
Tennessee Titans: Ranking the Volunteer State's Country Music Royalty
By: Brian Zwerner
Apr 16, 2025
It's no secret that Tennessee and country music go together like biscuits and gravy. The Volunteer State has birthed countless legends and chart-toppers, solidifying its place as the heartland of the genre. But who reigns supreme right now? We fired up the Country Bios proprietary algorithm to rank the biggest Tennessee-born stars shaking up the scene today.
Leading the pack at #1 overall is Sneedville's own Morgan Wallen. From his East Tennessee roots, Wallen has rocketed to superstardom with his distinctive voice and chart-smashing hits, becoming one of modern country's most defining, and sometimes controversial, figures.
Hot on his heels, you can't talk Tennessee without mentioning the legendary Dolly Parton (#6). Hailing from Pittman Center near Sevierville, Dolly isn't just a singer-songwriter; she's a global icon, philanthropist, and the queen bee of Dollywood. Her influence transcends generations.
Crashing the top 10 are Antioch's Jelly Roll (#8), whose powerful story and blend of country, rock, and hip-hop have resonated deeply, and Chattanooga's Kane Brown (#10), known for his smooth vocals and genre-bending collaborations.
But the talent pool runs deep! Knoxville claims both stadium-filler Kenny Chesney (#34) and hometown hero Kelsea Ballerini (#42, from nearby Mascot). Nashville's ERNEST (#51) and Murfreesboro's Chris Young (#73) also make strong showings.
From east to west, Tennessee continues to produce country music's brightest stars. According to our rankings, these artists aren't just hometown heroes; they're dominating the national conversation.