50 Facts About Sturgill Simpson

Early Life and Background

Sturgill Simpson's journey began in the heart of Kentucky, where his roots deeply influenced his music and life.

1. Sturgill Simpson was born on June 8, 1978, in Jackson, Breathitt County, Kentucky.
2. His mother worked as a secretary, while his father was an undercover narcotics state policeman.
3. The family moved to Versailles, near Lexington, due to his father's job.
4. Simpson's mother's family were coal miners, making him the first male on her side not to work in mining.
5. He attended Woodford County High School and barely graduated.
6. Simpson enlisted in the United States Navy during his senior year of high school.
7. He served three years in the Navy, working in the Combat Information Center of a frigate.
8. After his Navy service, he spent time in Japan and later lived in Everett and Seattle, Washington.
9. He worked as a waiter at IHOP before moving back to Lexington, Kentucky.

Musical Beginnings and Struggles

Simpson's early attempts to break into the music industry were marked by perseverance and a series of challenges.

10. In 2004, Simpson formed the country rock band Sunday Valley.
11. Sunday Valley played at the Pickathon festival in Portland, Oregon.
12. He moved to Nashville but initially struggled to make a name for himself in the music industry.
13. Simpson worked at a Salt Lake City railroad freight-shipping yard for Union Pacific Railroad.
14. He eventually managed the yard, an experience that influenced his music.
15. Encouraged by his wife and friends, he began playing local open mics and gigs.
16. Simpson returned to Sunday Valley and toured with the band.

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim

Simpson's hard work paid off with the release of his debut album and subsequent critical acclaim.

17. In 2013, Simpson released his debut album, High Top Mountain, which was self-funded and produced by Dave Cobb.
18. The album received positive reviews and comparisons to Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard.
19. His second album, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, was released in 2014.
20. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 57th Grammy Awards.
21. The album was listed 18th on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2014".
22. Simpson's music is often compared to the Outlaw Country genre.
23. Influences include Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Keith Whitley, and Marty Robbins.
24. Dwight Yoakam is also a significant influence on Simpson's music.

Television Appearances and Touring

Simpson's television appearances and extensive touring helped him reach a wider audience.

25. He made his US network television debut on July 14, 2014, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
26. Simpson later performed on The Late Show with David Letterman.
27. His third studio album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, was released on Atlantic Records in 2016.
28. A Sailor's Guide to Earth won Best Country Album at the 59th Grammy Awards.
29. The album was also nominated for Album of the Year.

Acting Career and Other Projects

Simpson's talents extend beyond music, with notable roles in film and other creative endeavors.

30. He has acted in films like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and The Dead Don't Die.
31. Simpson has appeared in sci-fi movies and other projects outside of music.
32. He released a southern-rock album, Sound & Fury, accompanied by an anime film.
33. Simpson has been involved in various unconventional projects, pushing the boundaries of country music.

Advocacy and Personal Life

Simpson is not just a musician but also an advocate for social causes and a dedicated family man.

34. He is an outspoken advocate for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
35. Simpson busked outside the Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) for ACLU donations.
36. In 2021, he released an album under the pseudonym Johnny Blue Skies, titled Passage du Desir.
37. The pseudonym helped him distance himself from his celebrity persona.
38. Simpson's music often features literary sensibilities and nautical imagery.
39. He is married to Sarah Simpson, who has been instrumental in supporting his career.
40. Simpson has two children and has spoken about the challenges of being a father.

Health Challenges and Resilience

Simpson's career has faced setbacks, but his resilience has always shone through.

41. In September 2021, he canceled his remaining tour dates due to a vocal cord hemorrhage.
42. The vocal cord hemorrhage was a significant setback, but he returned to music with his new album.
43. Simpson has won two Grammy Awards: Best Country Album for A Sailor's Guide to Earth and Best Americana Album for Sound & Fury.

Influence and Legacy

Simpson's impact on country music and his legacy as an artist continue to grow.

44. His music has been compared to Neil Young's for its heartfelt writing and experimental sounds.
45. Simpson is part of the Outlaw Country legacy, challenging traditional country music norms.
46. He has inspired a new generation of artists pushing the boundaries of traditional country sounds.
47. Simpson has collaborated with various artists, including Margo Price.
48. His experimental approach to music includes incorporating psychedelic elements.
49. Nautical and cosmic imagery are recurring themes in his music.
50. Simpson's legacy in country music is significant, shaping the genre by challenging traditional norms.

Sturgill Simpson: A True Musical Maverick

Sturgill Simpson's journey from Kentucky to Grammy-winning artist is nothing short of remarkable. His unique blend of country music, roots rock, and experimental sounds has set him apart in the music industry. From his early days with Sunday Valley to his critically acclaimed solo albums like High Top Mountain and A Sailor's Guide to Earth, Simpson has consistently pushed boundaries. His Navy experience, railroad job, and family background have deeply influenced his music, adding layers of authenticity and grit. Not just a musician, Simpson has also dabbled in acting and activism, showing his versatility. Despite facing challenges like a vocal cord hemorrhage, he continues to evolve, even releasing music under the pseudonym Johnny Blue Skies. Sturgill Simpson remains a compelling figure, inspiring a new generation of artists while staying true to his artistic vision.