Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tim McGraw
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tim McGraw made an impact.
Tim McGraw is a highly successful American country singer and actor. He has released 17 studio albums, with 10 reaching number one on the Top Country Albums charts. His 1994 album, Not a Moment Too Soon, was the top country album of that year. McGraw's extensive discography includes 65 singles, 25 of which have topped the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in country music.
1989: Dropped out of college to pursue music
In 1989, on the day his hero Keith Whitley died, Tim McGraw dropped out of college and moved to Nashville to pursue a musical career.
1990: Attention of Curb Records
In 1990, Tim McGraw came to the attention of Curb Records, leading to his signing after his demo was heard by executives.
1990: Relationship with Curb Records began
In November 2011, a judge granted Tim McGraw permission to record music for another label, ending his relationship with Curb Records that began in 1990.
March 29, 1991: Debut Single Release
On March 29, 1991, Tim McGraw made his debut with the single "What Room Was the Holiday In", which did not enter the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart upon its release.
April 1993: Debut album release
In April 1993, Tim McGraw released his self-titled debut album, which was commercially unsuccessful.
1993: "Drugs or Jesus" Outside Top 10
Since 1993, Tim McGraw's song "Drugs or Jesus" became McGraw's first single to not ever reach within the Top 10 on the U.S. country charts.
1994: Established Swampstock Event
In 1994, Tim McGraw established the annual Swampstock event, which began as a charity softball game to raise money for hometown little league programs.
1994: Not a Moment Too Soon Album
In 1994, Tim McGraw released his breakthrough album "Not a Moment Too Soon", which became the top country album of the year.
1994: Awards for Not a Moment Too Soon
In 1994, Tim McGraw won Academy of Country Music awards for Album of the Year and Top New Male Vocalist for "Not a Moment Too Soon".
1994: Release and Controversy of "Indian Outlaw"
In 1994, Tim McGraw's song "Indian Outlaw" from the album "Not a Moment Too Soon" sparked controversy due to its portrayal of Native Americans. Some radio stations chose not to play it, but the controversy helped boost sales.
1995: All I Want Album Release
In 1995, Tim McGraw's third studio album, "All I Want", was released and debuted at No. 1 on the country charts.
1995: "Refried Dreams" release
In early 1995, Tim McGraw's "Refried Dreams" reached number 5.
1996: The Dancehall Doctors since 1996
All of the Dancehall Doctors have worked with Tim McGraw since at least 1996.
1996: Hosted Annual New Year's Eve Concert
From 1996 to 1999, Tim McGraw hosted an annual New Year's Eve concert in Nashville with special guests including Jeff Foxworthy, the Dixie Chicks, and Martina McBride.
1996: "She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart" Reached Number One
In 1996, Tim McGraw's song, "She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart", gave McGraw his fourth number one on the U.S. country charts.
1997: Acting Appearance on The Jeff Foxworthy Show
In 1997, Tim McGraw made his first acting appearance on an episode of The Jeff Foxworthy Show, playing Foxworthy's rival.
1997: Everywhere Album Release
In 1997, Tim McGraw released his fourth album, "Everywhere", which topped the country charts.
1997: Raised over $100,000 for Country Music Foundation Hall of Fame and Museum
In 1997, Tim McGraw's New Year's Eve concert raised over $100,000 for the Country Music Foundation Hall of Fame and Museum.
1997: Top Country Song of 1997
In 1997, Tim McGraw's song "It's Your Love" was recognized as the top country song of the year by Billboard Year-End.
1998: "Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me" Release
In 1998, Tim McGraw's duet with his wife Faith Hill, "Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me", from her album "Faith", reached the Top 5 of the US country charts.
1998: Top Country Song of 1998
In 1998, Tim McGraw's song "Just to See You Smile" was recognized as the top country song of the year by Billboard Year-End.
1998: "Just to See You Smile" Success
In 1998, the song "Just to See You Smile" from the album "Everywhere" by Tim McGraw set a record for the longest run on the country charts at the time, at 42 weeks.
1999: Began 'The Bread and Water Tour'
Beginning in 1999, Tim McGraw would pick select cities on each tour, and the night before he was scheduled to perform, would choose a local club and host a quickly-organized show. This tour-within-a-tour became known as "The Bread and Water Tour", and all proceeds from the show would go to a charity from that community.
1999: "Breathe" Album Release
In 1999, Faith Hill's album "Breathe" featured Tim McGraw, which won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 2000.
1999: A Place in the Sun album release
In 1999, Tim McGraw released "A Place in the Sun", which debuted atop both the US country and pop album charts, selling 3 million copies.
October 12, 2000: Donation to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
On October 12, 2000, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill gave the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society $375,000 to assist the families of 17 sailors following the terrorist attack on USS Cole.
2000: Produced The Clark Family Experience Album
In 2000, Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore produced the only album released by The Clark Family Experience.
2000: Acting Debut in Movie "The Perfect Storm"
In 2000, Tim McGraw made his acting debut in the movie, "The Perfect Storm"
2000: Greatest Hits album and Soul2Soul Tour
In 2000, Tim McGraw released his first Greatest Hits album, which topped the country albums charts. He also went on the Soul2Soul Tour with Faith Hill.
2000: "Let's Make Love" Grammy Award
In 2000, Tim McGraw's duet with his wife Faith Hill, "Let's Make Love" , from her album "Breathe", won a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration.
April 2001: Release of Set This Circus Down
In April 2001, Tim McGraw released his sixth studio album, Set This Circus Down, which spawned four number one hits on the country charts.
2001: Retrospective on McGraw's Career
In a 2001 retrospective on Tim McGraw's career in Billboard, a former program director for Nashville station WSM-FM said that he added the song to the station's playlist because it showed "undeniable promise".
2002: Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors
In 2002, Tim McGraw challenged country music traditions by recording his seventh studio album Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors with his tour band, The Dancehall Doctors.
2003: "She's My Kind of Rain" peaked at No. 2
In 2003, Tim McGraw's song "She's My Kind of Rain" peaked at No. 2 on the charts. "She's My Kind of Rain" also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance-Male at the 46th Grammy Awards.
2004: Acted in 'Black Cloud' and 'Friday Night Lights'
In 2004, Tim McGraw played a sheriff in Rick Schroder's independent release Black Cloud. Later in the same year, McGraw received critical acclaim for his role as the overbearing father in the major studio Texas high school football drama Friday Night Lights.
2004: Release of "Over and Over" with Nelly
In 2004, Tim McGraw released "Over and Over" with hip hop artist Nelly, which became a crossover hit. The song also spent a week at the top of the charts in the United Kingdom, becoming McGraw's first hit single in Britain.
2004: Release of "Live Like You Were Dying" album
In 2004, Tim McGraw released his eighth album, "Live Like You Were Dying", dedicated to his father Tug McGraw. "Live Like You Were Dying" spent seven non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard and went on to become the top country song of 2004 on the Billboard Year-End charts. It also became one of the most awarded records by winning ACM Single and Song of the Year, CMA Single and Song of the Year, and a Grammy.
2004: Top Country Song of 2004
In 2004, Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying" was recognized as the top country song of the year by Billboard Year-End.
2004: "Back When" Reaches No. 1
In late 2004, Tim McGraw's song "Back When" reached number one on the country charts.
2005: Singing for NFL and becoming part owner of Nashville Kats
Throughout the 2005 NFL season, Tim McGraw sang an alternate version of "I Like It, I Love It" every week during the season on Monday Night Football. Later in 2005, McGraw became a minority owner of the Arena Football League's Nashville Kats.
April 2006: Soul2Soul II Tour begins
In April 2006, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill began their 73-concert Soul2Soul II Tour. The tour grossed roughly $89 million and sold approximately 1.1 million tickets, making it the top-grossing tour in the history of country music. The couple donated all of the profits from their performance in New Orleans to Hurricane Katrina relief.
October 20, 2006: Release of Film 'Flicka'
On October 20, 2006, Tim McGraw's first lead role was in the film Flicka, where he played the father, Rob. McGraw also served as executive producer of the soundtrack album, which featured his song "My Little Girl."
2006: Collaboration with Def Leppard
In 2006, Tim McGraw joined Def Leppard onstage for the song "Pour Some Sugar On Me", leading to a collaboration on the song "Nine Lives" afterward.
2006: Role in Flicka
In 2006, Tim McGraw took a lead role in the movie "Flicka".
2006: Expressed Interest in Running for Public Office
In a 2006 interview with Esquire magazine, Tim McGraw stated he would like to run for public office as a Democratic Party candidate.
March 27, 2007: Release of "Let It Go" album
On March 27, 2007, Tim McGraw released his eleventh studio album, "Let It Go". The album debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Album charts.
May 15, 2007: Performance of "If You're Reading This" at ACM awards
On May 15, 2007, during the Academy of Country Music awards show, Tim McGraw performed "If You're Reading This", which he co-wrote with The Warren Brothers. Several radio stations began to play the live recording of the song.
July 12, 2007: Donation to Kailey Kozminski
On July 12, 2007, Tim McGraw donated $5,000 to Kailey Kozminski, the daughter of a Grand Rapids police officer who was killed on July 8, 2007.
2007: Grammy Nominations
At the 2007 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Tim McGraw received 5 nominations including Best Country Album (for Let It Go), Best Country Song, Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
2007: Produced Halfway to Hazard's Debut Album
In 2007, Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore produced Halfway to Hazard's self-titled debut album.
2007: Acted in 'The Kingdom'
In 2007, Tim McGraw had a small part in the Michael Mann–produced film The Kingdom, reuniting him with Friday Night Lights director Peter Berg. McGraw played a bitter, angered widower in the movie.
January 18, 2008: Feature on Def Leppard album
On January 18, 2008, it was announced that Tim McGraw was featured on the Def Leppard album "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge", having co-written the first single, "Nine Lives."
April 25, 2008: Release of Def Leppard's album
On April 25, 2008, the Def Leppard album "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge", featuring Tim McGraw on "Nine Lives", was released.
May 2008: Live Your Voice tour and new song debut
In May 2008, Tim McGraw hit the road with the Live Your Voice tour, his first solo outing in nearly three years. Also in May 2008, Tim McGraw debuted a new song at the Stagecoach Music Festival.
July 2008: Release of "Let It Go" Single
In July 2008, Tim McGraw's sixth single and title track, "Let It Go", from the album was released to country radio.
October 7, 2008: Release of Greatest Hits 3
On October 7, 2008, Tim McGraw released his third greatest-hits package, Greatest Hits 3, featuring 12 tracks.
October 2008: Dispute with Curb Records
In October 2008, Tim McGraw had a dispute with Curb Records over releasing his third Greatest Hits collection without his permission.
November 22, 2008: First Appearance on 'Saturday Night Live'
On November 22, 2008, Tim McGraw made his first appearance on Saturday Night Live. He also played "Dallas McVie" in Four Christmases.
June 2009: Release of "It's A Business Doing Pleasure With You"
In late June 2009, Tim McGraw released "It's A Business Doing Pleasure With You" which was shipped to radio outlets.
October 20, 2009: Release of Southern Voice
On October 20, 2009, Tim McGraw's twelfth studio album, Southern Voice, was released.
2009: Acted in 'The Blind Side'
In 2009, Tim McGraw appeared in the film The Blind Side as Sean Tuohy, husband of Sandra Bullock's character, Leigh Anne Tuohy.
2009: ACM Awards Performance Cancelled
Tim McGraw was set to debut a new song at the 2009 ACM Awards, but then canceled his performance; he was replaced by Blake Shelton, who sang "She Wouldn't Be Gone".
September 12, 2010: Starred in 'Dirty Girl'
On September 12, 2010, Tim McGraw starred in Dirty Girl, a film that premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
November 30, 2010: Release of Number One Hits
On November 30, 2010, Curb Records released Tim McGraw's fourth greatest hits compilation, Number One Hits.
2010: Completion of Emotional Traffic album
As of fall 2010, Tim McGraw had finished work on the album Emotional Traffic, his last album with Curb Records.
2010: Role in Country Strong
In 2010, Tim McGraw took a lead role in the movie "Country Strong".
January 2, 2011: Announcement of Emotional Traffic Tour
On January 2, 2011, Tim McGraw announced plans for his Emotional Traffic Tour featuring opening acts Luke Bryan and The Band Perry.
March 30, 2011: Launch of Tim McGraw Radio on Sirius XM
On March 30, 2011, Sirius XM announced the launch of Tim McGraw Radio, a commercial-free music channel devoted to McGraw's music.
May 13, 2011: Breach-of-contract Suit Filed by Curb Records
On May 13, 2011, Curb Records filed a breach-of-contract suit against Tim McGraw, alleging that he recorded tracks for his Emotional Traffic album too early.
November 2011: End of Relationship with Curb Records
In November 2011, a judge granted Tim McGraw permission to record music for another label, ending his relationship with Curb Records that began in 1990.
December 2011: Release of Christmas Single
In December 2011, Tim McGraw released his first Christmas single, "Christmas All Over the World", on his own label StyleSonic Records.
January 24, 2012: Release of Emotional Traffic
On January 24, 2012, the album "Emotional Traffic" was released.
May 21, 2012: Signing with Big Machine Records
On May 21, 2012, Tim McGraw signed with Big Machine Records.
July 2012: Scheduled Trial
In July 2012, a trial was scheduled to begin regarding the suits between Tim McGraw and Curb Records.
February 5, 2013: Release of Two Lanes of Freedom
On February 5, 2013, Tim McGraw's debut album for Big Machine, entitled Two Lanes of Freedom, was released.
March 16, 2013: Performance at C2C: Country to Country festival
On March 16, 2013, Tim McGraw performed at the C2C: Country to Country festival in London.
January 2014: Release of Lookin' for That Girl and Sundown Heaven Town Tour Announcement
In January 2014, Tim McGraw released a single titled "Lookin' for That Girl" as the lead-off single to his second album for Big Machine, immediately followed by the announcement of the Sundown Heaven Town Tour.
February 4, 2014: Release of Love Story
On February 4, 2014, Tim McGraw's eighth greatest hits album, Love Story, was released exclusively through Walmart by Curb Records.
September 16, 2014: Release of Sundown Heaven Town
On September 16, 2014, Tim McGraw's album, Sundown Heaven Town, was released.
August 10, 2015: Release of "Top of the World"
On August 10, 2015, Tim McGraw released a new single to digital retailers, titled "Top of the World".
August 17, 2015: Release of "Top of the World" to Radio
On August 17, 2015, Tim McGraw's single "Top of the World" was released to radio as the lead single to his third studio album for Big Machine Records.
2015: Estimated Annual Income
In 2015, Forbes estimated Tim McGraw's annual income at $38 million.
2015: Appeared in Tomorrowland
In 2015, Tim McGraw appeared in Brad Bird's Tomorrowland as Eddie Newton, a NASA engineer, and Casey Newton's father.
February 1, 2016: Release of "Humble and Kind" to Country Radio
On February 1, 2016, Tim McGraw's second single, "Humble and Kind", was released to country radio, and went on to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country charts.
July 11, 2016: Release of "How I'll Always Be" to Country Radio
On July 11, 2016, Tim McGraw's album's third single, "How I'll Always Be" released to country radio.
October 4, 2016: Announcement of Soul2Soul World Tour
On October 4, 2016, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill announced they would be going back on the road together on the Soul2Soul World Tour.
January 2017: "How I'll Always Be" reached number 3
In January 2017, Tim McGraw's song "How I'll Always Be" reached number 3 on the Country Airplay.
April 7, 2017: Start of Soul2Soul World Tour
On April 7, 2017, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Soul2Soul World Tour began in New Orleans.
November 17, 2017: Release of The Rest of Our Life
On November 17, 2017, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill released their duet album, The Rest of Our Life. The release of the album coincided with the opening of an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum titled Mississippi Woman, Louisiana Man, which celebrates the careers of both McGraw and Hill.
March 2018: C2C: Country to Country festival
In March 2018, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Soul2Soul World Tour incorporated the C2C: Country to Country festival held in the UK and Ireland.
December 2019: McGraw spoke at End Well Symposium
In December 2019, Tim McGraw spoke at the annual End Well Symposium about his struggles with caregiving for his dying father and why he wrote "Live Like You Were Dying".
2019: Release of Two Best-Selling Books
In 2019, Tim McGraw released two major best-selling books. The first, co-written with Jon Meacham, "Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation," reached No. 2 on the New York Times Bestsellers list. His second book, "Grit and Grace," also reached No. 2 on the New York Times Bestsellers list in 2019.
February 2020: Rejoined Big Machine Records
In February 2020, Tim McGraw rejoined Big Machine Records, after having been signed to them previously from 2011 to 2017.
August 21, 2020: Released Album 'Here on Earth'
On August 21, 2020, Tim McGraw released his new album, Here on Earth.
January 2021: Performed on Celebrating America Inaugural Special
In January 2021, Tim McGraw performed on the Celebrating America inaugural special, a primetime virtual concert celebrating the inauguration of Joe Biden.
January 2021: Released Single 'Undivided'
In January 2021, Tim McGraw released the single "Undivided" with Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, which was included on a deluxe edition of Here on Earth released later that year.
October 9, 2021: Confronted Heckler at Performance
On October 9, 2021, Tim McGraw confronted a heckler at a performance at the Nugget Events Center in Sparks, Nevada, after he forgot the words to his song "Just to See You Smile."
2021: Role in 1883
In 2021, Tim McGraw took a lead role in the production of "1883".
March 10, 2023: Title Track of Album Released
On March 10, 2023, Tim McGraw released the title track from his upcoming album, Standing Room Only, as the lead single. It reached number 2 on the U.S. Country Airplay chart.
April 2023: Gifted Guitar to Brandon Davis
In April 2023, Tim McGraw surprised rising country star Brandon Davis with a new guitar after Davis's gear was stolen earlier in the month.
August 25, 2023: Released Sixteenth Studio Album 'Standing Room Only'
On August 25, 2023, Tim McGraw released his sixteenth studio album, Standing Room Only.
November 21, 2023: Surprise Release of EP 'Poet's Resumé'
On November 21, 2023, Tim McGraw surprise-released a six-track EP, Poet's Resumé.
Mentioned in this timeline
Saturday Night Live SNL is a late-night live sketch comedy...
Christmas is an annual festival celebrated on December th commemorating...
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr served as the th U S...
New Year's Eve observed on December st marks the final...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
Football is a family of team sports centered around kicking...
Trending
14 minutes ago David Letterman's 'My Next Guest' Gets Renewed for Seasons 6 & 7 on Netflix!
14 minutes ago Larsa Pippen reveals kids' role in Marcus Jordan split, cites red flags.
14 minutes ago Trump, Military Politicization Concerns Rise Amid Army's 250th Birthday Celebration in 2025
14 minutes ago Tony Finau's U.S. Open Round: Slip-Ups, Cut Line Drama, and a Rude Awakening.
15 minutes ago Israel-Iran conflict escalates: Casualties rise amid airstrikes and heightened tensions over missile attacks.
1 hour ago Mark Hamill denies Star Wars rumors, discusses Luke Skywalker's death and future plans.
Popular
The Boeing Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed by...
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who gained international...
Cristiano Ronaldo often called CR is a Portuguese professional footballer...
Thomas Douglas Homan is an American law enforcement officer and...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
Playboi Carti born Jordan Terrell Carter is an American rapper...