There’s no denying the popularity of country music throughout the last century of American history. From Hank Williams Sr. in the 1950s, to Merle Haggard in the 1970s, to George Strait in the 1990s, to Jason Aldean in the 2010s, there have been plenty of artists who have dominated the charts throughout the genre’s history.
The question that remains is, “Who owns the most #1 hits in the genre’s history?” Well, this article covers the 20 artists who have had the most chart success over the past several decades. It should come as no surprise that country legends such as George Strait, Conway Twitty, Alan Jackson and Merle Haggard make appearances on this list; however, there are some severely underrated and overlooked artists who have quietly dominated the charts as well.
While a lot of sites may only use Billboard #1s, this list compiles #1s from Billboard and Mediabase. Most of the information is taken directly from the artists’ websites along with other reputable country music sources such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriter’s Foundation and Discography Of American Historical Recordings.
1. George Strait – 60
It should come as no surprise that The King himself owns the most #1 hits in country history. Owning 44 #1 hits on Billboard as well as 16 on Mediabase, George Strait holds the record for most chart-toppers in any genre.
2. Conway Twitty – 55
For decades, Conway Twitty held the record for most #1 hits before Strait broke his record. With 55 #1 hits, including the second-most on Billboard with 40, Twitty still has the second-most chart-toppers in history.
3. Tim McGraw – 47
Given that Tim McGraw dominated the charts for the better part of four decades, it shouldn’t be a shock that he ranks this high on the list. The “Something Like That” singer has accumulated 47 #1 hits, including 26 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
4. Alabama – 43
It’s no stretch to say that Alabama is the most successful country band of all time. With over 200 awards including 15 ACM and 2 Grammy wins, the band is not only the most decorated country band but also owns the most #1 hits too with 43 #1s including 27 Billboard chart-toppers.
5. Ronnie Milsap – 42
Despite not being as widely recognized today, Ronnie Milsap was undoubtedly one of the most influential and successful country singers of the 1970s and 80s. With 42 #1 hits, including 35 #1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The Country Music Hall of Famer also owns 6 Grammy Awards.
6. Merle Haggard – 38
Influencing everyone from Toby Keith to Eric Church to Cody Johnson, the “Mama Tried” singer is often referred to as one of country music’s greatest outlaws. Haggard owns a staggering 38 #1 hits over the course of his six-decade career.
7. Alan Jackson – 35
With over 75 million records sold worldwide and 17 ACM Awards, it should come as no surprise that Alan Jackson has scored 35 #1 hits over the course of his career, including 26 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
8. Reba – 35
Often considered one of the greatest female country singers of all time, Reba is undoubtedly one of the most successful. With over 56 million albums sold worldwide, 13 ACM Awards and 35 #1 hits over the course of her four-decade career, Reba has the most #1 hits for a female artist in the genre.
9. Kenny Chesney – 33
Kenny Chesney, who is still selling out stadiums to this day, has scored a #1 hit in four different decades. His 2020 single, “Here and Now,” cliched the rare feat and became his 32nd chart-topper. Along with 33 #1s, the “When The Sun Goes Down” singer has also won four consecutive ACM Entertainer of the Year Awards from 2005 to 2008.
10. Toby Keith – 32
There’s no doubt that the late Toby Keith was one of the most influential country singers of all time. From his patriotic anthems to his love ballads, there wasn’t a song that the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy Singer” couldn’t perform. This prompted Keith to have 32 #1 hits throughout his four-decade career, including 20 #1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
11. Luke Bryan – 30
Despite being the butt of many jokes lately, there’s no denying how successful Luke Bryan was in the 2010s. Bryan has racked up 30 #1 hits and counting since his debut in 2007, making him one of the youngest artists on this list.
12. Charley Pride – 29
As the most influential black artist in the genre, Charley Pride is often looked at as one of the most important artists in country music history. The former Negro League baseball player scored 29 #1 hits throughout his career.
13. Jason Aldean – 28
As a staple of the genre since the mid-2000s, Aldean has put together one of the most successful careers in country music. The “Big Green Tractor” singer has scored 28 #1s, 27 of those going top of Billboard’s Country charts.
14. Eddy Arnold – 28
One of the original greats in the genre, Eddy Arnold was a staple in country music all the way back in the 1940s. Arnold’s legendary career included 28 #1 hits, a span of 57 straight singles reaching the Top 10 and his very own show on CBS, The Eddy Arnold Show.
15. Blake Shelton – 28
Between his success in the genre and his 12-year run as a judge on The Voice, Blake Shelton is without a doubt one of the most popular country artists on a broad scale. The “God’s Country” singer has scored 28 #1 hits, having 17 consecutive singles top either Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay chart from 2009 to 2016.
16. Carrie Underwood – 28
Between her clothing line, beauty products and philanthropy, it seems like there’s nothing Carrie Underwood can’t do. The American Idol winner’s 28 #1 hits are the second most for any female country artist, beating out the likes of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette.
17. Sonny James – 26
A staple of country music in the 1960s, Sonny James owns one of the longest #1 streaks in the history of the genre with 16 straight chart-toppers on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart from 1967-1971. James finished his career with 26 #1s.
18. Brad Paisley – 24
As one of the greatest guitar players in the genre’s history, there’s no denying that Brad Paisley is one of the most complete artists we’ve ever seen. Between his guitarwork and clever songwriting, the “Mud on the Tires” singer has scored 24 #1’s over the course of his career, including 21 on Billboard’s Country charts.
19. Kenny Rogers – 24
Over the course of his five-decade career, Rodgers sold over 100 million records, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Given that his extensive discography contains classics such as “The Gambler,” “Lucile” and “Islands in the Stream,” he dominated the charts. The Georgian singer/songwriter racked up 24 #1 singles during his time in the genre.
20. Loretta Lynn – 24
Coming in at #20 is the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” herself. With 24 #1 hits throughout her legendary career, 14 ACM and 3 Grammy Awards and 40 albums that reached the Top 10, Lynn is one of the most highly decorated female artists in the genre’s history.