Country King Luke Combs Dominates Again! 'Be By You' Hits No. 1, But Is It a Rare Anomaly?

Luke Combs has achieved his 21st No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “Be By You.” The song climbed to the top spot based on 32.8 million audience impressions recorded between August 14-20, representing a 3% increase, according to Luminate. This achievement marks the third chart-topping hit from his recent album, “The Way I Am,” following “Back in the Saddle,” which spent two weeks at No. 1 in November, and “Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” which held the top position for five weeks in April.

“Be By You” holds a unique significance in Combs' career as it is only the third of his 21 chart-toppers that he did not write himself. The song was penned by Dan Alley, Sam Banks, and Nick Walsh. His other non-self-written No. 1 hits include his collaboration with Jameson Rodgers on “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” which led for a week in 2021, and his highly successful cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which dominated the chart for five weeks in 2023. Notably, Combs maintains a strong presence as a songwriter, holding writing credits on 19 of the 22 songs featured on “The Way I Am.” He shared in a March statement that he was immediately captivated by “the vibe and the melody” of “Be By You” when a friend brought the song to his attention.

This milestone places Luke Combs in an exclusive group of artists within Country Airplay history, which dates back to 1990. He is now one of only 11 artists to achieve at least 21 No. 1s, tying with Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban. Other luminaries in this elite circle include Kenny Chesney (33 No. 1s), Blake Shelton (30), Tim McGraw (29), Jason Aldean (27), Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, George Strait (all with 26), and Morgan Wallen (22).

Beyond the Country Airplay chart, “Be By You” also made a strong debut on the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at No. 2 in February and maintaining a presence in the top 10 for its first six months. During the week of August 7-13, the song garnered 7.3 million official streams, 34.3 million airplay audience impressions, and sold 1,000 units. It stands as one of Combs’ 27 career top 10s on the Hot Country Songs chart, a tally that includes six No. 1s. Combs' extensive chart influence also extends to his songwriting for other artists, including a Country Airplay No. 1 he co-wrote for Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which topped the chart for a week in June 2020. All charts dated August 29 are scheduled to be updated on Billboard.com on Tuesday, August 25.