It's hard to picture anyone topping Garth Brooks in country music. He's the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history, ahead of Elvis, with more than 150 million albums sold. His live shows still fill stadiums across the country.
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So is it possible a "forgotten" artist was ever bigger than Garth? Maybe not bigger overall, but some came close. And for a time, they dominated in their own right.
Kenny Rogers is one. In the late '70s and early '80s, he was everywhere. "The Gambler" wasn't just a song. It became a cultural touchstone. Rogers followed it with a string of chart-toppers and pop crossover hits. His albums held top chart positions for over 200 straight weeks, long before Garth hit the scene.
Alabama also comes to mind. The band ruled the 1980s, landing 21 consecutive No. 1 singles. By decade's end, they'd sold over 20 million albums. For a while, no one could touch them.
Those are just two artists/acts that remain adored by fans today. But there are a few others, believe it or not.
Going for Garth Success
Then there's The Judds, Randy Travis, and George Strait. All were massive. Strait, in particular, is still going strong. He's had more No. 1 singles than anyone in music history, yes, even more than Garth. His career wasn't built on big theatrics, but on steady, unmatched output.
Randy Travis deserves mention too. In 1986, Storms of Life went triple platinum and reintroduced traditional country to a new generation. His emotional voice and honest lyrics set the tone for what followed, including Garth's early sound.
None of these stars may match Brooks' modern legacy. But at their peak, they were just as beloved and just as dominant. And they laid the groundwork for Garth's rise.
Country music success takes many forms. Some, like Brooks, become once-in-a-generation icons. Others burn hot and bright before fading from the spotlight. But all of them helped shape the genre fans know today.
And for a brief moment, some of them really were as big -- or hey, maybe even bigger -- than the man known for ruling the genre.
