Country singer-songwriter Eric Church began singing as a child. At 13, he started writing songs, later teaching himself to play guitar. While attending college at Appalachian State, he formed a band, the Mountain Boys. After graduating, he moved to Nashville and started getting his songs recorded by other artists, an example being Terri Clark’s version of “The World Needs a Drink.” He met producer Jay Joyce, and they began making demos. That led to his being signed by Capitol Records Nashville. His debut single, “How ‘Bout You,” was released in early 2006, and it had reached the country Top 20 by the time Capitol released his first album, Sinners Like Me, on July 18, 2006. The album was both a critical and commercial success, and Church followed it up with Carolina in 2009. That album was certified gold in May 2011. Also in 2011, the Academy of Country Music dubbed Church its top new solo vocalist. 2011’s Chief, his first No. 1 album, includes the singles “Homeboy” and “Drink In My Hand,” which became his first No. 1 single in January 2012. “Springsteen” became his second No. 1 single in June 2012. He dropped Mr. Misunderstood in 2015. Known for bold projects, he released the triple-album Heart & Soul (2021) and the surprise record Mr. Misunderstood. His latest studio work, Evangeline vs. the Machine, was released in May 2025. A 10-time Grammy nominee, he won CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2020. Eric Church continues to perform all over the country.