History of Eric Church in Timeline

Eric Church is a prominent American country music singer-songwriter, known for his distinctive blend of rock and country influences. He has released nine studio albums under Capitol Nashville since 2005. His debut album, 'Sinners Like Me' (2006), launched his career with successful singles such as "How 'Bout You", "Two Pink Lines", and "Guys Like Me", all of which charted on Billboard's country charts, establishing him as a notable figure in contemporary country music.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 3, 1977: Kenneth Eric Church Born

On May 3, 1977, Kenneth Eric Church was born, marking the beginning of the country music singer-songwriter's life.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Co-wrote Terri Clark's single

In 2005, Eric Church co-wrote Terri Clark's single, "The World Needs a Drink", marking an early contribution to the country music scene.

2005: Signs with Capitol Nashville

In 2005, Eric Church signed with Capitol Nashville, beginning his professional music career and leading to the release of nine studio albums.

April 2006: Grand Ole Opry Debut

In April 2006, Eric Church made his debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2006: Sinners Like Me Release

In 2006, Eric Church released his debut album, Sinners Like Me, which featured three singles that charted on the Billboard country charts.

January 8, 2008: Marriage to Katherine Blasingame

On January 8, 2008, Eric Church married music publisher Katherine Blasingame at West Glow Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

2008: Released "His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)"

In 2008, Eric Church released "His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)" to country radio, which charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

March 24, 2009: Carolina Album Release

On March 24, 2009, Eric Church released his second album, Carolina, and distributed copies at Appalachian State University the night before the official release.

September 2009: "Love Your Love the Most" Top 10 Hit

In September 2009, Eric Church's single "Love Your Love the Most" reached the Top 10, marking his first Top 10 hit.

October 2009: "Hell on the Heart" Release

In October 2009, Eric Church released "Hell on the Heart", the second single from his album Carolina, which would also become a top 10 hit.

2009: Carolina Album Release

In 2009, Eric Church released his second album, Carolina, featuring three singles that gained significant popularity, including his first top 10 hits.

May 2010: "Hell on the Heart" Becomes Top 10 Hit

In May 2010, "Hell on the Heart" hits the top 10, marking a career milestone for Eric Church.

June 2010: Moved to EMI Records Nashville

In June 2010, Eric Church moved to Capitol Nashville's new imprint, EMI Records Nashville, becoming their second artist.

January 14, 2011: Caldwell County EP Release

On January 14, 2011, Eric Church released a four-song EP titled Caldwell County.

July 26, 2011: Chief Album Release

On July 26, 2011, Eric Church released his album Chief, which debuted at No. 1 on both Top Country Albums and the Billboard 200.

October 3, 2011: Birth of Son, Boone McCoy Church

On October 3, 2011, Eric Church and his wife welcomed their first son, Boone McCoy Church.

November 30, 2011: Chief Nominated for Grammy

On November 30, 2011, Eric Church's album Chief was nominated for the 2012 Grammy Awards for Best Country Album.

2011: Chief Album Release

In 2011, Eric Church released his album Chief, which became his first No. 1 album and included hit singles like "Drink in My Hand" and "Springsteen."

January 2012: "Drink in My Hand" No. 1 Single

In January 2012, Eric Church achieved his first No. 1 single with "Drink in My Hand", a significant milestone in his career.

February 2012: "Springsteen" Single Release

In February 2012, Eric Church released "Springsteen" as the third single from his album Chief.

July 16, 2012: "Creepin'" Single Release

On July 16, 2012, Eric Church released "Creepin'" to country radio as the fourth single from his album Chief.

September 2012: Live Album Announcement

In September 2012, Eric Church announced plans to release his first live album in 2013, recorded at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

January 2013: "Like Jesus Does" Single Release

In January 2013, Eric Church released "Like Jesus Does" as the fifth single from Chief.

June 2013: "Like Jesus Does" Peaked on Chart

In June 2013, Eric Church's single, "Like Jesus Does," peaked at number six on the Country Airplay chart.

October 22, 2013: "The Outsiders" Single Release

On October 22, 2013, Eric Church released a new single titled "The Outsiders" in anticipation of his fourth studio album.

2013: Singles from The Outsiders released

Beginning in 2013, Eric Church released several singles from his fourth album The Outsiders.

2013: Time Off from Music

In 2013, Eric Church planned to take time off from music to focus on songwriting and musical direction.

2013: Chief Cares Fund Foundation

In 2013, Eric and Katherine Church founded the Chief Cares Fund, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged families and other charitable causes.

January 2014: "Give Me Back My Hometown" Release

In January 2014, Eric Church released "Give Me Back My Hometown", which later reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.

February 11, 2014: The Outsiders Album Release

On February 11, 2014, Eric Church released his fourth studio album, also titled The Outsiders.

February 2014: The Outsiders Album Release

In February 2014, Eric Church released his fourth album, The Outsiders, which spawned multiple singles including "Give Me Back My Hometown" and "Talladega."

June 2014: "Cold One" Release

In June 2014, Eric Church released the single, "Cold One" from The Outsiders album.

February 15, 2015: Birth of Second Son, Tennessee Hawkins Church

On February 15, 2015, Eric Church and his wife welcomed their second son, Tennessee Hawkins "Hawk" Church.

February 2015: "Talladega" Number One

In February 2015, Eric Church's single, "Talladega" reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.

March 9, 2015: "Like a Wrecking Ball" Release

On March 9, 2015, Eric Church released his single "Like a Wrecking Ball" to country radio.

May 2015: Sixth No. 1 Hit with Keith Urban

In May 2015, Eric Church achieved his sixth No. 1 hit with Keith Urban on the single "Raise 'Em Up", marking a significant milestone in his career.

November 3, 2015: Mr. Misunderstood Album Surprise Release

On November 3, 2015, Eric Church surprised his fan club members with the early release of his new album, Mr. Misunderstood.

November 9, 2015: "Mr. Misunderstood" Released to Radio

On November 9, 2015, Eric Church's single "Mr. Misunderstood" was officially released to radio, following the surprise album release.

November 2015: Mr. Misunderstood Album Release

In November 2015, Eric Church released his fifth studio album, Mr. Misunderstood, which produced two number one singles and was released as a surprise to his fan club members.

February 6, 2016: "Mr. Misunderstood" Peaked on Chart

On February 6, 2016, Eric Church's song "Mr. Misunderstood" peaked at No. 15 on the airplay chart.

March 2016: "Record Year" Released to Radio

In March 2016, Eric Church released "Record Year" to radio from his album Mr. Misunderstood.

August 2016: "Record Year" Reached No. 1

In August 2016, Eric Church's "Record Year" reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart.

August 29, 2016: "Kill a Word" Released to Radio

On August 29, 2016, Eric Church released the single, "Kill a Word" to country radio from Mr. Misunderstood album.

May 2017: Holdin' My Own Tour Concludes

In May 2017, Eric Church concluded his Holdin' My Own Tour, which included 62 shows in 61 cities and was capped off with two sold-out shows in Nashville.

September 2017: 61 Days in Church Album Released in Stages

In September 2017, Eric Church began releasing his live album 61 Days in Church in stages on digital streaming services, prior to its vinyl box set release.

October 4, 2017: Debuted "Why Not Me" at Grand Ole Opry

On October 4, 2017, Eric Church debuted a song he wrote for Sonny Melton, who died in the Las Vegas shooting tragedy. The song was performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

November 2017: 61 Days in Church Vinyl Box Set

In November 2017, Eric Church released a limited run vinyl box set titled 61 Days in Church. The collection includes 124 tracks all of which were recorded live at the 61 shows of his 2017 Holdin' My Own Tour.

July 12, 2018: Announced Desperate Man Album Release

On July 12, 2018, Eric Church announced via social media that he would release his sixth album, Desperate Man, on October 5, 2018.

July 13, 2018: Desperate Man Single Release

On July 13, 2018, Eric Church released "Desperate Man", the first single and title track of his upcoming album.

October 5, 2018: Desperate Man Album Release

On October 5, 2018, Eric Church released his sixth album, Desperate Man.

October 2018: Desperate Man Album Release

In October 2018, Eric Church released his album Desperate Man, marking another significant release in his discography.

November 11, 2020: CMA Entertainer of the Year Award

On November 11, 2020, Eric Church won the Entertainer of the Year award at the 54th Annual Country Music Association Awards.

April 2021: Heart & Soul Triple Album Release

In April 2021, Eric Church released his ambitious triple album set, Heart & Soul, showcasing a wide range of his musical abilities.

April 16, 2021: Heart Album Release

On April 16, 2021, Eric Church released the album Heart, the first part of his triple album project.

October 2021: Solo Concerts on The Gather Again Tour

In October 2021, after two of his bandmates tested positive for COVID-19, Eric Church performed two solo concerts on his The Gather Again Tour.

February 22, 2022: Performance at ACM Awards Announced

On February 22, 2022, it was announced that Eric Church would perform at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on March 7, 2022.

March 7, 2022: Performance at ACM Awards

Eric Church performed at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on March 7, 2022.

November 2022: North Carolina Award

In November 2022, Eric Church received the North Carolina Award, the state's highest civilian honor, from Governor Roy Cooper.

April 2024: Chief's Bar Opening

In April 2024, Eric Church opened Chief's, a bar, restaurant, and performance venue, in downtown Nashville.

October 4, 2024: "Darkest Hour" Release and Hurricane Relief

On October 4, 2024, Eric Church released the song "Darkest Hour" and pledged royalties to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, responding to the storm's impact on North Carolina.

October 26, 2024: "Concert for Carolina" Hurricane Relief

On October 26, 2024, Eric Church and Luke Combs organized the "Concert for Carolina," raising over $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief in North Carolina.

2025: Intended "Darkest Hour" Release

Eric Church intended to release the song "Darkest Hour" in 2025, but because the lyrics fit with the serious damage the storm caused to his home state of North Carolina, and the efforts to help, Church said it "didn't feel right to wait with this song."