From Rugby to Radio: How a Dusty Guitar and an Eric Church CD Changed Luke Combs’ Life Forever!

Luke Combs, one of country music’s biggest stars, didn’t always know that his future lay in strumming a guitar and singing his heart out on stage. In fact, the journey from the rugby field to the radio waves was anything but straightforward, and it all started with a dusty guitar and an Eric Church CD that would change his life forever.

A Budding Talent in a Small Town

Born and raised in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina, Luke Combs wasn’t initially pegged as the future of country music. However, his talent for singing was undeniable even in his early years. His first validation as a vocalist came during high school, where his powerful voice earned him a solo spot when his classmates performed at Carnegie Hall with other choruses from across the country. This moment marked the beginning of Combs’ realization that his voice could take him places.

Balancing Rugby and Music in College

After high school, Combs enrolled in Appalachian State University, where he continued to nurture his passion for singing. He performed in various ensembles, showcasing his vocal talent, but his focus wasn’t entirely on music. Instead, Combs was deeply involved in another passion—rugby. The intensity and camaraderie of the sport provided him with a sense of belonging, but something was still missing.

That something was found in an unexpected place—an Eric Church CD. Listening to Church’s heartfelt songwriting and authentic musical direction struck a chord deep within Combs. For the first time, he felt a visceral connection to music that he hadn’t experienced before. The melodies, the lyrics, and the raw emotion ignited a fire in him that couldn’t be ignored.

The Turning Point: A Dusty Guitar and a Leap of Faith

At 21, after being inspired by Eric Church, Combs dusted off an old guitar that had been sitting unused for years. Determined to pursue his newfound calling, he taught himself to play using online guitar tabs, pouring himself into the craft with relentless dedication. Music became more than a hobby; it became his future.

With this realization, Combs made a bold decision—he dropped out of college and moved to Nashville in 2014 to chase his dreams. It was a risky move, but Combs was all in. He started booking his own shows, playing at small venues, and building a social media following that would prove crucial in the years to come.

A Meteoric Rise: From Indie Label to Country Radio

Combs’ hard work began to pay off when he was spotted by his future manager at a club in Georgia. Impressed by Combs’ raw talent and burgeoning fan base, they struck a deal with a brand new indie label to release his first single, “Hurricane,” to country radio.

The response was overwhelming. “Hurricane” quickly became a fast-rising hit, and with a solid fan base already in place, it wasn’t long before Combs caught the attention of major labels. In 2016, he signed with Columbia Nashville/River House Artists, setting the stage for what would become one of the most remarkable careers in country music.

The Impact of Church and the Road Ahead

Luke Combs’ story is a testament to the power of music and the influence of those who come before us. That Eric Church CD didn’t just inspire Combs to pursue music—it changed the trajectory of his life. Today, Combs is known for his chart-topping hits, sold-out shows, and the same authenticity that drew him to Eric Church’s music in the first place.

From the rugby field to the radio, Luke Combs’ journey is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a dusty guitar and a bit of inspiration to find your true calling. And for Combs, that calling has led to the pinnacle of country music, where his voice now resonates with millions around the world.