Luke Combs just did the unthinkable and broke a record that many in Nashville believed would never be touched.
After a streak of hit songs and years of dominating streaming platforms, the North Carolina native has officially surpassed Garth Brooks to become the highest-selling country artist of all time. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Luke Combs has earned an incredible 168 million certified units from sales and streams, surpassing Garth’s total of 162.5 million. For more than two decades, Garth held the top spot without anyone coming close, but now Luke Combs has claimed it for himself.
The news quickly spread through the country music world, with fans and artists alike celebrating the accomplishment. True to form, Combs handled the moment with the same humility that has always defined him. “When my team told me, I said, ‘Are you sure? There’s no way,'” Combs shared. “It was only eight years ago that I got my first plaque for ‘Hurricane’ going gold. I knew then that I had the best fans in the world. That song went platinum before they could even hand me the gold one.”
He went on to say that this moment belongs to the fans as much as it does to him. “I’m super humbled by the fans’ belief in me and support of my music today and over the years,” he said. “I know this does not happen without them. This achievement is more theirs than mine. All I ever hoped for was to make music that made people feel something, and I can’t wait to keep making country music for the rest of my life.”
Combs’ rise to the top has been one of the most remarkable stories in modern country music. In less than a decade, he went from uploading videos online to selling out stadiums around the world. His voice, both rough and heartfelt, hit home with fans who missed the grit and truth of classic country. The proof is in the numbers. Combs now holds the record for the most Diamond-certified singles in country music history, with four songs earning that title. Those songs are “Beautiful Cr𝐚zy,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “Hurricane,” and “She Got the Best of Me.”
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Breaking Garth Brooks’ record is no small accomplishment. Garth was the king of country throughout the nineties and redefined what it meant to be a superstar. He turned arena shows into massive experiences and set a standard that seemed impossible to reach. Yet Luke Combs has managed to connect with a new generation while staying true to what country music is all about. He built a bridge between old-school storytelling and modern-day streaming, bringing fans of all ages under one big tent.
And this is just the beginning. Combs recently released a three-song EP titled The Prequel, featuring “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “15 Minutes,” and “Days Like These.” Fans have been streaming the songs nonstop, and his single “Back in the Saddle” continues to climb the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He also notched his nineteenth number-one single with “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” proving that his momentum is still going strong.
Outside of the charts, Luke’s success continues to grow. He is up for three CMA Awards this November, including Entertainer of the Year. He is also set to headline major festivals such as Austin City Limits, following his historic achievement as the first country artist to headline both Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.
On top of his professional success, Luke also shared that he and his wife, Nicole, are expecting their third child, saying that no award could ever compare to being a dad.
While the RIAA numbers may show Luke Combs sitting at the top, he is not slowing down. He remains as grounded as ever, focused on his music and the people who made it all possible. He has shown that you do not have to chase fame to make history, only hard work, good songs, and a heart full of honesty.
Luke Combs may not call himself a legend yet, but this record proves that he is well on his way to carving out a place right beside the greats who came before him.
