5 of the Biggest (And Best) Crossover Hits in Country Music

A great song can resonate with listeners and break out of its genre to become a hit. And country music in particular has a long history of producing chart-topping crossovers. While most country musicians who have enjoyed crossover success were already beloved in the genre, their crossover hits have helped cement their legacy in music history.

“Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley

“Choosin’ Texas” is the lead single from Ella Langley’s album Dandelion. It wasn’t just a country hit—it crossed over to the pop charts. The song was such a hit, in fact, that it topped the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts at the same time. That makes Langley the first artist to hit No. 1 across all three.

“Breathe” by Faith Hill

Faith Hill was already a huge success in country music when she released “Breathe” in 1999. The song was her seventh No. 1 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. In the spring of 2000, it peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart, and it was just the first of a few crossover hits for her.

“You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain

With “You’re Still The One”, Shania Twain crossed over from the country charts, and the song spent 42 weeks on the Hot 100, ultimately peaking at No. 2. Although it wasn’t her only crossover hit, it was her biggest, and it remains one of her most famous songs. It was nominated for four Grammy Awards and won two—Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy” was a crossover hit almost immediately after its release in 1975. It hit No. on both the Billboard Country and Hot 100 charts simultaneously, the first song to do so since “Big Bad John” by Jimmy Dean in 1961. “Rhinestone Cowboy” is now remembered as Campbell’s signature song.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

John Denver’s love letter to winding country roads didn’t just resonate with fans of country music—the song had widespread appeal. It topped the charts in 1971 and earned Denver his first platinum record. In 2014, West Virginia named it the official state song, and it remains Denver’s most beloved hit.