It’s been over a decade since country star Luke Bryan stormed onto the music scene with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” – a song that he had a hand in writing.
Fast-forward to 2018, and he’s among the top country artists, has recorded more than 20 No. 1 hit songs, opened a bar in downtown Nashville and is nominated for “Entertainer of the Year” at this year’s 52nd annual CMA Awards. He last won the coveted top prize in 2015.
In 2015, Bryan’s mother, LeClaire, spoke to News 2 backstage at the CMA Awards after her son won the prestigious award.
“It’s just amazing. As a mother, it’s just unreal to see your son on that stage and get the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award and work as hard as all entertainers do. I mean, they all work, I’ve seen them all. It just puts chill bumps all over you.”
Earlier this year, Bryan joined the likes of Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton when he opened his own downtown Nashville bar.
“You look across the street and Blake’s bar is there,” he said. “All the bars that are here I mean, it’s all about the country music fan experience in my opinion. Coming to Nashville and being able to, you know on Tuesday, we’ll hit these bars, and on Wednesday, we’ll go hit the Opry and come back. It’s just a fun element I believe for tourists to come and connect with some of their favorite artists.”
Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink features multi-level rooftop bars, entertainment space, two restaurants and more.
Bryan was born in Georgia and attended Georgia Southern University before signing with Capitol Records Nashville in 2007. He and his wife have two sons. In 2013, Bryan and his wife Caroline took in their then 13-year-old nephew after his father passed away unexpectedly.
Dan + Shay announced Bryan’s 2018 “Entertainer of the Year” nomination live on “Good Morning America” in late August.
He told “Good Morning America” it was “so rewarding” to be nominated again in 2018.
Bryan is slated to perform at the 52nd annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The awards show will be held at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville and will air on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CT.
He’s also currently on his “What Makes You Country” tour.