Luke Combs’ College Days Uncovered: Watch Rare Footage of Him Singing Before Fame!

OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.

In an unexpected throwback, rare footage of country music star Luke Combs singing in his college days has surfaced, offering fans a glimpse into the early roots of his musical journey. The video, posted by Adam Church, a longtime friend of Combs, shows the two performing “The Way She Rides” in one of their college apartments at Appalachian State University. The intimate video takes us back to a time before Combs became the chart-topping sensation he is today.

The clip, which was shared on Instagram by Samuel Crabtree (who now works with Riley Green), features Combs effortlessly nailing the vocals on the song, a track that would later be featured on his 2014 EP The Way She Rides. The video captures a raw, unpolished moment, with Combs and Church showcasing their musical chemistry long before they saw their names in lights.

The caption accompanying the video reads, “Throwback to the beginning,” and includes a small but notable detail: “That guitar is in the HOF now.” The guitar referenced in the post is now housed in the Country Music Hall of Fame, symbolizing the incredible journey Combs has taken since those early days of performing in college apartments.

Combs, who was known for his love of covers—especially of artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd—was already honing his music skills during his time at Appalachian State. The video is a charming reminder of the humble beginnings that led to Combs’ meteoric rise in the country music world.

Fans of the singer will be especially excited to know that Combs is gearing up for a stop in Boone, North Carolina, on his upcoming What You See Is What You Get tour. However, this time, he’ll be performing at Kidd Brewer Stadium, a far cry from the college apartment where he first shared his talent with friends. And while his signature long hair might no longer be in the picture, the unmistakable sound of his voice continues to captivate audiences across the country.

This rare footage serves as a reminder of just how far Combs has come, from the small apartments of Boone to sold-out stadiums and recognition in the Country Music Hall of Fame. His rise to fame is a testament to the hard work, passion, and raw talent that began long before his music was ever heard on the big stage.