Career Timeline of Lainey Wilson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Lainey Wilson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lainey Wilson is an American country singer-songwriter who began performing early in life. After moving to Nashville, she released her first album in 2014. She followed up with a second album in 2016. Wilson signed a publishing deal and in 2019, she released an EP featuring "Things a Man Oughta Know." Released as a single in 2020 through BBR Music Group, the song reached number one on the American country songs chart, marking a significant milestone in her career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Release of 'Country Girls Rule' EP

In 2006, Lainey Wilson released an extended play (EP) titled 'Country Girls Rule' on Myspace, marking one of her early musical releases.

August 2011: Move to Nashville

In August 2011, Lainey Wilson graduated from high school and moved to Nashville to pursue her music career, marking a significant step in her journey.

2014: Release of Self-Titled Album

In 2014, Lainey Wilson released a self-titled album on the Cupit label, an early milestone in her professional music career.

2014: First Album Release

In 2014, Lainey Wilson released her first album on Cupit, a significant step in her early career.

2016: Second Album Release

In 2016, Lainey Wilson released her second album on Lone Chief, furthering her presence in the country music scene.

2016: Release of 'Tougher' Album

In 2016, Lainey Wilson released the album 'Tougher' on the Lone Chief label, which helped her gain a larger audience and chart on Billboard Top Country Albums.

2018: Second EP Release and Signing Deals

In 2018, Lainey Wilson released her second self-titled EP, which led to her signing a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and a management deal, furthering her career in the music industry.

2018: Signing with BBR Music Group

In 2018, Lainey Wilson signed a major-label recording contract with the BBR Music Group, marking a significant step in her career.

2019: Major Label Release and Touring

In 2019, Lainey Wilson released her third EP, Redneck Hollywood, and her debut major label single, "Dirty Looks". She was also included in CMT's "Listen Up" Class of 2019, the "2019 CMT Next Women of Country" tour, and toured with Morgan Wallen. Several of her songs were featured in the Paramount Network show Yellowstone.

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2019: EP Release and Publishing Deal

In 2019, Lainey Wilson secured a publishing deal and released an extended play (EP) that featured the song "Things a Man Oughta Know", which was a pivotal moment in her career.

August 2020: Release of "Things a Man Oughta Know" to Radio

In August 2020, BBR label released Lainey Wilson's single, "Things a Man Oughta Know", to radio, gaining significant media attention.

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2020: "Things a Man Oughta Know" Issued as a Single

In 2020, "Things a Man Oughta Know" was released as a single through the BBR Music Group, which eventually led to it reaching number one on the American country songs chart.

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2021: Success of "Things a Man Oughta Know" and Album Release

By 2021, "Things a Man Oughta Know" became Lainey Wilson's breakout single, reaching number one on Billboard Country Airplay. It was also included on her third studio album, Sayin' What I'm Thinkin', which received positive reviews and peaked at number 40 on the Billboard country albums chart.

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2021: Touring and Collaboration with Cole Swindell

In 2021, Lainey Wilson joined Jason Aldean's "Back in the Saddle Tour" as a supporting act. She also collaborated with Cole Swindell on the single "Never Say Never," which became her second single to top the Billboard country chart.

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2022: Solo Single, Album Release, and CMA Nominations

In 2022, Lainey Wilson released her solo single "Heart Like a Truck" followed by the album Bell Bottom Country. She also received a leading six nominations at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards and joined the cast of Yellowstone, with her songs also featured in the series.

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2023: Co-writing 'Chasing Tornadoes'

In 2023, Lainey Wilson co-wrote the single "Chasing Tornadoes" with MacKenzie Porter, marking a contribution to another artist's work.

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2023: Entertainer of the Year Award

In 2023, Lainey Wilson received nine Country Music Association Awards, including winning the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, highlighting her significant achievements in the country music industry.

2023: CMA Awards and Entertainer of the Year

In 2023, Lainey Wilson received nine nominations at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards, winning five, including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, making her the first woman to win the latter since Taylor Swift in 2009.

May 9, 2024: Announcement of 'Whirlwind' Album

On May 9, 2024, Lainey Wilson announced the upcoming release of her fifth album, Whirlwind, scheduled for August 23, 2024.

May 20, 2024: Release of 'Hang Tight Honey' as Lead Single

On May 20, 2024, "Hang Tight Honey" was released as the lead single from Lainey Wilson's upcoming album Whirlwind to country radio.

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May 31, 2024: Opening of 'Bell Bottoms Up'

On May 31, 2024, Lainey Wilson opened Bell Bottoms Up, a three-story bar, Cajun restaurant, and music venue in downtown Nashville.

August 23, 2024: Release of 'Whirlwind' Album

On August 23, 2024, Lainey Wilson's fifth album, Whirlwind, was released.

2024: Feature on Keith Urban's Song

In 2024, Lainey Wilson featured on Keith Urban's song "Go Home W U", marking a collaboration with another prominent artist.

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2025: Grammy Nomination for 'Whirlwind'

In 2025, Lainey Wilson's album Whirlwind was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

2026: Acting Debut in 'Reminders of Him'

In 2026, Lainey Wilson is set to make her feature film acting debut in Reminders of Him, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name.