Eric Church

Eric Church, born Kenneth Eric Church on May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, North Carolina, is a country music artist known for his gritty vocals, outlaw spirit, and refusal to play by the industry’s rules. Music became a passion early on—he picked up a guitar at 13, taught himself to play, and by high school, he was performing in local bars. It wasn’t just a hobby; it was the start of something much bigger.

After earning a business degree from Appalachian State University, Church packed his bags and moved to Nashville in 2001 to chase his songwriting dreams. His mix of country, rock, and blues stood out, landing him a deal with Capitol Nashville. His 2006 debut album, Sinners Like Me, put him on the map with hits like How ‘Bout You, Two Pink Lines, and Guys Like Me.

As he carved out his place in country music, Church pushed boundaries. His 2009 album Carolina expanded his fanbase, but it was Chief (2011) that made him a superstar. The album, featuring anthems like Springsteen and Drink in My Hand, won him the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Vocalist award and cemented his reputation as a rebel in the genre.

Church has never been one to follow trends. Over the years, he’s experimented with his sound while staying true to his storytelling roots. His raw, no-nonsense approach has earned him die-hard fans and a legacy as one of country music’s most uncompromising artists.