Easton Corbin: The Neo-Traditional Country Star‘s Career Journey and Life Today
When 27-year-old Easton Corbin erupted onto the country music scene in 2009 with his instant classic hit "A Little More Country Than That," his traditional sound was a throwback to a simpler era of the genre. More than a decade later, Easton remains one of country‘s most consistent road warriors. He continues touring the nation to perform his beloved catalog of hits for his legions of loyal fans.
Let‘s take a closer look at Easton‘s country roots, how he burst onto the scene, the experiences that shaped his signature sound, his current life out of the spotlight, and whether he still takes the stage today.
Easton‘s Small Town Country Upbringing
Born April 12, 1982 in rural Trenton, Florida (population just over 2,000), Easton Corbin grew up immersed in traditional Southern living. His father was in the military, so Easton‘s family moved frequently when he was a child. But whenever they returned to Gilchrist County, he indulged in the pastimes he loved: fishing, hunting, riding four-wheelers, and being outdoors.
Back then, the country music stars who shaped Easton‘s tastes were legends like George Jones, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, and of course, George Strait. In fact, from an early age, Easton‘s traditional vocal style earned him comparisons to King George.
Easton recalled his simple country upbringing in a 2010 interview: "I grew up listening to a lot of George Strait records," he said. "Where I grew up in Trenton, Florida, it was all about tradition, and that’s the kind of music I fell in love with.”
Early Musical Journey and Traditional Influences
As early as age 4, Easton was performing at local Trenton festivals and events. In high school, he picked up guitar and started writing his own songs influenced by old-school country records of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
After graduation, the country crooner did a 2-year stint with a construction business in New Mexico. But his passion for music ultimately led him to Nashville in 2006 at age 24 to pursue his dreams. He took odd jobs by day and played Nashville‘s famous honky-tonks at night, honing his live show.
Of this era, Easton told Billboard, "I got to move to Nashville and have the true Nashville experience: living there, going to all the writer‘s nights and honky-tonks. It teaches you so much about the craft of songwriting, and just being around so many talented people."
Rather than chasing modern country-pop trends, Easton focused on perfecting his smooth traditional baritone and penning old-fashioned style ballads and toe-tappers. He caught the ear of producers who recognized his comeback potential in the era of raspy bro-country singers.
2009 Breakout With "A Little More Country Than That"
In 2009, Mercury Nashville officially signed then-27-year-old Easton Corbin. His debut single "A Little More Country Than That" shot to #1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart that year. Penned by hitmakers Wendell Mobley, Rory Lee Feek, and Don Poythress, the song‘s nostalgic lyrics and steel guitar riffs heralded the emergence of a neo-traditional country newcomer.
The song set the tone for Easton‘s 2010 self-titled debut album, which debuted at #2 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart. He became the first male country solo artist in 17 years to have his initial two singles reach #1 with follow-up chart-topper "Roll With It."
Easton reflected on his instant success, saying: "For a song like ‘A Little More Country Than That‘ to take off the way it has really shocked me…It’s overwhelming and hard to put into words, but just the way fans have embraced my music is so humbling."
Rising Country Stardom in the 2010s Decade
Following his breakout debut, Easton continued releasing beloved throwback-styled hits that dominated country radio and playlists throughout the 2010s decade. His accolades piled up quickly:
- 5 #1 singles on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart
- 8 top 10 hits on Hot Country Songs
- Over 3 million singles sold
- 2010 ACM Award for New Solo Vocalist
- Multiple Gold & Platinum song certifications
- 4 studio albums released 2010-2015
He racked up opening slots on tours with genre superstars like Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban. He played revered stages including the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.
While newer artists were often pushing a more pop-infused sound, Easton found success in a corner of traditional country untouched since the 90s. He credited the timeless quality of his music, saying “Fans want to hear real country music with real lyrics…my music will stand the test of time.”
Life Off Stage and Out of the Spotlight
When not on tour over the past decade, Easton Corbin has lived a relatively low-key life near his Florida hometown. He resides just outside Gainesville, allowing him to indulge in his favorite pastimes like fishing and hunting while staying connected to his country roots.
Though he has never been married, Easton has been romantically linked to women including country singer Brinn Black. He generally avoids publicly discussing his relationships though.
A typical day for Easton at home involves waking up early, taking his dogs out in the country, spending time outdoors, and cooking up feasts of Southern comfort foods. He unwinds by checking out new country song releases, watching sports, and spending quality time with loved ones.
2016 Hiatus From New Music
After steadily releasing album after hit album his first several years on scene, Easton surprised fans in 2016 when he announced he was stepping back from new music and touring. His last album, 2015‘s ‘About to Get Real‘ had underperformed commercially.
During this break from the spotlight, Easton started a new chapter, reflecting: “I lived life. Hunters like to have hunting season, and that’s deer season. I’m in Easton season right now.”
While he largely stayed out of the public eye, it was rumored he was spending more time with family and traveling. But by 2018, he started making select concert appearances again, hinting he wasn‘t ready to fully quit music.
The Return to Live Performing
Starting in 2018, Corbin began sporadically announcing concert dates and festival appearances again. And by 2022, Easton seems to have settled into a groove of touring regularly throughout the year. His show calendar is filled with upcoming dates across the U.S.
While he has recently returned to releasing the occasional new track as a featured guest vocalist, he has not indicated plans to drop a new solo studio album. But his discography has earned him a devoted fanbase that remains hungry to hear his hits performed live.
At a recent concert, reviewer Michael Davis recapped the experience: "The crowd was on their feet swaying and singing along to every song, transported back in time by Easton‘s traditional sound and beloved catalog. It‘s clear his fans still can‘t get enough of his smooth signature vocals and hits."
Based on recent reviews, Easton‘s shows offer the nostalgic atmosphere and good old-fashioned fun that country concerts are known for. Fans say his humble charm on stage makes audience members feel like old friends.
The Verdict on Easton Corbin Today
Based on his busy touring schedule, active social media presence, and occasional new music releases, it‘s clear that country hitmaker Easton Corbin is still very involved with making music – even if he‘s changed priorities and pacing to allow more life balance.
While he rocketed to stardom in 2010 and became a country radio staple, he now seems content with a more selective schedule focused just on live shows for his passionate fanbase.
Easton has mentioned he would eventually consider new music again if he finds the right traditional songs that inspire him. But for now, he remains focused on bringing his hits like "Roll With It" and "Lovin‘ You is Fun" to adoring crowds across the nation, keeping real country music alive on stages nationwide.
So for fans wondering if they‘ll still have chances to two-step and sing along with Easton Corbin live, the answer is a resounding yes. When it comes to performing his catalog of neo-traditional country hits, Easton isn‘t hanging it up anytime soon.
