Here's How Luke Combs Became A Country Music Star

July 2024 · 6 minute read

Quick Links

In the vast realm of country music, few names shine as brightly as Luke Combs. This illustrious status was cultivated through a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to achieving remarkable worldwide acclaim. Combs' story commences with the echoes of a small-town life, where his passion for music found its roots. In this piece, we examine Luke Combs' ascension to become a veritable household name, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of country music. As we embark on this exploration, we'll uncover the intricate details of his origins, shedding light on the pivotal moments that set him on a trajectory toward greatness.

Exploring Luke Combs' Early Life

In the heart of Huntersville, North Carolina, on March 2, 1990, Luke Albert Combs came into the world as an only child to Rhonda and Chester Combs. Moving to Asheville at 8, his early talents emerged in chorus classes, school musicals, and church choirs. While studying at Appalachian State University, he worked as a bouncer in a bar below his apartment, unaware that this very bar would launch his musical journey. Despite lease restrictions, Luke performed there, setting the stage for his path.

Years later, Nashville beckoned Luke, and he dropped out of school in North Carolina with just a month left. Fate introduced him to Julian Raymond, a Grammy-winning producer and songwriter. Their creative partnership birthed Hurricane, Luke's breakthrough single. Now worth approximately $5 million, Luke is not only a country music phenomenon but also a devoted husband to Nicole Hocking and a father to Tex. With a unique voice in songwriting, Luke's story embodies resilience and unwavering commitment, inspiring us all.

RELATED: A Look At Mike Dirnt’s Successful Musical Career

Combs’ Emergence As A Country Musician

Following his triumph as the victor of The Voice's third season, Luke Combs achieved a cherished ambition. In the early months of 2016, he joined RCA Records as a recording artist. His ascent to the forefront of country music was catalyzed by his breakout hit Hurricane, which made its debut in 2016. This pivotal moment was preceded by earlier works like his first EP The Way She Rides in 2014, followed by the sophomore release Can I Get an Outlaw that same year. The trajectory of recognition continued with the unveiling of his third EP This One's for You in 2015, culminating in his acknowledgment as one of Sounds Like Nashville's Artists to Watch in late 2016, setting the stage for his meteoric rise.

A game-changing shift occurred in 2016 when Combs joined forces with Sony Music Nashville. This collaboration led to the re-release of Hurricane under the Columbia Nashville label, skyrocketing to the summit of the country radio airplay chart for an exceptional two weeks, commencing May 15, 2017. This triumph marked not just a chart-topping accomplishment, but also the ignition of Luke Combs' iconic journey, positioning him as one of the most celebrated country artists of his era. In the subsequent chapters of his career, highlighted by the major label debut album This One's for You, Luke Combs' unwavering dedication and remarkable talent further solidified his standing as a bona fide country music sensation.

Luke's Resounding Echo In Country Music

Luke Combs' journey through the country music landscape has been a symphony of triumphs and chart-topping feats. His expansion of the album This One's for You into the deluxe version This One's for You Too in June 2018 introduced hit tracks like She Got the Best of Me and Beautiful Crazy. These melodious gems not only climbed to the pinnacle of country charts but also resonated deeply with fans especially when he performed them live on his Don't Tempt Me with a Good Time Tour, establishing Combs as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Amidst this fame, Luke earned the invitation to join the revered Grand Ole Opry in June 2019, a momentous recognition that underscores his profound influence on the genre. The narrative of his musical dominance is further enriched by the release of his second album, What You See Is What You Get in November 2019, which features chart-topping singles, including Beer Never Broke My Heart, Even Though I'm Leaving, Does to Me, and Lovin' on You, solidified his stature in the realm of country music. Beyond albums, Combs' captivating presence was felt through his Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour in 2019, where his performances ignited stages across the nation and brought his heartfelt music to life.

RELATED: Here's How Alison Krauss Became A Bluegrass-Country Music Powerhouse

The New Heights Of Combs’ Career

Luke Combs' musical greatness continued with the release of Six Feet Apart in May 2020, a song that resonated deeply during the COVID-19 pandemic. He followed this with Lovin' on You, which he showcased on The Prequel EP, underscoring his versatility. The release of the deluxe version of What You See Is What You Get in October 2020 introduced five new tracks, including the record-breaking Forever After All. The release of What You See Is What You Get provided a basis for the What You See Is What You Get Tour which he embarked upon between 2020 and 2021.

Combs' trajectory took an inspiring turn with the launch of his third album, Growin' Up, in June 2022. The album spawned hits like Doin' This and The Kind of Love We Make, with the latter reaching number one on the country chart and making a mark on the Billboard Hot 100. His fourth album, Gettin' Old, released in March 2023, showcased his musical depth with an emotive cover of Tracy Chapman's Fast Car, which became a streaming sensation. Amidst his musical conquests, Combs embarked on his World Tour of 2023 and anticipation is high for the Growin' Up and Gettin' Old Tour, which is slated for 2024.

Luke Combs’ Awards And Recognitions

Luke Combs has a total of 18 wins from his 47 nominations throughout his career. He commenced by winning the Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2017 CMT Music Awards and the New Artist of the Year at the 2017 Country Music Association Awards. The accolades grew in 2018 when he snagged New Male Vocalist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards alongside other wins.

In 2019, he clinched the New Male Artist of the Year and Male Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, along with wins at the CMT Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. 2020 saw him triumph as Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year at both the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards. Combs’ prowess continued in 2021 with victories for Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year. In 2023, he showcased his unwavering ascent with a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.

READ NEXT: Here's How Jason Aldean Became A Country Music Powerhouse

Sources: Promo Panda, Washington Post, AllmusicNational Today

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEq6CcoJWowW%2BvzqZmq6GTnXqxu9aeqZ%2BtnGS1pr7ErGShp6diuba3xGaaqKWSqHqjscKapJ5lkWKwsMHNramyZZ2qwKqvjKyrmqpf