Country's Newest Stars

Eric Church rarely does anything people expect from him. When he was offered a record deal at just 16, he turned it down. Instead of pursuing his musical career at 18, he went to college and earned himself a degree in marketing. And when he landed a gig opening for a famous country music band, he played so long each night that he got himself and his own band fired. Perhaps being different is what makes this country music star stand out from the rest. One thing is for sure-his fans are among the most dedicated in the genre of country music.

Eric Church rarely does anything people expect from him. When he was offered a record deal at just 16, he turned it down. Instead of pursuing his musical career at 18, he went to college and earned himself a degree in marketing. And when he landed a gig opening for a famous country music band, he played so long each night that he got himself and his own band fired. Perhaps being different is what makes this country music star stand out from the rest. One thing is for sure-his fans are among the most dedicated in the genre of country music.

To many people it may seem that Chris Stapleton was an overnight success. One day he had a respectable fan base; the next his country music album had rocketed to the number one spot in all music genres. But he had actually been working in the country music business for many years as a songwriter before his performance with Justin Timberlake on the CMAs turned him into a household name. As a devoted fan of classic country music, Chris has a unique sound in a sea of country music artists who often cross over onto the pop music charts. But Chris remains true to delivering the powerful and traditional country songs for which he is known.

To many people it may seem that Chris Stapleton was an overnight success. One day he had a respectable fan base; the next his country music album had rocketed to the number one spot in all music genres. But he had actually been working in the country music business for many years as a songwriter before his performance with Justin Timberlake on the CMAs turned him into a household name. As a devoted fan of classic country music, Chris has a unique sound in a sea of country music artists who often cross over onto the pop music charts. But Chris remains true to delivering the powerful and traditional country songs for which he is known.

Brett Eldredge has been a singer most of his life. As a little boy, he would agree to sing at family parties in exchange for candy bars. But it took him a while longer to realize that he wanted to become a country music artist. A trip to Nashville to see his cousin play a show there opened his eyes to the music career that awaited him in the Tennessee city. Shortly after moving there, Brett began working as a songwriter. Soon he landed the opportunity to record his music himself. Now, with several number 1 hits under his belt, Brett is one of the most popular artists in the world of country music.

Jake Owen did not grow up with dreams of becoming a country music star. Instead, he thought he would become a professional golfer. He started winning tournaments in the sport when he was just 15. But an injury to his shoulder changed the course of his life when it ruled out playing golf for a living. Jake dealt with this disappointment by picking up a guitar. In the process, he discovered that he had an equally abundant talent for writing songs and performing them. Shortly after his move to Nashville, the young artist found fame on the country music charts. Today he is one of the biggest stars in the world of country music.

Kacey Musgraves knew she wanted to be a singer-songwriter when she was just a little girl. She penned her first song at the age of nine. After competing in talent shows in East Texas as a teen, she landed a spot on the televised singing competition Nashville Star in 2007. Although she didn't win, she went on to write and perform some of the most popular songs in country music today. She is known for her free spirit and her willingness to sing about topics that many country artists find too risky. When people tell her that she should change, she sticks to her guns-and makes sure that the world of country music includes songs about real life.

Brett Eldredge has been a singer most of his life. As a little boy, he would agree to sing at family parties in exchange for candy bars. But it took him a while longer to realize that he wanted to become a country music artist. A trip to Nashville to see his cousin play a show there opened his eyes to the music career that awaited him in the Tennessee city. Shortly after moving there, Brett began working as a songwriter. Soon he landed the opportunity to record his music himself. Now, with several number 1 hits under his belt, Brett is one of the most popular artists in the world of country music.

Dierks Bentley spent his early years in Phoenix, Arizona- hundreds of miles from the Country Music Capital of Nashville, Tennessee. He discovered country music while attending boarding school on the East Coast. Although he was a rock music fan at the time, he quickly warmed to the sounds of legends such as Hank Williams, Jr. and George Jones. Soon the young guitarist would be writing his own country songs and playing them for thousands of his own fans. Today Dierks's songs top the country music charts as he performs live on concert stages and co-hosts country music award shows.

Dierks Bentley spent his early years in Phoenix, Arizona- hundreds of miles from the Country Music Capital of Nashville, Tennessee. He discovered country music while attending boarding school on the East Coast. Although he was a rock music fan at the time, he quickly warmed to the sounds of legends such as Hank Williams, Jr. and George Jones. Soon the young guitarist would be writing his own country songs and playing them for thousands of his own fans. Today Dierks's songs top the country music charts as he performs live on concert stages and co-hosts country music award shows.

Jake Owen did not grow up with dreams of becoming a country music star. Instead, he thought he would become a professional golfer. He started winning tournaments in the sport when he was just 15. But an injury to his shoulder changed the course of his life when it ruled out playing golf for a living. Jake dealt with this disappointment by picking up a guitar. In the process he discovered that he had an equally abundant talent for writing songs and performing them. Shortly after his move to Nashville, the young artist found fame on the country music charts. Today he is one of the biggest stars in the world of country music.

Kacey Musgraves knew she wanted to be a singer-songwriter when she was just a little girl. She penned her first song at the age of nine. After competing in talent shows in East Texas as a teen, she landed a spot on the televised singing competition Nashville Star in 2007. Although she didn't win, she went on to write and perform some of the most popular songs in country music today. She is known for her free spirit and her willingness to sing about topics that many country artists find too risky. When people tell her that she should change, she sticks to her guns-and makes sure that the world of country music includes songs about real life.