50 Facts About Eric Church

Early Life and Beginnings

Eric Church's journey to becoming a country music star started in a small town in North Carolina. His early years were filled with experiences that would shape his music and career.

1. Full Name and Birthdate: Kenneth Eric Church was born on May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, North Carolina.
2. Early Life: Church grew up in the Dudley Shoals area of Granite Falls, North Carolina. His parents are Ken and Rita Church.
3. Family Background: His father, Ken Church, was the president of Clayton Marcus, a furniture upholstery company where Eric worked during his teenage years.
4. First Guitar: At the age of 13, Eric bought his first guitar and began writing his own songs.
5. High School Years: By his senior year of high school, Church had found a gig at a local bar, where he played many Jimmy Buffett cover songs and some of his own original songs.
6. Band "Mountain Boys": The band "Mountain Boys" consisted of his college roommate, brother, and a fellow guitarist. They played frequently in bars and restaurants throughout North Carolina.
7. Education: Eric graduated from South Caldwell High School and then attended Appalachian State University, where he earned a degree in marketing.
8. Engagement and Breakup: Before moving to Nashville, Church became engaged to a Spanish teacher in Lenoir, North Carolina. However, the engagement was broken off, and he headed to Nashville with his father's financial backing.

Move to Nashville and Early Career

Eric Church's move to Nashville marked the beginning of his professional journey in the music industry. His early successes as a songwriter paved the way for his future as a performer.

9. Move to Nashville: With his father's support, Church moved to Nashville to pursue his dream of songwriting and performing.
10. Songwriting Success: In Nashville, Church achieved early success as a songwriter, co-writing songs like “The World Needs a Drink” for Terri Clark and “Whiskey Wings” for Dean Miller’s album.
11. Meeting with Publisher: Church impressed publisher Arthur Buenahora with his song “Lightning,” which was inspired by the film The Green Mile. This meeting led to him signing with Sony Publishing and eventually Capitol Records.
12. First Single: His first single, “How 'Bout You,” peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Chart and led off his debut album Sinners Like Me.
13. Debut Album: Sinners Like Me produced three singles on the Billboard country charts, including the top 20 hits “How 'Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” and “Guys Like Me.”
14. Grand Ole Opry Debut: Church made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry in April 2006.

Breakthrough and Success

Eric Church's breakthrough came with his third album, Chief, which catapulted him to stardom and earned him numerous awards and accolades.

15. Second Album: His second album, Carolina, was released in 2009 and produced three singles: “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most,” and “Hell on the Heart.” Two of these singles reached the top ten on Billboard’s Country Singles chart.
16. Breakthrough Album: Church’s breakthrough album was Chief, released in July 2011, which debuted at number one on both the Billboard Country and Top 200 charts.
17. First No. 1 Singles: The album included his first No. 1 singles, “Drink in My Hand” and “Springsteen,” which also reached number one on the Country chart and was a top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
18. Album of the Year: Chief won Album of the Year at the 2012 Country Music Association Awards and he received a CMT Artist of the Year Award later that year.
19. Third No. 1 Single: The song “The Only Way I Know,” which he recorded with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, became his third No. 1 single.
20. Fourth Studio Album: In October 2013, Church released his fourth studio album, The Outsiders, which featured his fourth and fifth No. 1 singles, “Give Me Back My Home Town” and “Talladega.”

Awards and Recognition

Eric Church's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, solidifying his place in country music.

21. Awards and Nominations: Throughout his career, Eric Church has received numerous awards and nominations. He has been nominated for 7 Grammys, 12 CMA Awards, and 11 Academy of Country Music Awards.
22. CMT Artist of the Year: In 2012, Church won the CMT Artist of the Year Award, presented by Kid Rock, and received a video message of congratulations from Metallica’s James Hetfield.
23. No Shoes Nation Tour: In November 2012, it was announced that Church would co-headline Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation Tour alongside Chesney, Zac Brown Band, and Eli Young Band.
24. CMT Collaborate Video of the Year: In 2013, Church won the CMT Award for Collaborate Video of the Year for his recording of “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.
25. American Music Awards: In 2014, Church won the Favorite Country Album award for The Outsiders from the American Music Awards.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Eric Church's personal life and experiences have greatly influenced his music, adding depth and authenticity to his songs.

26. Personal Life: In January 2008, Eric Church married music publisher Katherine Blasinghame in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The couple has two sons: Boone McCoy Church (born October 2011) and Tennessee Hawkins ‘Hawk’ Church (born February 2015).
27. Song Inspiration: Many of Church’s songs are inspired by personal experiences and observations. For example, “What I Almost Was” references his decision to pursue music over a corporate career.
28. Touring Experience: Church has toured extensively throughout his career, including opening for Rascal Flatts and later being fired for taking up too much time during his set. However, an invitation from Bob Seger to open his shows helped save Church’s career.
29. Commercial Success: Despite initial doubts about his commercial viability, Church’s albums have consistently performed well on the charts. His ability to blend traditional country with rock influences has contributed to his success.
30. Songwriting Process: Church is known for his prolific songwriting. He has stated that he often writes songs quickly, sometimes in a matter of days. This approach has led to some of his most critically acclaimed work.

Albums and Musical Style

Eric Church's albums showcase his unique blend of country and rock, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

31. Album Chief Moniker: The title Chief for his breakthrough album was inspired by his grandfather, who was a police chief for 35 years. The nickname "Chief" was given to Church by his friends as a joke, but it eventually became the name of his album.
32. Album The Outsiders Ambition: The Outsiders was a riskier album for Church, as it deviated from his previous commercial success. However, it received critical acclaim and further solidified his position in the country music scene.
33. Album Mr. Misunderstood Surprise Release: In November 2015, Church released Mr. Misunderstood completely by surprise. He wrote the album in 20 days and recorded it in 10, only letting his label know when necessary.
34. Collaborations: Church has collaborated with several artists, including Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan on “The Only Way I Know” and Kenny Chesney on various tours.
35. CMA and ACM Awards: Church has won multiple awards from both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). His album Chief won Album of the Year at both organizations.
36. Grammy Nominations: Despite not winning a Grammy, Church has been nominated for seven awards in various categories including Best Country Album, Male Vocalist, and Song of the Year for “Springsteen.”
37. American Country Awards: In 2012, Church won the American Country Award for Song of the Year for “Springsteen” and Vocal Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.
38. CMT Awards: Church has won several CMT Awards, including Collaborate Video of the Year and Artist of the Year.
39. American Music Awards: In addition to his CMT and American Country Awards, Church has also won Favorite Country Album at the American Music Awards.

Touring and Live Performances

Eric Church's live performances are known for their energy and connection with fans, making his concerts a memorable experience.

40. Touring History: Church has toured extensively throughout his career, including opening for Rascal Flatts and later headlining his own tours. His performances are known for their high energy and dedication to his craft.
41. Songwriting Style: Church’s songwriting style is characterized by his ability to blend storytelling with personal observations. His songs often touch on themes of love, heartache, and everyday life.
42. Musical Influences: Church’s music is influenced by a variety of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Bob Seger, and Bruce Springsteen. These influences can be heard in his unique blend of country and rock.
43. Critical Acclaim: Throughout his career, Church has received critical acclaim for his albums and singles. His ability to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds has earned him respect from both fans and critics.
44. Commercial Success: Despite initial doubts about his commercial viability, Church’s albums have consistently performed well on the charts. His ability to blend traditional country with rock influences has contributed to his success.
45. Live Performances: Church is known for his energetic and engaging live performances. His shows often feature a mix of his own songs and covers of other artists, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Fan Base and Philanthropy

Eric Church's dedicated fan base and commitment to philanthropy highlight his impact beyond music.

46. Fan Base: Church has a dedicated fan base that appreciates his unique style and commitment to his craft. Fans often praise his ability to connect with them through his music and live performances.
47. Philanthropy: Church is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting organizations that help veterans and children. His commitment to giving back to the community is evident in his charitable work.
48. Personal Philosophy: Church’s personal philosophy is centered around the importance of staying true to oneself and following one’s passion. He often speaks about the challenges he faced early in his career and how they shaped him into the artist he is today.
49. Legacy: Eric Church’s legacy in country music is significant. He has inspired a new generation of artists with his unique blend of traditional country and rock influences. His commitment to his craft and dedication to his fans have cemented his place as one of the most respected artists in the industry.
50. Current Projects: As of 2024, Church continues to work on new music and projects. His ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his artistic vision ensures that he remains a prominent figure in the country music scene.

Eric Church's Impact on Country Music

Eric Church has left a lasting mark on country music. From his early days in North Carolina to his rise as a chart-topping artist, Church's journey is nothing short of inspiring. His unique blend of traditional country and rock influences sets him apart in the industry. Albums like Chief and The Outsiders showcase his versatility and storytelling prowess.

Church's dedication to his craft and his fans is evident in his energetic live performances and heartfelt lyrics. Awards and nominations from the CMAs, ACMs, and AMAs highlight his talent and hard work. Beyond music, his philanthropic efforts show a commitment to giving back.

Eric Church's legacy continues to grow, inspiring new artists and captivating fans worldwide. His influence on country music is undeniable, and his story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.