Tyler Childers is not your typical country music singer. He is a rebel, a storyteller, and a voice for the marginalized. He sings about the harsh realities of life in the Appalachian region, the struggles of the working class, and the injustices of the system.
He also sings about love, hope, and redemption. He is a man of contradictions, but also a man of conviction. He is Tyler Childers, and this is his story.
His most recent album, Rustin’ in the Rain, came out in 2023 and features a cover of S.G. Goodman’s song “Space and Time”. Tyler Childers is also known for his outspoken views on Americana, coal mining, and social justice.
Early Life and Influences
Tyler Childers was born on June 21, 1991, in Lawrence County, Kentucky. His father was a coal miner and his mother was a nurse. He grew up singing in the church choir and learned to play guitar and write songs at the age of 13.
He graduated from Paintsville High School in 2009, where he shared the county with other famous country musicians like Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, and Crystal Gayle. He also befriended Sturgill Simpson, who later became his mentor and producer.
Tyler Childers attended Western Kentucky University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College for a few semesters, but dropped out to pursue a music career.
He started performing in Lexington, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia, and released his first album, Bottles and Bibles, in 2011. He also recorded two EPs at Red Barn Radio, a radio show from Lexington, which were later combined into one album, Live on Red Barn Radio I & II, in 2018.
Tyler Childers Career
Tyler Childers achieved his first major success with his second studio album, Purgatory, which was released in 2017. The album was produced by Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson and recorded at The Butcher Shoppe in Nashville.
It featured Simpson on guitar and backing vocals, Miles Miller on drums, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, and Russ Paul on other instruments.
The album reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart, No. 17 on the Country albums chart, and No. 4 on the Americana/Folk albums chart.
In 2018, Tyler Childers won the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. He gave a controversial acceptance speech, in which he criticized the Americana genre label and said that he identified as a country music singer. He said that Americana was “a distraction from the issues that we’re facing on a bigger level as country music singers” and that it “kind of feels like purgatory.”
Tyler Childers released his third studio album, Country Squire, in 2019. The album was again produced by Simpson and Ferguson and featured the singles “House Fire” and “All Your’n”. The latter was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
Recent Albums and Projects
In 2020, Tyler Childers surprised his fans with the release of Long Violent History, an album that consisted mostly of traditional fiddle tunes. The album ended with the title track, which addressed racism, civil unrest, and police brutality. Tyler Childers also released a video message, in which he explained his intention for the album and the song, and called for empathy and compassion. He also announced that the profits from the album would go to support underserved communities in the Appalachian region, through his Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund.
In 2022, Tyler Childers released a triple album, Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?. The album was divided into three parts: Hallelujah, Jubilee, and Joyful Noise, and featured eight songs that were presented in three different ways.
For example, the Jubilee versions had additional instruments added to the Hallelujah versions. The album was Tyler Childers’ first top 10 album on Billboard 200, based on 27,000 units earned in the first week.
In 2023, Tyler Childers released a new single, “In Your Love”, which was co-written with Geno Seale. The song was followed by the announcement of a new album, Rustin’ in the Rain, which was released in September.
The music video for the single, written by Silas House, depicted a relationship between two gay coal miners in the 1950s. Tyler Childers also expressed his support for coal miner’s rights and same-sex marriage in the video.
Tyler Childers was announced as one of the headliners in the 2024 Bourbon & Beyond festival in his home state, taking place in Louisville, KY in September.
Musical Style and Influences
Tyler Childers’ music is influenced by his home state of Kentucky and its connection to country music and bluegrass. He often writes about coal mining, which was his father’s occupation, and its effects on the people and the environment. He also writes about his personal experiences, relationships, and struggles. He has been praised for his storytelling skills and his authentic voice.
Tyler Childers has also been vocal about his views on Americana, a genre that he rejects as a label for his music. He has said that he does not know how to define Americana and that he considers himself a country music singer. He has also said that Americana has become “just a costume” and that he wants to focus on the issues that matter to country music singers and fans.
Tyler Childers’ “In Your Love”
The track showcases his soulful voice and storytelling abilities that have earned him critical acclaim within the Americana music scene.
Tyler Childers Personal Life and Philanthropy
Tyler Childers married Senora May, another Kentucky native and performer, in 2015. They announced that they were expecting their first child in May 2022.
Tyler Childers and his wife, Senora May, started the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund in 2020 to bring awareness and financial support for philanthropic efforts in the Appalachian region. The fund supports causes such as education, health care, environmental protection, and social justice.
Tyler Childers is not affiliated with any political party, but he has expressed his support for some candidates and causes. He supported Charles Booker’s campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2022 and sang at the second inauguration of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who is a Democrat. He also supported same-sex marriage in the music video of his 2023 song “In Your Love”.
Tyler Childers has described himself as a “recovering alcoholic” who had “drunk and drugged himself around the world playing music for the better part of eleven years.” He said that he had “six months of sobriety” in September 2020. He also mentioned that he drank his last beer a day before he and Sturgill Simpson played at Rupp Arena on February 28, 2020.
Tyler Childers performs with a backing band called The Food Stamps, which consists of Craig Burletic on bass guitar, Chase Lewis on keyboards, Rodney Elkins on drums, James Barker on pedal steel guitar, Jesse Wells on other guitars and fiddle, and CJ Cain on guitar.
Tyler Childers’ Height
The specific details about Tyler Childers’ exact height are not readily available in the provided search results; however, I can confirm that he has an average build for a male musician with a rugged appearance often associated with country artists.
Tyler Childers’ Net Worth
As of my latest information, Tyler Childers’ estimated net worth is approximately $6 million, which reflects his success as a singer-songwriter and performer. His wealth primarily comes from album sales, touring, and collaborations with other musicians.
Where Does Tyler Childers Live
Tyler Childers resides in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where he grew up surrounded by Appalachian culture and traditions that heavily influence his music.
Tyler Childers’ Baby Name
Tyler Childers and his wife Jessica Lee Williams welcomed their first son named Asher on June 8th, 2021.
Tyler Childers’ Famous Song
One of Tyler Childers’ most popular songs is “All Your’n,” released in 2017, which gained significant attention due to its raw lyrics and powerful delivery.
Tyler Childers’ Grandparents
Information regarding Tyler Childers’ grandparents was not found in the provided sources; however, it is known that his family has deep roots in Eastern Kentucky, and his musical heritage stems from this region.
Tyler Childers’ Age
At the time of writing (February 25, 2024), Tyler Childers is 32 years old.
In Short
Tyler Childers has carved a unique niche in the country music scene with his authentic and original songs. He has challenged the stereotypes and expectations of the genre, and has earned the respect and admiration of fans and critics alike.
Tyler has also used his platform to raise awareness and support for the causes he believes in, such as the Appalachian region, coal mining, and social justice.
He is more than just a singer and songwriter. He is a leader, a visionary, and a legend.
FAQs on Tyler Childers
What is Tyler Childers’ best album?
This is a subjective question, but some of Tyler Childers’ most acclaimed and popular albums are Purgatory, Country Squire, and Long Violent History.
What is Tyler Childers’ relationship with Sturgill Simpson?
Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson are friends and collaborators. Simpson produced Childers’ albums Purgatory and Country Squire, and also played guitar and sang backing vocals on them. They also performed together at Rupp Arena in 2020.
What is Tyler Childers’ musical style and influences?
Tyler Childers’ music is a mix of neotraditional country, bluegrass, and folk. He is influenced by his home state of Kentucky and its musical heritage, as well as by artists such as Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Hank Williams, and Waylon Jennings.
What is Tyler Childers’ stance on Americana?
Tyler Childers rejects the Americana genre label and identifies as a country music singer. He has criticized Americana as “a distraction from the issues that we’re facing on a bigger level as country music singers” and “kind of feels like purgatory.” He has also said that Americana has become “just a costume” and that he wants to focus on the issues that matter to country music singers and fans.
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