith Urban
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 131
> Biggest country hit (all time): Somebody Like You
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,518,063
Since marrying Hollywood movie star Nicole Kidman in 2006, Urban has taken on more visible roles as a coach on the Australian version of the singing competition “The Voice” and as a judge on “American Idol.” In 2013, he introduced his own signature line of guitars and accessories sold through the Home Shopping Network.
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Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images
6. Sam Hunt
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 144
> Biggest country hit (all time): Body Like A Back Road
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 650,352
The creator of hick hop, Sam Hunt has had four singles reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. One of those songs, “Body Like a Backroad,” stayed 25 weeks at the top.
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images
5. Jason Aldean
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 174
> Biggest country hit (all time): Why
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,239,990
Since signing with Broken Bow Records in 2005, Jason Aldean released eight albums. In 2010, his album “My Kinda Party” went double platinum. Aldean left his wife for former “American Idol” contestant Brittany Kerr in 2013.
Source: Marianna Massey / Getty Images
4. Luke Bryan
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 181
> Biggest country hit (all time): Play It Again
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 1,890,223
With record sales of albums well over 7 million and 27 million sales for singles worldwide, Bryan is easily among the hottest country western recording stars. In 2013, He received the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award. Two tragedies hurt him deeply, the death of his older brother and the passing of his older sister. Bryan says these tragedies help him to relate to those who are experiencing sorrow.
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Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images
3. Blake Shelton
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 187
> Biggest country hit (all time): Some Beach
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 2,560,827
Shelton is known for his role as a judge on televised singing competitions “Nashville Star,” “Clash of the Choirs,” and “The Voice” as well as his four-year marriage to singer Miranda Lambert, which ended in divorce. Shelton won nine Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, and seven CMT Music Awards. Billboard ranks him at No. 50 on its Greatest of All Time Country Artist list.
Source: Bryan Steffy / Getty Images
2. Thomas Rhett
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 224
> Biggest country hit (all time): Die A Happy Man
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 961,590
Rhett dropped out of Lipscomb University in Nashville to perform music, and the risky move paid off. An executive from Big Machine Label Group approached him one night while he played at a club and offered him a publishing deal to write songs. By 2017, he had released three of his own studio albums. The 28-year-old’s music career is taking off.
Source: Mike Windle / Getty Images
1. Chris Stapleton
> No. of weeks on Hot Country chart (last 3 yr.): 242
> Biggest country hit (all time): Tennessee Whiskey
> Wikipedia page views (1 yr.): 2,079,655
Singer-songwriter Stapleton has co-written six country No. 1 songs, including the five-week chart-topper “Never Wanted Nothing More,” recorded by Kenny Chesney, “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright,” recorded by George Strait, “Drink a Beer,” recorded by Luke Bryan, and “Come Back Song,” recorded by Darius Rucker. He has received Grammys, ACM awards and CMA awards. He is a soul singer who names Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Freddie King as some of his music influencers.
Methodology:
To determine the 100 most popular country music stars, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed artist performance on the Billboard Hot Country Songs music chart as well as the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for the past three years from the week of July 11, 2015 through the week of July 14, 2018. We then created an index using the number of weeks an artist spent on each chart during that period, the positions the artist held on the charts, and the number of page views each artist’s Wikipedia page received over the past year, a reflection of each musician/group’s popularity.
“Biggest country hit” refers to the artist’s song that performed best on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Songs for which the artist in question was not the primary performer were not included in our ranking. For example, if a singer had a featured verse on another performer’s song, that song’s performance on the Hot Country Songs chart was not considered in our ranking.
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