Lists

Loveless released her debut album on Oct. 1, 1986.

Do y'all agree?

Do y'all agree?

Garth Brooks released his first -- and only -- album as Chris Gaines on Sept. 28, 1999.

"I guess 'Heartache' is a little more of my influences from the '70s, the '80s, the '90s, the 2000s ..."

Brooks released 'Chris Gaines: Greatest Hits' on Sept. 28, 1999.

Twenty years ago, Garth Brooks pivoted at the height of his fame to do something ... uh, let's call it "unexpected."

Not all first releases have been hot sellers -- even albums by artists who would soon come to define and influence country music.

Silverstein was known for his whimsical and twisted children's poetry, but he also was a prolific songwriter, especially for country artists.

Here are 20 country No. 1 hits that double as tangible proof that chart success isn't the only way to measure greatness.