Kristian Merrill Bush, born on March 14, 1970, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a multifaceted American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Raised in Sevierville, Tennessee, Bush was exposed to music from an early age, picking up his first violin at the tender age of four. His musical journey began alongside his younger brother Brandon, performing as Dolly Parton's opening act at the local Bush Beans Jamboree. Bush's family ties include being the great-grandson of A.J. Bush, founder of Bush Brothers and Company. Despite expectations for him to join the family business, Bush pursued his passion for music, eventually becoming classically trained under the Suzuki method at the University of Tennessee.
Bush's musical career is marked by his role as one half of the country music duo Sugarland alongside Jennifer Nettles, and as a member of the folk rock duo Billy Pilgrim with Andrew Hyra. His solo ventures are equally noteworthy, with the release of his album "Southern Gravity" in 2015, followed by a series of solo albums in 2022 and 2023, including "52 ATL x BNA," "52 | In The Key Of Summer," "52 | New Blue," and "52 | This Year." In 2023, he also released an EP titled "Drink Happy Thoughts" on his own label, Songs Of The Architect.
[caption id="attachment_6944" align="aligncenter" width="360"]
1.83.0-7DM6DF5HJORCM3UT6PTRPHS3AY.0.2-2[/caption]
Beyond his recording achievements, Bush is recognized as country music's renaissance man, known for stretching genre norms and embracing creative freedom. His latest project, "52," is a 52-song collection sparked by his 52nd birthday, showcasing his authentic sound and the influences he's gathered throughout his eclectic career. The project is divided into four volumes, each themed around different aspects of his musical influences, including summer, rock, and love, set for release over the course of a year.