Since the 1920s, when Southern settlers brought their “hillbilly” music into American cities, country music has grown into one of the United States’ most enduring and beloved genres. Today, country radio outnumbers stations dedicated to Top 40/pop, classic rock, adult contemporary and hip hop combined.
Country music’s appeal is broad: there’s something for everyone, from Johnny Cash’s outlaw grit to pop-country crossovers like Shania Twain and Garth Brooks. Storytelling lies at the heart of great country songs—listen to the Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier” or Reba McEntire’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” for examples of narrative songwriting at its finest.
Whatever you’re experiencing in life, there’s likely a country song that speaks to it. The genre is also known for its distinctive fashion—from Dolly Parton’s sequined stage outfits to Reba’s iconic hairstyles, country artists often make memorable style statements.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or exploring the genre for the first time, here are some of the best-selling country stars to add to your playlist. Rankings and sales figures are based primarily on totals reported by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and reputable industry sources.
39. Blake Shelton
Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP Photo
Album units sold: 13 million
Hit you should know: “Some Beach”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 28
Before becoming a household face on The Voice, Blake Shelton built a successful country career. He moved to Nashville at 17, signed with Giant Records and scored his first No. 1 with “Austin.” His 2002 debut earned a gold certification, and he’s since won multiple industry awards while continuing to balance television with recording.
38. Zac Brown Band
Wade Payne / Invision / AP Photo
Album units sold: 10.8 million
Hit you should know: “Chicken Fried”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 13
An eight-piece ensemble led by Zac Brown, the band reached No. 1 in 2008 with debut single “Chicken Fried.” Their blend of country, roots and pop has earned them Grammys and international recognition.
37. Billy Ray Cyrus
Laura Roberts / Invision / AP Photo
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 burst into mainstream attention with “Achy Breaky Heart” and a crossover-topping debut album. He later gained wider recognition through his acting role on Hannah Montana alongside his daughter Miley, with whom he has also recorded music.
36. The Judds
Julie Jacobson / AP Photo
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 1980s country with harmonies, strong storytelling and multiple awards, including five Grammys. Naomi’s health-related retirement ended their run, and Wynonna went on to a successful solo career.
35. Dwight Yoakam
Rich Fury / Invision / AP Photo
Album units sold: 11.5 million
Hit you should know: “I Sang Dixie”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 2
Dwight Yoakam’s stripped-down honky-tonk approach and rock sensibility set him apart from mainstream Nashville sounds. His 1986 debut and subsequent recordings won critical praise and a loyal fan base.
34. Jason Aldean
Charles Sykes / Invision / AP Photo
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
Jason Aldean rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with a string of radio-friendly hits and arena-ready performances. He’s won multiple awards and remained a major drawing act despite controversies surrounding some material.
33. Luke Bryan
Al Wagner / AP Photo
Album units sold: 12.5 million
Hit you should know: “Play It Again”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 26
Luke Bryan began as a songwriter before breaking through as a performer in 2007. He has produced multiple chart-topping singles and albums, earned numerous awards and served as an American Idol judge.
32. Travis Tritt
Laura Roberts / Invision / AP Photo
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 country outlaws like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, Travis Tritt blended southern rock and country, earning early chart success and a Grammy for his duet with Marty Stuart.
31. Clint Black
Charles Sykes / Invision / AP Photo
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 country charts for months and launched a career that included Grand Ole Opry induction and forays into acting.
30. Trisha Yearwood
Matt Sayles / AP Photo
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
Raised in rural Georgia, Trisha Yearwood parlayed backing-vocal work and industry connections into a solo breakthrough. Her emotive voice and award-winning recordings led to Grammys and a high-profile marriage to Garth Brooks.
29. The Charlie Daniels Band
Amy Harris / Invision / AP Photo
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 combined roots, blues and country into a memorable career highlighted by the Grammy-winning single “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which became a crossover classic.
28. Keith Urban
Charles Sykes / Invision / AP Photo
Album units sold: 14 million
Hit you should know: “Somebody Like You”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 16
New Zealand-born Keith Urban gained fame in Nashville for his guitar work, crossover hits and high-profile TV appearances. He’s won numerous CMA and Grammy awards and continues to record and tour.
27. John Michael Montgomery
Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo
Album units sold: 14 million
Hit you should know: “The Little Girl”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 7
John Michael Montgomery rose from childhood performance to mainstream success in the early 1990s with heartfelt ballads and radio staples that earned him a string of top-charting albums and singles.
26. Patsy Cline
Frank Micelotta / Invision / AP Photo
Album units sold: 14.5 million
Hit you should know: “Crazy”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 2
Though her life and career were tragically short, Patsy Cline’s rich voice and crossover hits like “Crazy” and “Walking After Midnight” left a lasting influence on female artists in country music.
25. Anne Murray
Peter Kramer / AP Photo
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 broke through internationally with “Snowbird” and became the first female Canadian solo artist to top U.S. charts. Her career spans decades and includes multiple Grammys and Junos.
24. Martina McBride
Rob Grabowski / Invision / AP Photo
Album units sold: 16 million
Hit you should know: “Wild Angels”
No. 1 hits on the U.S. Hot Country chart: 5
Martina McBride rose from early support in the industry to become a powerful vocal presence in country, known for socially conscious songs like “Independence Day” and a string of awards and Opry membership.
23. LeAnn Rimes
Owen Sweeney / Invision / AP Photo
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 became a teen sensation with her debut and the breakout album Blue. Her vocal maturity at a young age earned Grammy recognition and helped bridge country and pop audiences.
22. Randy Travis
Reed Saxon / AP Photo
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 helped revive traditional country sounds in the 1980s with classic albums like Storms of Life, earning multiple platinum records and industry accolades, including Grammys and CMA awards.
21. Rascal Flatts
Charles Sykes / Invision / AP Photo
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 mixed pop sensibilities with country harmony, achieving crossover hits like “What Hurts the Most” and earning induction into the Grand Ole Opry and other honors.
20. Carrie Underwood
John Shearer / Invision / AP Photo
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 one of country music’s biggest stars, with multiple Grammys, platinum albums and a long run of No. 1 singles.