Top-Selling Country Music Artists of All Time

Since the 1920s, when Southern settlers brought their “hillbilly” music to urban audiences, country music has grown into one of the United States’ most enduring and popular genres. Today there are more country radio stations than Top 40/Pop, Classic Rock, Adult Contemporary and Hip Hop combined.

Country music’s appeal is broad: from the outlaw grit of Johnny Cash to the pop-country crossover success of Shania Twain and Garth Brooks. At its core, country music is storytelling—narratives of love, loss, small-town life and resilience. Songs like the Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier” and Reba McEntire’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” showcase country songwriting at its most evocative.

There’s a country song for almost every life experience, and country stars have long been as notable for their fashion and stage presence as for their music—think Dolly Parton’s sequined outfits or Reba McEntire’s signature hair. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, this list highlights the best-selling country artists you’ll want on your playlist, ranked according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) top-selling artists list where available.

39. Blake Shelton

Album units sold: 13 million

Hit you should know: “Some Beach”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 28

Shelton moved to Nashville at 17, signed with Giant Records and reached No. 1 with “Austin.” His 2002 debut went gold and launched a steady career of hit singles and awards, including CMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Based on a True Story…. He balances television duties on The Voice with ongoing studio work.

38. Zac Brown Band

Album units sold: 10.8 million

Hit you should know: “Chicken Fried”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 13

The eight-piece Zac Brown Band blends country, folk and roots music. Their debut single “Chicken Fried” hit No. 1 in 2008. Known for tight musicianship and strong live performances, the band has earned Grammys, ACM and international recognition.

37. Billy Ray Cyrus

Album units sold: 12.1 million

Hit you should know: “Achy Breaky Heart”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 1

Billy Ray Cyrus rose to fame in the early 1990s with a pop-crossover debut and the smash “Achy Breaky Heart.” He later gained broader visibility through acting roles and his daughter Miley’s success, collaborating with her on several recordings.

36. The Judds

Album units sold: 11.5 million

Hit you should know: “I Know Where I’m Going”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 14

Mother-daughter duo Naomi and Wynonna Judd dominated country in the 1980s with harmony-driven hits and multiple Grammys. Health issues led to Naomi’s retirement, after which Wynonna launched a successful solo career.

35. Dwight Yoakam

Album units sold: 11.5 million

Hit you should know: “I Sang Dixie”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 2

Yoakam brought a stripped-down honky-tonk approach and rock-and-roll energy to country. His early albums established him as an influential figure with a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

34. Jason Aldean

Album units sold: 11.5 million

Hit you should know: “Why,” “Try That in a Small Town”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 10

Aldean broke through in 2005 and has since combined southern rock and contemporary country to produce multiple hit albums. He’s a two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year and continues to be a major touring act.

33. Luke Bryan

Album units sold: 12.5 million

Hit you should know: “Play It Again”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 26

Initially successful as a songwriter, Bryan launched a hit-making solo career in 2007. Known for high-energy shows and radio-friendly singles, he later joined American Idol as a judge and won numerous industry awards.

32. Travis Tritt

Album units sold: 12 million

Hit you should know: “Best of Intentions”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 5

Influenced by outlaw country and Southern rock, Tritt injected a rock edge into mainstream country. He earned a Grammy for his duet with Marty Stuart and enjoyed steady chart success through the 1990s and beyond.

31. Clint Black

Album units sold: 12.5 million

Hit you should know: “Nobody’s Home”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 13

Clint Black’s 1989 debut Killin’ Time dominated the country charts and launched a career that combined songwriting, singing and occasional acting roles. He remains a respected figure in traditional country circles.

30. Trisha Yearwood

Album units sold: 12.5 million

Hit you should know: “How Do I Live”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 5

Yearwood rose from session work and backing vocals to become the first female country singer to sell a million copies of a debut album. She has earned multiple Grammys, CMA awards and a long-running career that spans music, television and cookbooks.

29. The Charlie Daniels Band

Album units sold: 13.5 million

Hit you should know: “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 1

Charlie Daniels brought fiddle-driven Southern rock and country together. The band’s signature track, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” won a Grammy and remains a staple of country-rock playlists.

28. Keith Urban

Album units sold: 14 million

Hit you should know: “Somebody Like You”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 16

Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Keith Urban became a Nashville mainstay after forming The Ranch and launching a solo career. A multi-instrumentalist and performer, Urban has earned CMA awards, a Grammy and wide crossover appeal.

27. John Michael Montgomery

Album units sold: 14 million

Hit you should know: “The Little Girl”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 7

Montgomery’s smooth country-pop ballads and charismatic delivery launched him to stardom in the early 1990s. He navigated vocal surgery and continued to chart hits through the decade.

26. Patsy Cline

Album units sold: 14.5 million

Hit you should know: “Crazy”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 2

Although her career was tragically cut short in 1963, Patsy Cline’s emotional voice and crossover hits like “Crazy” and “Walking After Midnight” left a lasting influence on female country artists for generations.

25. Anne Murray

Album units sold: 14.5 million

Hit you should know: “Snowbird”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 10

Canadian singer Anne Murray crossed pop, adult contemporary and country charts in the 1970s and 1980s. “Snowbird” launched her international career, and she earned multiple Grammys and Junos across a long, award-laden career.

24. Martina McBride

Album units sold: 16 million

Hit you should know: “Wild Angels”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 5

Martina McBride’s powerful vocals and socially conscious material—most notably “Independence Day”—earned her industry recognition, Grand Ole Opry membership and multiple awards.

23. LeAnn Rimes

Album units sold: 16.5 million

Hit you should know: “How Do I Live”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 1

LeAnn Rimes broke out as a teen with the album Blue and won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Her crossover success placed her among the era’s most recognizable young country artists.

22. Randy Travis

Album units sold: 18 million

Hit you should know: “On the Other Hand”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 16

Randy Travis brought a neotraditional country sound to the mainstream in the 1980s. His album Storms of Life and subsequent releases established him as a major force in country music, earning multiple Grammys and ACM/CMA awards.

21. Rascal Flatts

Album units sold: 18.5 million

Hit you should know: “These Days”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 12

Rascal Flatts blended pop and country to create chart-topping singles and wide crossover appeal. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the trio has left a lasting mark on contemporary country.

20. Carrie Underwood

Album units sold: 19.5 million

Hit you should know: “Before He Cheats”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 14

After winning American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood became a major country star, earning Grammys, multiple No. 1 singles and Grand Ole Opry membership. Her powerful voice and crossover hits made her a defining artist of her generation.

19. Hank Williams Jr.

Album units sold: 19.5 million

Hit you should know: “I’m For Love”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 10

Hank Williams Jr. forged his own sound that combined country, rock and blues, becoming a prominent and prolific performer with a lengthy list of awards and chart success.

18. Johnny Cash

Album units sold: 23.5 million

Hit you should know: “Ring of Fire,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Hurt”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 9

Johnny Cash’s distinctive baritone and storytelling songs like “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire” made him one of country music’s most iconic figures. His life and music have been chronicled in numerous books and films.

17. Vince Gill

Album units sold: 24 million

Hit you should know: “I Still Believe in You”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 5

Vince Gill’s virtuosity as a multi-instrumentalist and soulful vocalist has earned him an extraordinary tally of awards, including more Grammys than any other male country artist and numerous CMA honors.

16. Toby Keith

Album units sold: 25 million

Hit you should know: “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 20

Toby Keith’s straightforward, patriotic and rowdy anthems made him a major radio and touring star. He rose to wide prominence in the late 1990s and maintained a steady string of hits and high-grossing tours.

15. Faith Hill

Album units sold: 25.5 million

Hit you should know: “The Way You Love Me”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 9

Faith Hill achieved massive crossover success with albums like Breathe and toured the world with husband Tim McGraw. Her powerful vocals and pop-infused country made her a global star.

14. Brooks & Dunn

Album units sold: 27.5 million

Hit you should know: “Only in America”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 20

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn became the most successful country duo of their era, winning consecutive Vocal Duo awards and delivering decades of hits before reuniting periodically after their initial split.

13. Linda Ronstadt

Album units sold: 30 million

Hit you should know: “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 2

Linda Ronstadt’s eclectic career spanned country, rock and pop. Her breakthrough album Heart Like a Wheel and later collaborations—such as the Trio record with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris—earned her widespread acclaim and many Grammys.

12. Kenny Chesney

Album units sold: 30.5 million

Hit you should know: “How Forever Feels”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 23

Kenny Chesney built a reputation as a consistent hitmaker and top touring artist, with numerous platinum albums and crossover singles. He’s recognized as one of the top touring acts of recent decades.

11. Dixie Chicks

Album units sold: 30.5 million

Hit you should know: “Cowboy Take Me Away”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 6

The Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks) achieved massive commercial and critical success with multi-platinum albums, numerous Grammys and awards. Their blend of country, bluegrass and pop, along with outspoken views, has kept them culturally relevant.

10. Willie Nelson

Album units sold: 31.5 million

Hit you should know: “Beer for My Horses”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 20

With a career spanning six decades and hundreds of recordings, Willie Nelson became a leading figure of outlaw country. His albums like Red Headed Stranger and Stardust are enduring classics, and he remains an active cultural figure.

9. Tim McGraw

Album units sold: 37.5 million

Hit you should know: “My Next Thirty Years”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 26

Tim McGraw has produced many chart-topping albums and singles since the 1990s and is known for his emotive ballads and stadium-ready anthems. He and Faith Hill are one of country music’s most prominent power couples.

8. Reba McEntire

Album units sold: 41 million

Hit you should know: “Somebody”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 24

Often called the Queen of Country, Reba McEntire’s career spans music, television and film. She has been a defining influence for female country artists and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

7. Taylor Swift

Album units sold: 43 million

Country hit you should know: “Tim McGraw”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 7

Starting as a teenage country prodigy, Taylor Swift quickly evolved into a global superstar. Early albums and country hits launched a career that later expanded into massive pop success and record-breaking tours.

6. Alan Jackson

Album units sold: 43.5 million

Hit you should know: “I Don’t Even Know Your Name”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 26

Alan Jackson’s traditionalist approach and heartfelt songwriting made him a pillar of modern country. He earned multiple Entertainer of the Year honors and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

5. Alabama

Album units sold: 46.5 million

Hit you should know: “Southern Star”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 33

Alabama, formed by cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook, became one of country’s most successful bands with numerous No. 1 hits and multi-platinum albums in the 1980s and beyond.

4. Kenny Rogers

Album units sold: 47.5 million

Hit you should know: “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “The Gambler”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 21

Kenny Rogers’ storytelling songs and crossover duets, including collaborations with Dolly Parton and Dottie West, made him a household name across country and pop audiences.

3. Shania Twain

Album units sold: 48 million

Hit you should know: “You’re Still the One”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 7

Shania Twain’s Come On Over and other albums achieved unprecedented crossover success. She is the only female artist to have three consecutive diamond-certified albums, and her pop-infused country anthems defined a generation.

2. George Strait

Album units sold: 69 million

Hit you should know: “Write This Down”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 44

Known as the “King of Country,” George Strait helped revive traditional country sounds and amassed an extraordinary number of No. 1 hits, awards and industry honors over a long career.

1.5. Dolly Parton

Album units sold: 100 million+

Hit you should know: “Here You Come Again,” “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 25

Dolly Parton’s career has spanned songwriting, hit recordings, film, television and business ventures—including Dollywood. While her exact RIAA ranking varies by source, she is widely credited with more than 100 million album sales and remains one of country music’s most beloved and influential figures.

1. Garth Brooks

Album units sold: 148 million

Hit you should know: “Two Piña Coladas”

No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 19

Garth Brooks is one of the best-selling solo artists in U.S. history. His high-energy concerts, country-pop crossover hits and record-setting album sales redefined what commercial success could look like for country artists. With multiple diamond albums and numerous industry awards, Brooks has had a lasting impact on the genre and its mainstream reach.