Career Timeline of Sam Hunt: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Sam Hunt built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Sam Hunt is an American country music singer and songwriter. Before his music career, the Georgia native played football in high school and college, even considering a professional career in the sport. He ultimately signed with MCA Nashville in 2014 and transitioned into country music.
2008: NFL Tryout and Move to Nashville
In 2008, Sam Hunt had a tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League but was unsuccessful. Later in 2008, he moved to Nashville to pursue a music career.
2012: Co-wrote "Come Over"
In 2012, Sam Hunt co-wrote Kenny Chesney's hit song "Come Over", earning him an ASCAP award.
September 2013: Release of "Raised on It"
In September 2013, Sam Hunt independently released the single "Raised on It".
October 2013: Release of 'Between the Pines' Mixtape
In October 2013, Sam Hunt released a free 15-song mixtape titled Between the Pines via his website.
January 2014: Signs Recording Contract with MCA Nashville
In January 2014, Sam Hunt officially signed a recording contract with MCA Nashville.
August 12, 2014: Release of 'X2C' EP
On August 12, 2014, Sam Hunt released X2C, a four-song EP, as a preview of his debut studio album.
October 2014: "Leave the Night On" Reaches Number One
In October 2014, Sam Hunt's first single for MCA Nashville, "Leave the Night On", reached number one on the Country Airplay chart and was later certified Platinum.
October 27, 2014: Release of 'Montevallo' and 'Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape'
On October 27, 2014, Sam Hunt released his debut studio album Montevallo, and Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape as a gift for the fans.
November 5, 2014: 'Montevallo' Debuts at Number One
On November 5, 2014, Sam Hunt's album Montevallo debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart and number three on the US Billboard 200.
November 14, 2014: Tickets on Sale for First Tour
On November 14, 2014, Sam Hunt's first tour, Lipstick Graffiti, tickets went on sale and sold out quickly at 15 of the venues.
2014: Co-writing Hit Singles
In 2014, Sam Hunt co-wrote Keith Urban's "Cop Car" and Billy Currington's "We Are Tonight".
2014: Signing with MCA Nashville
In 2014, Sam Hunt signed with MCA Nashville, marking a significant step in his career after pursuing sports.
August 29, 2015: Featured in Billboard
On August 29, 2015, Sam Hunt was featured in Billboard, discussing breaking down country music stereotypes.
October 2015: Background Vocalist on Carrie Underwood's "Heartbeat"
In October 2015, Sam Hunt served as a background vocalist on Carrie Underwood's song "Heartbeat".
October 27, 2015: Re-release of 'Between the Pines'
On October 27, 2015, Between the Pines was re-released to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hunt's debut studio album Montevallo.
November 22, 2015: Wins American Music Award
On November 22, 2015, Sam Hunt won his first American Music Award for New Artist of the Year in Los Angeles, California.
2015: Comments on Musical Style
In 2015, Sam Hunt mentioned he does not write his songs with a specific genre in mind, and he wants to sound different than everyone else.
2015: Opening Act for Lady Antebellum
In 2015, Sam Hunt was an opening act, along with Hunter Hayes, for Lady Antebellum's Wheels Up Tour.
September 10, 2016: "Make You Miss Me" Reaches Number One
For the week of September 10, 2016, Sam Hunt's fifth single "Make You Miss Me" from Montevallo, hit number one on the Country Airplay chart.
February 1, 2017: Release of "Body Like a Back Road"
On February 1, 2017, Sam Hunt released "Body Like a Back Road", which became his biggest hit.
March 2017: Debut of "Drinkin' Too Much"
In March 2017, while playing live shows with Tucker Beathard, Sam Hunt debuted "Drinkin' Too Much", a song about his relationship with Hannah Lee Fowler.
May 2018: Release of "Downtown's Dead"
In May 2018, Sam Hunt released the single "Downtown's Dead".
June 2018: Comments on Future Musical Direction
In a June 2018 interview with Taste of Country, Sam Hunt mentioned that his upcoming second album will be much like Montevallo, but after the release of the second album he plans to return to the foundation of the musical genre that he identifies with and that his music will sound more like traditional country musician Tyler Childers.
October 2019: Release of "Kinfolks"
In October 2019, Sam Hunt released "Kinfolks", his first radio single in over a year.
January 2020: Release of "Sinning with You"
In January 2020, Sam Hunt released "Sinning with You".
February 2020: Announcement of 'Southside' Album and Tour
In February 2020, Sam Hunt announced his second album would be titled Southside, to be released on April 3, 2020, along with his Southside Summer Tour.
April 3, 2020: Release of 'Southside' Album
On April 3, 2020, Sam Hunt released his second album, Southside.
April 25, 2020: Featured on Breland's "My Truck" Remix
On April 25, 2020, Sam Hunt was featured on the remix of Breland's single "My Truck".
October 2020: Release of "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s"
In October 2020, Sam Hunt released "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s" as the fifth single from Southside.
April 2021: Collaboration with Sasha Alex Sloan
In April 2021, Sam Hunt joined indie pop singer Sasha Alex Sloan on her single "When Was It Over?"
August 2021: Duet with Ingrid Andress on "Wishful Drinking"
In August 2021, Sam Hunt dueted with Ingrid Andress on "Wishful Drinking".
September 2021: Release of "23"
In September 2021, Sam Hunt released his single "23".
2022: Release of "Water Under the Bridge" and "Start Nowhere"
In 2022, Sam Hunt released the single "Water Under the Bridge" and the promotional single "Start Nowhere".
2023: Release of "Outskirts" and Tour Announcement
In 2023, Sam Hunt released a new single, "Outskirts", and announced his "Summer on the Outskirts" tour.
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