Country Music's New Kings: Gorley & McAnally Top Charts

A recent study by Record Research has identified Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally as the top two country music songwriters, based on Billboard chart performance from 1944 to 2025. This marks the first comprehensive ranking of its kind.

Gorley and McAnally's success stems from their extensive catalogs and adaptability to modern music trends, including the impact of streaming services which have influenced chart dynamics. Their achievements are highlighted in a new book, "Top Country Singles 1944-2025," set for release on June 4, 2025, just in time for Nashville's CMA Fest.

Record Research, a company known for its comprehensive chart references, has been revitalized under new leadership. The expanded project, including songwriter rankings, aims to celebrate the often-unsung heroes of country music. Freda, a partner at Record Research, emphasized the genre's historical respect for its songwriters and aims to broaden the company's audience through updated offerings, including a future digital product.

The study also recognizes artist-writers Bill Anderson (No. 4) and Merle Haggard (No. 10), alongside other notable songwriters such as Bob McDill (No. 3) and Rhett Akins (No. 9). The new book and its accompanying research underscore the enduring impact of songwriting on country music history.