Lainey Wilson is one of the rising stars in country music today. She has a unique style that blends traditional country with modern influences, such as pop, rock, and hip-hop. She has also a distinctive voice that reflects her Southern roots and her honest storytelling. She has released two albums and three EPs, and has co-written songs for other artists, such as Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, and Dustin Lynch.
Wilson was born in 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, a small town with only 300 people. Her father was a farmer and a guitar player, and her mother was a schoolteacher. She also has a sister named Janna. She grew up listening to classic country music by artists like Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Buck Owens. She started writing songs when she was nine years old, and learned to play guitar at 11. In high school, she performed as a Hannah Montana impersonator at various events across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
Wilson moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2011 to pursue her dream of becoming a country singer. She lived in a camper trailer outside of a recording studio for three years, where the studio owner helped her with water and electricity. She played at local venues and worked on her songwriting skills. In 2014, she released her first album, Lainey Wilson, on the Cupit label. In 2016, she released her second album, Tougher, on the Lone Chief label. The album reached number 44 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
In 2018, Wilson signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and a record deal with Broken Bow Records. She released her self-titled EP in 2018, which featured six songs that showcased her diverse musical influences. She followed it up with another EP in 2019, titled Redneck Hollywood. The EP included the song "Things a Man Oughta Know", which became her breakthrough hit in 2020. The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also earned her nominations for New Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2021.
In 2021, Wilson released her debut major-label album, Sayin' What I'm Thinkin', which was produced by Jay Joyce. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, and debuted at number seven on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album also spawned the singles "WWDD", "Rolling Stone", and "Neon Diamonds".
Lainey Wilson's "Bell Bottom Country" is a vibrant tapestry of sound that captures the essence of her artistry. Released on October 28, 2022, the album is a celebration of Wilson's unique style, blending the soul of country music with the flair of '70s rock, funk, and soul. The album, which won Best Country Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, features sixteen tracks, including the hit singles "Heart Like a Truck," "Watermelon Moonshine," and "Wildflowers and Wild Horses" that showcase Wilson's versatility and depth as a songwriter. Each song on the album is a testament to Wilson's commitment to storytelling and her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. "Bell Bottom Country" not only solidified Wilson's place in the country music landscape but also highlights her as a trendsetter who is not afraid to push boundaries and redefine the genre.
Wilson is one of the most influential and respected artists in country music today. She has been hailed as a modern-day legend by Rolling Stone magazine and recognized as one of the Next Women of Country by CMT. She continues to tour across the country and around the world with her Bell Bottom Country tour. She is a true country soul who inspires millions with her music.
