The USA is home to some of the greatest country singers in history. Join us as we look back at some of the biggest names in the business, and see where they are today! Of course, the United States can’t take all the credit, so while most singers on this list are American, there might be a couple of names you recognize from outside of the Red, White, and Blue. Let’s get right into the music.
Wynonna Judd
Judd got started in country music thanks to her mother Naomi. The mother-daughter duo got started in the early 80s and has been a household name ever since. Their debut album saw 14 singles at number one on the charts, ensuring that they made a grand entrance. While the duo eventually ended, Judd kept singing on her own. Her latest album was released in 2016, after a short appearance on Dancing with the Stars.
Wynonna Judd
Keith Urban
Keith Urban is the very picture of an American countryman, which is why many are surprised to learn that he’s originally from down in New Zealand. He made a big splash in the USA and went on to judge shows such as Voice and American Idol. More recently, in 2016, he set out on a tour called Rhythm and Roots to promote his brand new single, Blue Ain’t Your Color. Who would have thought it?
Keith Urban
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes was still a 14-year-old when she won her first two Grammys, all the way back in 1997. This made her the youngest country singer to achieve such as goal since Tanya Tucker back in the 70s. Her debut album, Blue, had only been out for a year, but even so, it hit number one and went multi-platinum. More recently, she’s taken to writing, releasing a couple of novels and a few children’s books.
LeAnn Rimes
Brad Paisley
The hit 1999 album, Who Needs Pictures, released by Brad Paisley, took the country music scene by storm. Since Paisley’s debut, he’s released ten albums, all of which have gone at least gold. Some went on to platinum. He was only in the game for two years before being welcomed as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It usually takes stars a lifetime to achieve such a high honour. He now does film soundtracks.
Brad Paisley
Luke Bryan
Known more for his music than his wild fashion sense, Luke Bryan has a voice of gold and the uncanny ability to write hit after hit. His songwriting is so popular that he began writing songs for others after getting signed himself. Since his breakout, he has moved over seven million albums across the world. More recently, he was selected to sing the national anthem at the 2017 American Super Bowl hosted in Houston, Texas.
Luke Bryan
Jake Owen
Joshua Ryan, who is better known by the name Jake Owen scored a sweet record deal with RCA Nashville back in 2006. His debut album, Starting with Me, came out a year later, in 2007. However, it would be another five years before he landed at number one on the country charts. This shows that a destination can be reached, no matter the long journey. His latest album is American Love, released back in 2016.
Jake Owen
Darius Rucker
While he was originally the lead of Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker went on to become a successful solo act. He met his bandmates all the way back in the 80s at the University of South Carolina. After a long 22 years together, Rucker decided to strike out on his own, to become the first black artist to hit number one on the Hot Country Songs chart since 1983. He recently went on tour in Europe.
Darius Rucker
Lorrie Morgan
Lorrie Morgan was shot to stardom when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry at the tender age of 13. Her breakout hit, Five Minutes, came out in 1990, and her second album, Something in Red, went all the way to platinum a year later. Over the years, Morgan endured some hardships, which ended in bankruptcy in 2008. Thankfully she launched a comeback in 2016 with Letting Go… Slowly. An inspiring comeback story we say.
Lorrie Morgan
Toby Keith
An Oklahoma boy at heart, Toby Keith, entered the scene in 1993 with his hit single, Should’ve Been A Cowboy. This track landed at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Keith wasn’t happy to just be a singer, though, so he opened up a bar and girl in his home town of Oklahoma City. The bar was a smashing success and has since opened multiple locations. He is the wealthiest country star.
Toby Keith
Josh Turner
Josh Turner is a country star that isn’t afraid to confess his faith and famously said that he doesn’t need to sing gospel to be a Christian musician. His debut album, Long Black Train, was launched following a successful deal signing with MCA Nashville Records back in 2003. It was actually his second album that contained two number one hits, Your Man and Would You Go With Me. His latest album was released in 2017.
Josh Turner
Vince Gill
A more senior member of this list, Vince Gill’s career began back in the 1970s when he was the frontman of Pure Prairie League, a country rock group, but he went solo in 1983 and has been a success ever since. He’s released more than 20 albums, with a total of 26 million units sold. He also has 21 Grammy awards under his belt, making for a country music record in the male artist category.
Vince Gill
Eric Church
Church took the country music scene by storm in 2005 when he landed a deal with Capitol Nashville. Since then, he’s released five albums, following his debut, Sinners Like Me, released in 2006. Although known for his sunglasses, they aren’t a fashion statement. He wears them to stop his contacts from drying out. Church began his latest tour in 2021, Holdin’ My Own. Although his name may suggest otherwise, he isn’t purely a Christian singer.
Eric Church
Miranda Lambert
In the lineup of young stars that featured on Nashville Star, Miranda Lamber was one of the aspiring stars that made it to the finals. She was just 19 but placed third in the show. The Texan is an accomplished musician, who has since married fellow star Blake Shelton, but unfortunately, their relationship was short-lived. She was able to comfortably move on and went on a European tour for the very first time in 2016.
Miranda Lambert
Hank Williams Jr.
Hank Williams Jr has country music running through his blood. He decided not to settle for being overshadowed by his legendary father, Hank Williams. William Sr’s career was almost destroyed in 1957 after a serious injury, but Jr. has become a star in his own right and is making the family proud. He climbed the charts in the 1980s but continues to release music to this day, with his latest album being released in 2016.
Hank Williams Jr
Blake Shelton
Following his breakup with Miranda Lambert, it was Blake Shelton’s love life making headlines, especially considering his engagement to pop star Gwen Stefani. Celebrity gossip aside, Shelton rocketed to fame in 2001 after releasing his debut album. More recently, however, he was a judge on The Voice, as the show began its life back in 2011. He is a well-known country singer who maintains a very strong following in the US and around the world.
Blake Shelton
Sara Evans
Missourian Sara Evans touched down in Nashville in 1991 and was an instant success, landing a deal with RCA Nashville. She didn’t stick with the label for long, however, as she soon signed with Sony Music Nashville, before ditching them to sign with Concord Music Group in 2016. In between that flurry, Evans took a break to raise her family with her husband, Jay Barker. Sara Evans’ sudden switch-ups have certainly paid off for her.
Sara Evans
Trace Adkins
Never spotted without his cowboy hat, Trace Adkins is a country music phenom. He made his landing with Capitol Records Nashville and the release of his first album, Dreaming Out Loud. Adkins has continued to rack up the wins since his debut two decades ago, with over ten albums in his discography. If you’d like to learn some more about him, check out his autobiography A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Free-Thinking Roughneck.
Trace Adkins
Billy Ray Cirus
It’s the man with the Achy Breaky Heart, Billy Ray Cyrus. Cyrus has been cranking out albums since the 1990s. Not just a singer, Cyrus has also appeared on screen, most famously in the series Hannah Montana, with his daughter Miley Ray Cyrus. He most recently partnered up with Lil Nas X for a remix of Old Town Road, which made a huge impact. Billy Ray certainly keeps it fresh and current with the times.
Billy Ray Cirus
Gary Allan
Allen hit the ground running after signing with Decca Records in 1996. His golden album Used Heart for Sale made a splash with the single “Her Man,” making Allen a certified star. Since then, he’s put out over seven more albums, with 26 of his singles making the Billboard charts. His most recent album was released in 2013. He has a new album planned to release soon, but for now, the title hasn’t been announced.
Gary Allan
Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts got their start as a country trio in Ohio in the late 1990s, but they’ve certainly come a long way. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney make up the country group. Their demo tape released in 2000 got them signed with a deal, and they’ve topped the country charts ever since. They’ve recently been on tour to promote the release of their brand new single, I Like the Sound of That.
Rascal Flatts
Kacey Musgraves
Another alum of Nashville Star, Kacey Lee Musgraves, was on the show with three albums already under her belt. She placed seventh on the show. However, it was a few more years before she was signed with Mercury Nashville Records. Musgraves has become popular thanks to the fact that her music doesn’t avoid controversial topics. In 2016, she and Rustin Kelly were engaged. Thanks to her breaking of the mould, she has non-country fans too.
Kacey Musgraves
Kris Kristofferson
Another legacy entry, Kris Kristofferson, is a major country star from the 1970s. He wasn’t just a star in his own right but also wrote most of the Grammy-winning songs of 1972. He likes to reminisce about his time hanging out with singers like Johnny Cash. Although he has a tour planned, it’s been complicated by health issues. This is understandable, seeing as he is 80 years old. We wish him health and continued success.
Kris Kristofferson
Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean got started by performing in Atlanta nightclubs. It was through this that he was discovered and offered a record deal at Broken Bow Records. Though he didn’t stay with Broken Bow, he went on to do well with a deal at Capitol Records. His hits include My Kinda Party and Burning it Down. Following a successful 2016 tour, he won the Entertainer of the Year Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Jason Aldean
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift may be a mainstream pop star now, but she wouldn’t have gotten there without her early country career. All the way back in 2007, Swift became America’s sweetheart after releasing Teardrops on My Guitar, which won her a huge fanbase. Since then, she’s constantly reinvented herself and amassed a worldwide fanbase. Her latest edgy look is likely inspired by her hit single, Look What You Made Me Do. She certainly made a splash.
Taylor Swift
Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson embodies the idea of rags to riches. He was a mailroom attendant at the Nashville Network. It was actually his wife, Denise Jackson who managed to get him a meeting with country music execs and finally launch his career. Jackson signed on with Artista Nashville in 1989 and has been a star ever since. He has over 15 albums and has sold tens of millions of copies in the United States of America.
Alan Jackson
Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley signed up with Capitol Nashville back in 2003, and with them, he released his first album. Both of his initial records went platinum. Although Bentley has changed up his look over the years, what’s been consistent is his ability to put out hits, with over 15 of them making it to the number one spot on the country song and country airplay charts. In 2010, he experimented with bluegrass, before returning to country.
Dierks Bentley
Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw has 14 reconds under his belt, along with nine headline tours, and a successful stint in Hollywood. He’s one-half of a power couple along with Faith Hill. In terms of acting, he is best known for the drama The Blind Side, and Friday Night Lights. In 2017 McGraw signed up with Arista Nashville, a subsection of Sony Music Nashville. Aside from his music, McGraw has more than a few fans as an actor.
Tim McGraw
Tanya Tucker
While she was still just a tween, Tanya Tucker got her start at the age of 13. Her hit Delta Dawn, which was released in 1972 made it to number six o the country charts, making certain that her career was on a strong trajectory. Despite being a star through to adulthood, she has maintained her fanbase, which has grown with her for over four decades. Tayna Tucker still tours the US to this day.
Tanya Tucker
Randy Travis
Randy Travis has held the world with his voice since he started creating records back in the early 80s. He boasts of 16 hits that made it to number one on the Billboard Hot Country, and can also boast about the six Grammys he holds, as well as six Country Music Awards. Sadly in 2013, he suffered a stroke in 2013, but with the help of therapy, was able to sing Amazing Grace in 2016
Randy Travis
Kelly Clarkson
Making the genre of Country proud, Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol and has been a star ever since. She has been a household name since the age of 20, topping both the country and pop charts with her smash hits. She has over 100 number ones on the Billboard charts. Though she has dabbled in other genres, Country music is certainly still her home. Meaning of Life is her latest album.
Kelly Clarkson
Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers is a legacy singer, having been a country music star for over six decades now, and one of the few Country Music Hall of Famers still performing on tour to this day. He has well over 100 million albums sold, meaning he is one of the biggest sellers in history. He considered retirement in 2015, but couldn’t let the love of performing go. He has been married five times and has many children.
Kenny Rogers
Carrie Underwood
Originally a small town girl from Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood is today on top of the world after winning season four of American Idol. She’s a country megastar, having sold over 60 million records, and netting seven Grammy Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, and 11 American Music Awards. It would be no exaggeration to say that Underwood is the queen of country music. While many come close, it would be difficult to find some as prolific.
Carrie Underwood
Clint Black
Black first stepped onto the scene back in 89 with his debut album, Killin Time. It was an instant hit, and five of the tracks made it to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks list. Black didn’t want to be stuck to one trade, so he starred in the 98 film, Still Holding On: The Legend of Cadillac Jack. He took a hiatus in the early 2000s but was back in 2013.
Clint Black
Trisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood’s music career launched in the early 90s as she carved a path with women-centric songs. She married country star Garth Brooks and has been known for her versatile skill set. Among her exploits are acting, singing, writing, and even cooking. For the latter, she won an Emmy Award for Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, on air since 2012. She continues to be a star to this day, devoting equal amounts of time to her pursuits.
Trisha Yearwood
Alison Krauss
Alison Krauss established herself as a double threat early on by being a formidable star of country and bluegrass. Her first album launched when she was just 14, proving that she was a rising star. She’s won a total of 27 Grammys, as well as numerous other awards in the music industry. Her latest album launched in February of 2017, plus she’s done a fair share of acting. She maintains a fanbase to this day.
Alison Krauss
Patty Loveless
Patty Loveless burst onto the scene with a self-titled album in the 80s and has maintained a steady amount of star power ever since. Her peak came much later, as single after single hit the Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts over and over. Today Patty Loveless is semi-retired and occasionally makes appearances at Grand Ol Opry and some country music cruises. She enjoys spending most of her time now with her children and her husband.
Patty Loveless
George Strait
Born in Texas, George Strait has one of those faces that hardly seems to age. He’s a cowboy at heart, and many consider him the King of Country. After all, he has had more number one hits than any other star in country history. Over 60, to be exact. His discography contains 28 albums, so it’s clear that George Strait has earned his title. In 2012, he welcomed a grandchild aptly named George Strait Jr.
George Strait
Rhett Akins
Rhett Akins took Nashville by storm with the release of his track, That Ain’t My Truck, back in 95. The song claimed the number three spot on the Billboard Country Charts. His debut album, A Thousand Memories, was comprised of many other hits, which cemented him as a country star. These days he writes for many other singers, with credits for songs performed by Chris Young and Blake Shelton. He maintains a strong presence today.
Rhett Akins
Ty Herndon
After a release in 1995, Ty Herndon’s hit single What Mattered Most made him a name in the country genre. It hit number one on the Billboard Charts. Herndon was no one-hit wonder as he continued to produce a number of hits over the years. Ty Herndon surprised everyone when he came out as gay in 2013. He confessed that his ex-wives knew about it and was glad to finally be out in the open.
Ty Herndon
Ricky Van Shelton
Ricky Van Shelton might be a retiree, but only after a stellar career on the country music stage. He got started in 86 and has released over twenty tracks that have hit the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including ten that topped it. His greatest hits include Somebody Lied, Don’t We All Have The Right, and Life Turned Her That Way. Shelton retired in 2006 and has since been spending more precious time with family.
Ricky Van Shelton
Bryan White
An Oklahoma man, Bryan White, made his way over to Nashville to launch a stellar career. He was signed with Asylum Records at the age of 20, releasing a debut album the same year that hit platinum. His early success lead to a rough patch in the mid-2000s, which required a hiatus. He returned in 2012 with a crowdfunding campaign to launch a new album. In spite of difficulties, he maintains a loyal fan following.
Bryan White
Deana Carter
Fred Carter Jr was a highly talented guitarist and passed that on down to his daughter Deana Carter, meaning the music is in her blood. Her debut album, Did I Shave My Legs For This? went five times platinum. It was such a success. Despite her famous dad, she had a hard time getting into the music industry, only seeing success after meeting Willie Nelson. Today she has established her very own well-regarded record label.
Deana Carter
John Michael Montgomery
Atlantic Records found John Micheal Montogomery back in the early 1990s. He record his first album with them, entitled Life’s a Dance. He credits his love of music to his father, who is a musician, and he began learning to play guitar at the young age of five. Though his last album was released in 2008, Montgomery is still active, with his last tour being in 2017. He has plans for his future in music.
John Michael Montgomery
Dwight Yoakam
Back when Dwight Yoakam got started, Nashville was swept up in a pop-country wave, but he pushed on through and helped to ignite the neo-traditional country renaissance. While he experimented with a few different styles himself, country music has always been his home, with 30 singles hitting the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He also has the honor of being the musician to appear the most on The Tonight Show. He has also acted before.
Dwight Yoakam
Clay Walker
Despite being diagnosed with a case of progressive multiple sclerosis early on in his career, Clay Walker wasn’t about to be stopped. He got his first record deal with Giant in 92 and released a number one chart-topper, What’s It To You? a year later. His latest album was released in 2014 before he released a Best Of album. He’s still active today, showing what one can achieve when one puts their mind to it.
Clay Walker
Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson pulled off a royal flush with her debut album, Here for the Party, when it hit number one, and earned her a Grammy. She followed the success of her debut with an album called Redneck Woman, with a track from that being the highest-debuting single ever by a female country singer. She might have set the bar high, but she consistently meets expectations, producing hit after hit. She has much more coming up.
Gretchen Wilson
Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy had a strong start, with his debut hitting the Billboard Hot Country Songs in 1998, but he didn’t manage to get a single into the top 40 until four years later in 1992 when he put out Where Forever Begins. His main dream came true the very next year when not just one, but two singles hit the number one spot, both from his album No Doubt About It, which hit certified platinum.
Neal McCoy
Pam Tillis
Tillis is another country star that comes from a musical pedigree, as her dad is the legend, Mel Tillis. Having a star as a father helped her get an early start, with her performing as young as eight years old. She didn’t put out her first single until she was 24 however, the hit Every Home Should Have One. Her break-out came in the 80s and 90s. She is now in the Grand Ole Opry.
Pam Tillis
Collin Raye
Colin Raye burst onto the scene under the moniker, Bubba Wray, recording and being credited as Bubba. The band was called The Wrays and performed between 1983 and 1987. He later changed his stage name when he went solo later in 1991. It proved to be a good choice, seeing as he finally got a number one hit with his single, Love Me, from the album All I Can Be. He is still active today.
Collin Raye
Donna Fargo
Donna Fargo is an older entry, being a household name in country music in 1970, with numerous award-winning tracks that appealed to fans of country and pop music. In the late 70s, she received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Although she took a step back, her last album was released as late as 2008. These days she focuses on other ventures, such as greeting cards, and writing. Despite being 76, she’s still in pretty good health.
Donna Fargo