He burst onto the country music scene in 2006 and hasn’t looked back. Eric Church’s prominence in the genre has only grown with the release of each of his three studio albums.

Like many country stars, however, Church comes from humble beginnings.  The Granite Falls, North Carolina native began writing songs at age 13, and later taught himself to play guitar. He attended college at Appalachian State and formed a band called the Mountain Boys. Playing to rough and tough crowds around the region, Eric and his bandmates were sometimes involved in altercations from the stage.

But he persevered. After earning his marketing degree, Eric gave Nashville a shot. He toiled as a writer for over a year and eventually produced a demo. Capitol Records Nashville heard it and signed him. Church debuted in 2006 with album Sinners Like Me which contained his breakout single “How ‘Bout You.”

Come 2009 sophomore studio effort Carolina hit the store shelves and was eventually certified gold thanks to songs like “Smoke a Little Smoke” and “Hell on the Heart.”

Eric’s newest album, Chief, was nominated in November for a Grammy for Best Country Album. Two singles off that album – “Homeboy” and “Drink In My Hand” – enjoyed heavy radio rotation with “Drink In My Hand” eventually becoming Church’s first number one single on the charts. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony February 12. 

Follow Toby Keith on Twitter or visit his official website, www.ericchurch.com.

Click here to nominate the Eagle 99.3 Artist of the Month for March.