The best country singers in history

Country music originated in the 1920s in rural areas of the United States, Canada, and Australia. This style of music is usually played by string instruments that are occasionally accompanied by the accordion and the harmonica.

However, it was in the '60s and the '70s when country reached its glory as one of the most-listened music styles in the world, almost becoming a religion.

Nowadays, country is still very popular and is mixed with other styles. In this genre, we can find artists worshipped by the audience like gods. Although there are many more, here is a decent list of the best country singers in history.

Due to health problems, the singer passed away at just 29 years old ending his magnificent career in an abrupt way. Despite his youth, Hank Williams had time to enter the Country Olympus thanks to songs like 'Lost Highway', 'Cold Cold Heart' or 'Lovesick Blues'.

However, Hank William's legacy continued after his death thanks to his son, Hank Williams Jr., who has also triumphed in country music. In 2020, the country singer became part of the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

At 77 years old, this country music legend is still on stage and active. Parton revolutionized this music genre with songs like 'Jolene' or 'I Will Always Love You'. In recent times, younger people have again fallen in love with this incredible artist thanks to her famous duets with Miley Cyrus.

He created his own style within country music but was also known for his rockabilly hits. His lyrics, often sad and negative, contrasted with his vitalist and upbeat melodies. His influence pushed country music to where it is today.

She is often compared to the Canadian Céline Dion, and we couldn't agree more. McBride is a soprano singer that has elevated country music to the top. People are usually left with their mouths open after her concerts.

Along with Faith Hill, they are the most famous and influential couple in country's history. In fact, the couple led one of the most successful tours in the world, 'Soul 2 Soul', which they have intermittently carried out since 2000.

The artist was on stage until the last days of her life, Loreta Lynn equals country and the singer was one of the most important figures of Nashville in the '60s. Songs like 'The Pill' or 'Rated X' were very polemic back in the '70s.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, he is the best of the best. He created his own sound: the Bakersfield. The songs were raw and brutal, and they touched on topics like politics and his problems in jail… Nobody has been able to play a Fender as Merle Haggard did.

With more than 30 albums released, Linda Ronstadt can only be called a legend. Her duets with artists like Philip Glass, Dolly Parton, and Billy Eckstine are part of the history of country music.

He was a pioneer in the genre and is even considered to be the father of country music. Tuberculosis took him at just 35 years old, but his legacy is still alive more than a century later.

She has been able to masterfully mix pop with country music, and her albums 'Faith' and 'Breathe' were incredible hits. The artist has more than 40 million copies sold and has become a country icon.

Waylon Jennings was one of the best artists to merge country and rock. He created a new sound: the Outlaw Country, which was able to compete with the traditional Nashville sound.

Her album 'Kerosene' is considered to be one of the best country albums in history. She came, she saw and she conquered and at just 18 years old this Texan artist became an icon of the new country of the 21st century.

George Jones was an opera singer that triumphed in country music and who lived like a rockstar. He was praised and known for his song 'White Lightning', but also for his turbulent social life and relationship with women.

Her career started at a surprisingly early time, Reba McEntire became really famous in the '70s singing on the radio and at rodeos, where country music is a must. Since 1977, the artist has released almost 30 albums.

Her talent is incredible and her album 'Fearless', released in 2008, was an example of pop-country music that is followed by many new artists who are trying to start their careers.

His soft rock tunes made him known to many people outside the country audiences, but his talent allowed those same people to fall in love with country. Like many other country singers, he kept on performing until the last days of his life.

More than half a century later, Cline is a country icon thanks to her sweet and tender voice. Her songs 'Sweet Dreams' and 'Walkin' After Midnight' are real country anthems.

Funnily enough, the King of Country arrived late to the country party. It was his album 'Unwound' (1981) what transformed him into a star of the genre. Four decades later, the artist is still an example of how to combine Western Swing and the Honky Tonk with country music.

She was a star of the '90s who perfectly merged the country, pop, and rock genres. The best-selling artist of the end of the 20th century and her album 'The Woman in Me' (1995) will forever be part of country's history.

'Austin' was the album that raise him into the best of the bests of country. The artist surprised everyone with his rock and country mixed ballads which are still fan favorites. His participation as a judge in the U.S. edition of 'The Voice' increased his popularity. We can't forget to mention that People magazine named him the Sexiest Man Alive in 2017.

The winner of 'American Idol' in 2005 brought country music closer to big audiences thanks to songs like 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' or 'Before He Cheats'.

'Ropin' the Wind' was the first country album to get to number one on the Billboard 200. Its combination of pop, rock, and country smashed it and made Garth Brooks a best-selling artist with more than 170 million copies sold. Insane numbers!

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