Luke Bryan Celebrates Monumental 30 No. 1 Hits With Star-Studded Nashville Event: “It’s Pretty Surreal”

Bryan’s incredible journey to 30 No. 1 hits spans over a decade and starts with his first-ever No. 1 hit “Do I” and continues through his thirtieth chart-topper, “Country On.”

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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Posted on September 14, 2023

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Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville), Luke Bryan, Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment); Photo by of Alan Poizner

Luke Bryan recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone in his career by achieving 30 No. 1 hits, a remarkable feat that only a select few artists are able to achieve in their career. With this achievement, Bryan joins the ranks of some of his musical heroes such as George Strait, Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, Conway Twitty and more, who also had 30 or more chart-topping hits.

On Tuesday evening (Sept. 12), the country superstar marked the accomplishment with a star-studded celebration at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, an event that truly showcased the immense impact that Luke Bryan has had on country music and the Music City songwriting community.

Hosted by Storme Warren, the event brought together some of the biggest names in country music as well as his family, friends, and colleagues, who have supported the five-time Entertainer Of The Year throughout his career.

Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of Alan Poizner
Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of Alan Poizner

Surprise Tribute Performances

Lady A (Sans Charles Kelley)

Several of his fellow country superstars were on hand to surprise Luke Bryan with special tribute performances, including Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood from Lady A, who performed Bryan’s first-ever No. 1 hit, “Do I.”

“We’re so honored to be here [for] such an amazing celebration,” Scott shared. “Luke, we love you. Thank you so much for the years of friendship.”

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@Lady A (sans Charles Kelley) delivered an impressive rendition of @LukeBryan’s “Do I” at Bryan’s 30 No. 1 celebration! #LukeBryan #LadyA #DoI

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Dierks Bentley

Following Scott and Haywood was Dierks Bentley, who hysterically roasted Bryan and compared their respective No. 1 achievements before performing “Play It Again.”

“Luke, I love you, I’m so proud of you, you’re one of my favorite singers. Huge fan, always have been,” Bentley said, praising the “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” singer.

Dierks Bentley; Photo by of Alan Poizner
Dierks Bentley; Photo by of Alan Poizner

Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon

The next surprise was Marty Raybon from Shenandoah, one of Bryan’s musical heroes and a longtime inspiration, who delivered a rendition of “Fast.”

“Luke I had to just learn this, so I’m just going to read it, but it’s one of the songs that sounded more like a Shenandoah record,” Raybon joked. “Congratulations!”

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon showed up to honor @LukeBryan in Nashville to perform #Fast in honor of Bryan’s milestone 30 No. 1 hits. #LukeBryan #shenandoah #Nashville

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Jason Aldean

Wrapping up the series of surprises was none other than Bryan’s close friend, Jason Aldean, who took the stage to perform “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” adding to the emotional and unforgettable evening.

“You know I love a good party, so I couldn’t miss it! I’m obviously honored to be here. I’ve been along I feel like for all 30 of these No. 1s with you and I’ll never forget Luke came to my house [in Florida] one day and he just finished the Tailgates & Tanlines album and wanted to play me some cuts on it. We just sat there and listened to it and I just… didn’t know what was going to happen, but I just knew he had a lot of hits on the record and just a really great album. So, when Kerri [Edwards] asked if I wanted to come here and be a part of it there was one particular song that I wanted to do. I’m here for you buddy and this is my attempt at a Luke Bryan song.”

“I love you buddy! Congratulations man, [30 No. 1 hits] that’s a big ass deal,” Aldean added.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@Jason Aldean surprised his longtime friend @LukeBryan with a special tribute performance in celebration of Bryan’s milestone 30 No. 1 hits in Nashville. #JasonAldean #LukeBryan #Nashville

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Showcased Gratitude For Those Who Helped Him Achieve Success

After several touching surprise tributes, Luke Bryan took to the stage to graciously thank those that have supported his career and helped him achieve the success that he rightfully earned, including the dozens of songwriters responsible for crafting many of the 30 No. 1 hits, industry professionals from ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and others.

He also expressed his appreciation for his management team at KP Entertainment as well as Universal Music Group Nashville, among others, all of whom attended to commemorate the achievements of one of country music’s most esteemed and well-liked artists.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@LukeBryan graciously thanked his wife @Caroline Bryan for sticking by him through thick and thin during his milestone 30 No. 1 hits celebration in Nashville. #LukeBryan #CarolineBryan #Nashville

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Graciously Thanked His Wife Caroline

Luke Bryan was also sure to embarrass his wife, Caroline Bryan, with a heartfelt speech and thank you message.

“Caroline, I love you so much. Thank you for just everything. I mean, when you think about, we met in college when I was picking a guitar with Michael, doing two man acoustic shows, and we had our moments in college, got away from each other for five and a half years, and then you walked back into this music stuff with me knowing it was going to be challenging and crazy and with kids and bringing in nieces and nephews and all the stuff that we’ve dealt with,” Bryan said.

He continued, “And then through all that, raise beautiful kids. And I get to say I’ve had 30 number ones through all that. Some I’ve written and some I haven’t. And it’s truly hard to wrap your head around. And just like I said, I know we don’t sit down and get all mushy many times. We’re always trying to figure out how to get through the craziness of all the busyness of each year and each month. But thank you for just letting 30 number ones happen and the touring and the TV and the bar that we have and all the other.”

Bryan’s incredible journey to 30 No. 1 hits spans over a decade and starts with his first-ever No. 1 hit “Do I” in December 2009 and continues through his thirtieth chart-topper in December 2022 with “Country On.” Throughout Luke Bryan’s career, he has amassed an impressive total of 56 weeks at the number one position on the charts.

Reflected On His Mind-Blowing Success

Before the star-studded celebration, Luke Bryan took a moment to reminisce on his astounding achievements and the mind-blowing success he’s earned since moving to Music City 22 years ago.

“I think when you’re so focused in the trenches of it all, it’s days like this where your career flashes in front of your eyes,” Bryan told Music Mayhem and other media outlets in a state of disbelief. “It’s pretty surreal to think about all the people that have been involved in the mix to make this all happen. When I moved to Nashville, I moved for all the right reasons because I loved country music and I loved being onstage. From the second I got here, it felt like I’d finally found the place for me and I never looked back. To have dreams of hopefully writing No. 1s and performing No. 1s and being an artist to present day, you look at that and it’s kind of hard to wrap your head around.”

Humbly acknowledging that he never anticipated reaching the milestone of 30 No. 1 hits, Bryan also expressed that he initially set his sights on achieving just eight to ten successful songs, at most. “I never would’ve imagined I’d have hit a number 30,” he admitted.

See A Full List Of Luke Bryan’s No. 1 Hits Below

“Country On” – Written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury

“Buy Dirt” Jordan Davis Feat. Luke Bryan

“Waves” – Written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill

“Down To One” – Written by Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach and Kyle Fishman

“One Margarita” – Written by Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Thompson

“What She Wants Tonight” – Written by Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey and Jon Nite

“Knockin’ Boots” – Written by Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Jon Nite

“What Makes You Country” – Written by Luke, Dallas Davidson and Ashley Gorley

“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” – Written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill

“Most People Are Good” – Written by David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear

“Light It Up” – Written by Luke Bryan, Brad Tursi

“Fast” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird

“Move” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Jay Clementi

“Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip

“Home Alone Tonight” — Written by: Jody Stevens, Cole Taylor, Jaida Dreyer, Tommy Cecil

“Strip It Down” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman

“Kick The Dust Up” — Written by: Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley

“I See You” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird

“Roller Coaster” — Written by: Michael Carter, Cole Swindell

“Play It Again” — Written by: Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley

“Drink A Beer” — Written by: Jim Beavers, Chris Stapleton

“That’s My Kind of Night” — Written by: Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley

“Crash My Party” — Written by: Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley

“Only Way I Know” Jason Aldean, Feat Luke Bryan

“Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens, Shane McAnally

“Drunk On You” — Written by: Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear

“I Don’t Want This Night To End” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip

“Someone Else Calling You Baby” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens

“Rain Is A Good Thing” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson

“Do I” — Written by: Luke Bryan, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley

Successful Career Beyond 30 No. 1 Hits

In addition to earning 30 No. 1 hits, Luke Bryan has also accumulated impressive statistics, including 21.7 billion global streams, 11.5 million global album sales, and 52 million track sales worldwide. He holds the record as the most digitally certified country artist by the RIAA, boasting 83 million units of digital singles and 15.5 million units of album certifications, totaling 98.5 million certifications. His outstanding contributions to music earned him the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, recognizing him as one of the most streamed artists in SoundExchange’s two-decade history.

Luke’s headline concert tours have consistently drawn sold-out crowds, spanning various formats such as stadium concerts, Farm Tours, Spring Break shows, and eight successful ‘Crash My Playa’ destination concert events. His recent Bridgestone concert, the sixth consecutive sell-out, was hailed by Billboard for his perfected onstage persona, described as a captivating blend of affable humor, charismatic swagger, and an uplifting attitude. Thursday (Sept. 14) marked the start of Luke’s 14th Farm Tour, with the continuation of the Country On Tour, scheduled for September 28.

With a remarkable 50+ major music awards under his belt, including five Entertainer of the Year titles, Luke Bryan’s accolades also feature six CMT Artist of the Year recognitions, NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year honors, and the distinction of being the inaugural recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for “Crash My Party.” He has received seven CMT Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards.

Furthermore, he was named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 2010s, recognized as the Most Heard Artist of the Decade by Country Aircheck, and honored with the Artist Humanitarian Award by the Country Radio Broadcasters.

To Return As Co-Host Of 2023 CMA Awards And Judge On American Idol

Additionally, Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning will return to host The 57th Annual CMA Awards on November 8 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, which will broadcast live on ABC at 8/7c. Next year, the country star will join Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as a judge for their seventh season on American Idol.

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Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski

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