Sam Hunt Makes Country Music History With Record-Shattering Song

Erika Goldring / Getty Images

George Jones didn’t do it, not even the legendary Johnny Cash did it. Country singer Sam Hunt just broke a 55-year-long record on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with his megahit “Body Like a Back Road.”

Previously held by Leroy Van Dyke, the infectious tune edged out the 1961 hit “Walk on By” after spending 20 consecutive weeks at the top of the chart. The massive milestone marks Hunt as the longest running solo country artist to hold the No.1 spot on the chart. 

Should “Body Like a Back Road” remain at No.1 for an additional four weeks, Hunt will tie country music duo Florida Georgia Line who currently hold the overall record with their 2012 smash hit “Cruise” which stayed on the chart for a historical 24 weeks. 

Known for drawing inspiration from his personal life, Hunt co-wrote “Body Like a Back Road” with Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally following the engagement to his now wife Hannah Lee Fowler. 

“I’ve been writing songs over the past, I guess, year and a half, trying to conceptualize a new record, and it kinda started taking a heavy direction, and I sat down at one point and was like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna lighten this up a little bit, it needs a lighter flair,’” Hunt recalls about “Body Like a Back Road according to Country Common

Hunt is currently on the road for his 15 in a 30 Tour where he’s promised fans additional songs. 

You can check out the record shattering song below!

Save this article!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new articles & videos from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

About the Author

Manly Bryant

Throughout his over a decade-long career at Country Rebel, Manly Bryant has written thousands of articles, managed countless social media posts, connected with many country music stars in person, and documented many of the most iconic moments in country music history. Whether he’s covering a sold-out stadium show or spotlighting an up-and-coming artist, Manly brings…

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.