‘V’ Is for Ricky Van Shelton – Top Country Artists A to Z

Why: For five years, few artists were hotter than Ricky Van Shelton. During the late '80s and early '90s the singer from Danville, Va. notched over 10 No. 1 hits and was the 1989 CMA winner for Male Vocalist of the Year. Four of the 'Somebody Lied' singer's nine albums went Platinum, and he continued touring until 2006 when he decided to retire to spend more time with his family.

Honorable Mentions: Rhonda Vincent and Phil Vassar.