Country music has long been one of America’s favorite genres, captivating audiences with its twangy sound and down-home lyrics for decades. Johnny Cash to Conway Twitty are among many iconic country singers whose talent have made this form so beloved.
From Luke Combs’ distinctive rasp to Thomas Rhett’s silken tones, today’s male country artists showcase an array of sounds and styles; yet all share an unmistakably country vocal sound.
1. Brad Paisley
Country stars fill massive stadiums, playing their guitars and sharing tales of country living. These modern-day cowboys sing about heartbreak, summertime fun and drinking with an exceptional talent that leaves audiences speechless. Country music has long been seen as one of the more tame genres; researchers claim it contains few instances of violence or misogyny.
Bradley Paisley began playing guitar at age 8 when his grandfather gave him a gift of one from Jamboree USA radio program, which became his launchpad to professional success. By his teens he was performing local gigs throughout West Virginia before landing a regular spot on Jamboree USA for live radio performances which launched his career.
Paisley first released his debut album Who Needs Pictures in 1999. Three years later he issued Mud on the Tires which contained Alison Krauss collaboration Whiskey Lullaby which went on to win him both CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year awards in 2008.
Paisley made his initial attempt at taking risks with 2008 album Play; it ultimately failed. American Saturday Night fared much better. Paisley has made multiple television appearances throughout his recording career as well – co-hosting the CMA Awards alongside Carrie Underwood from 2008-2018, plus appearing on South Park, According to Jim, and Nashville among many others.
He’s an accomplished actor and author, having written books. In 2019, he partnered with Apple to launch their music streaming service Apple Music; recently, the CEO said it had experienced unprecedented growth – it now has over 75 million paid subscribers and even surpasses Spotify in usership!
2. Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean emerged on the country music scene as an unconventional newcomer in 2000. Not your usual country star, Jason had an infectiously charismatic style that kept audiences coming back for more; not too traditional but with enough steely edge for full-throttle rock songs and also having the versatility for ballads; his diverse career kept him at the top for two decades.
After being discovered by talent scout Lawrence Mathis, Aldean made his first album with independent label Broken Bow Records: self-titled with “Hicktown” landing on Billboard country charts early 2005 before “Why” went all the way up to number one and launched him towards fame and fortune.
With 27 number one songs, billions of streams, and over 20 million albums sold – three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Eric Church is an influential force in country music. His stories of small-town life and love have won him an avid following of followers.
This song showcases Aldean’s ability to compose songs that are both upbeat and emotionally stirring simultaneously; featuring electric and acoustic guitars, drums, bass guitar, as well as drum loops. A catchy tune that made the top spot on Hot Country Songs chart in 2009.
Jason loves a good party, but you might be surprised to learn he also appreciates drama – CBS shows Criminal Minds and CSI: Miami are among his favorites! Additionally, Jessica Ussery has been his partner since 2001 and they share two daughters, Keeley and Kendyl.
3. Chris Stapleton
Stapleton made headlines as an overnight sensation with the release of his debut album Traveller and subsequent sweep of the CMA Awards in 2015; yet he had spent years as a sought-after Nashville professional songwriter, creating hit songs for artists such as George Strait (“Love’s Gonna Make It Alright”), Kenny Chesney (“Never Wanted Nothing More”), Luke Bryan (“Drink a Beer”) and Darius Rucker (“Come Back Song”).
After two years with progressive bluegrass band the SteelDrivers, Stapleton left and formed his first rock band called the Jompson Brothers with guitarist Greg McKee, bassist J.T. Cure and drummer Brad McNamee – though this group only lasted briefly; by 2013 Stapleton had signed with Mercury Nashville and recorded his debut album Traveller at RCA Studio A in Nashville with producer Dave Cobb.
Traveller was inspired by Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton’s cross-country road trip that they took following their father’s passing in 2013. Traveller quickly rose to become number one on country charts and earned four Grammy nominations in its inaugural year of release.
Traveller was followed up in 2017 with From a Room: Volume 1. Both albums took three of the top three slots on Billboard’s Country Albums chart – an achievement previously only accomplished by Garth Brooks and Charlie Rich.
Outside his country music roots, Stapleton has made waves by guest-appearing on albums by popular artists like Justin Timberlake, Adele and Rage Against the Machine. Additionally, he has provided songs for movies such as Cars 2 and Valentine’s Day soundtracks as well as TV series Yellowstone soundtracks. Furthermore, Stapleton is well-known for singing traditional country and gospel tunes at major sporting events including Super Bowl LVII where he sang the National Anthem!
4. Luke Combs
Luke Combs, although relatively new to country music, has made quite an impactful mark already. Since debuting, he has become one of the biggest names in country, selling out stadium tours with beach party-esque feel-good hits and his debut and deluxe reissue albums both reaching number-one on country charts. Combs hails from Ashville North Carolina where he attended Appalachian State University before leaving to pursue music full-time.
Combs has been candid about his struggles with anxiety and cognitive obsessive-compulsive disorder, making him a popular country music artist. Even as his fame grows exponentially, Combs still maintains his humility and down-to-earth nature despite facing unique challenges to realizing his dreams.
Country music icon Bill Anderson has won more awards than anyone in history for the hit “Holding Her and Loving You,” including four CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards – making him second only to Willie Nelson in overall male artist recognition. As one of the pioneers of Outlaw Country, his signature hits such as Shotgun Willie and Red Headed Stranger have cemented him into history’s books as classic hits that will always remain. He holds two of Bill Murray’s hits on their albums (Shotgun Willie) which cemented him into legend!
Garth Brooks remains one of the most beloved country music singers ever, despite all his challenges in life. Throughout his legendary career he has amassed numerous awards, becoming renowned as an accomplished musician in his own right.
5. Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett is an enigmatic country music singer with an exceptional history. Growing up alongside his famous country singer-songwriter father Rhett Akins – who continues to write hits today – gave Rhett an inside view into the industry as a child, giving him invaluable experience learning the ropes from such an early age. Unfortunately though, that didn’t make his journey an easy one – there were numerous expectations placed upon him but he has managed to exceed them by creating seven studio albums since beginning his professional journey!
At the tail-end of bro-country’s reign, Chris Young began his career by seamlessly fusing modern country and R&B. His breakthrough hit in 2015 when “Crash and Burn” and “Die a Happy Man,” both No.1 country airplay chart hits, achieved No. 1. His success continued to soar through long-term love songs such as 2017 number one “Marry Me”, keeping him on top through early 2020s charts.
With his forthcoming album Country Again: Side A, set for release in April 2022, Rhett is shifting his music back into its traditional genre roots. Fans are already responding enthusiastically to “Beer With Jesus,” its lead single from this new phase which reminds listeners to put God first and prioritize family first – an impressive transition away from his trademark light-hearted party songs and shows he truly is a country star.