You’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the entertainment industry with a more infectious smile than Luke Bryan. That mega-watt grin and charismatic stage presence, combined with an engaging voice and a gift for writing memorable songs, has made Luke one of the most successful artists in country music today.
Born and raised in Leesville, Georgia, his father was a peanut farmer and Luke helped out on the farm, learning the value of hard work at an early age. Just as he set his sights on Nashville to pursue a music career, tragedy struck as Luke’s older brother, Chris, was killed in a car accident. He postponed his dreams to remain with his family in Georgia, but with their encouragement finally made the move to Music City.
Luke first found success in Nashville as a songwriter, penning tunes for other artists, among them Billy Currington’s chart-topping 2007 hit “Good Directions.” Luke landed a deal with Capitol Records Nashville and co-wrote his first single, “All My Friends Say,” with producer Jeff Stevens. The song climbed to No. 5 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Songs chart, and Luke’s debut album, “I’ll Stay Me,” bowed in August of 2007. Since then, he has populated country radio with such memorable hits as: “Rain Is a Good Thing,” “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” “Drunk on You,” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” “Crash My Party,” “Drink a Beer,” “Kick the Dust Up,” “Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day” and “Most People Are Good.”
Luke has earned numerous accolades, including CMA Entertainer of the Year and the American Music Award for Favorite Country Male Artist, as well as honors from CMT and the Academy of Country Music. In 2018, he added a new skill set to his resume when he debuted as a judge on ABC’s reboot of “American Idol.”
Though he’s one of the industry’s most successful superstars, Luke has known more than his share of tragedy. In addition to losing his older brother, Luke’s sister, Kelly, passed away in 2007, and her husband, Ben, died in 2014. Luke and his wife Caroline, are now raising Kelly and Ben’s youngest child, Til, in addition to their two sons, Thomas “Bo” Boyer and Tatum “Tate” Christopher. The Bryan family lives on a large farm outside Nashville where the outdoor enthusiast spends his time away from the spotlight living out one of his biggest hits—“Huntin’ Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.”