3 of The Most Commercially Successful Country Musicians of All Time

Judging a country musician’s success is completely subjective and, quite frankly, trivial. Many argue that you become a successful musician the minute you share your music with the world. We agree with that sentiment, as courage is a currency that is invaluable and hard to acquire. However, a large majority of folks quantify success differently, as their perspective is tinted by a slight shade of green.

Videos by American Songwriter

With that perspective, and when it comes to monetary and commercial success, there are a handful of country musicians who fit the bill of being the most successful of all time. That being said, here are three of the most commercially successful country musicians of all time.

Dolly Parton

This is one that is pretty obvious. Since leaving the hills of Tennessee, Dolly Parton has garnered 25 no. 1 hits, eight no. 1 albums, and 25 RIAA Gold record certifications. Furthermore, in 2014, the RIAA gifted Parton with a plaque that recognized 100 million units worldwide.

Thanks to her musical success, Parton has also pursued endeavors in literary publishing, film, and the liquor industry. Also, there is this little place in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, called Dollywood, but you surely haven’t heard about that.

George Strait

There is a reason they call him the King of Country music, and it’s not just because he sounds good. In his career, George Strait has secured 60 no. 1 hits, 27 no. 1 albums, and has grossed nearly $733.7 million from touring, according to The Richest.

In addition to Strait’s domination over country music, George Strait has also procured endorsements by Wrangler, Tractor Supply, and Quicken Loans. Needless to say, George Strait is one of country music’s most notable faces, and it isn’t for any arbitrary reason.

Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks has been an absolute country music giant ever since he entered the scene in 1989. Since 1989, Brooks has earned 20 no. 1 singles, nine no. 1 albums, and 30 RIAA Gold records. In addition to the performance of his music, Brooks has also procured the most RIAA Certified Diamond albums of all time with seven.

As a result of his success, Brooks founded Pearl Records in 2005 and founded GhostTunes, which was bought by Amazon Music in 2017 for an undisclosed dollar amount. Also, Garth Brooks’ likeness has been copied and pasted in several enormous endorsement deals, including ones with Corona and Walmart.

Photo by PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images