Sam Hunt
Sam Hunt (born Sam Lowry Hunt; December 8, 1984) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and former college football player from Cedartown, Georgia.[1][2] Known for blending traditional country with R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences, Hunt rose to prominence in the mid-2010s as a crossover artist, achieving massive commercial success with genre-defying hits that emphasize storytelling, romance, and modern Southern life.[3] His music career began after a brief stint in professional football aspirations, transitioning to songwriting in Nashville where he penned tracks for artists like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney before launching his solo career.[1][3] Hunt's debut studio album, Montevallo (2014), marked his breakthrough, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and achieving 4x Platinum certification from the RIAA, fueled by four No. 1 singles on the Country Airplay chart including "Leave the Night On" and "Take Your Time."[4] His follow-up, Southside (2020), also topped the Country Albums chart and went Platinum, featuring the Diamond-certified smash "Body Like a Back Road," which held the No. 1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart for a record 34 weeks.[4] By 2024, Hunt had amassed over 15.5 billion global streams and 53 million RIAA-certified units, with his 10th No. 1 hit "Outskirts" from the EP Locked Up solidifying his status as a chart-topping force.[4] In 2025, he continued his momentum with "Country House" reaching the top 10 on Country Airplay and headlining major festivals like Boots and Hearts.[5][6] A five-time Grammy nominee, Hunt earned nods for Best New Artist and Best Country Album in 2016, as well as Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Wishful Drinking" (with Ingrid Andress) in 2023, among others.[1] His accolades also include the American Music Award for New Artist of the Year in 2015 and multiple Billboard Music Awards.[7] Beyond music, Hunt has been involved in philanthropy, such as designing merchandise for Musicians On Call, and maintains a personal life marked by his marriage to Hannah Lee Fowler since 2017, with whom he shares three children: a daughter and two sons (as of 2025).[1][8] Hunt's innovative style has influenced a new wave of country artists, bridging generational divides and expanding the genre's mainstream appeal.[3]Life and career
Early life and education
Samuel Lowry Hunt was born on December 8, 1984, in Cedartown, Georgia, to parents Allen Hunt, an insurance agent, and Joan Hunt, a schoolteacher.[9][10] As the oldest of three brothers—his siblings being Van and Ben—Hunt grew up in a close-knit family environment in rural northwest Georgia, where traditional values rooted in church and faith played a central role in daily life.[9][11] The family's emphasis on community and spirituality shaped Hunt's early worldview, though he later reflected on how these influences evolved over time.[12] Hunt attended Cedartown High School, where he excelled as an all-purpose football player, earning recognition as the 2002 Co-Offensive Player of the Year by the Rome News-Tribune and leading his team to the third round of the state playoffs.[13] Beyond athletics, he participated in local church activities, which reinforced the faith-based upbringing of his household.[11] During his teenage years, Hunt developed an early appreciation for '90s country music, listening to artists who would later inform his own style, though music remained a casual interest rather than a primary pursuit.[14] In 2004, Hunt enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University on a football scholarship, playing as a quarterback for two seasons before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2006.[13][15] At UAB, he continued his athletic career while pursuing academics, initially majoring in philosophy before switching to economics, from which he graduated in 2007.[16][15][17] During his college years, Hunt began exploring songwriting more seriously, teaching himself guitar and composing lyrics that occasionally touched on themes of personal growth and redemption, though he did not pursue music professionally at the time.[18] This period marked a subtle shift toward creative expression amid his focus on sports and studies.[19]Football career
Hunt began his college football career at Middle Tennessee State University, where he played as a quarterback from 2003 to 2004 after committing from Cedartown High School in Georgia, laying the foundation for his athletic pursuits.[20] As a freshman in 2004, he saw limited action in six games as a backup, recording 0 completions on 1 attempt for 0 passing yards and 1 rushing yard on a single carry.[21] He earned the team's "Blue Dawn" award during 2004 spring drills for his dedication.[22] After transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) ahead of the 2005 season, Hunt redshirted that year and then became the starting quarterback for the Blazers in 2006 and 2007.[13] In 2006, he appeared in seven games, completing 48 of 82 passes for 655 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, while rushing 69 times for 159 yards and 1 touchdown, though injuries caused him to miss several contests.[21] His senior year in 2007 was more extensive, starting all 12 games with 155 completions on 331 attempts for 1,905 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, plus 68 rushes for 287 yards and 2 scores.[21] Hunt graduated from UAB in 2007 with a degree in economics.[15] Following graduation, Hunt signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in May 2008 and attended rookie minicamp and training camp.[23] However, he was released before the regular season after spending about two months with the team.[24] By late 2008, facing persistent injuries and limited professional opportunities, Hunt decided to end his football aspirations and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue music while taking odd jobs such as construction and selling cell phones to support himself.[25] In later interviews, he reflected that his football experience instilled a strong work ethic and resilience, qualities that later influenced his discipline in the music industry, noting how the sport's demands prepared him for the rigors of touring and songwriting.[26]2014–2016: Breakthrough with Montevallo
In 2014, Sam Hunt signed a recording contract with MCA Nashville following his success as a songwriter, including co-writing Keith Urban's single "Cop Car," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.[27] His songwriting credits also encompassed tracks for artists such as Kenny Chesney and Billy Currington, establishing his reputation in Nashville's country music scene before transitioning to a performing artist.[28] Hunt released his debut extended play, X2C, on August 12, 2014, as a digital preview to his forthcoming album; the four-track EP included "Raised on It," "House Party," and the lead single "Leave the Night On," which debuted at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and gained early streaming momentum on platforms like Spotify.[29][30] The EP peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 36 on the Billboard 200, signaling Hunt's emerging appeal in the digital era of country music distribution. On October 27, 2014, Hunt issued his debut studio album, Montevallo, via MCA Nashville, an effort he co-wrote entirely and which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart while reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200.[31] The album's lead single, "Leave the Night On," topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for seven weeks starting November 15, 2014, marking Hunt's first No. 1 as an artist.[2] Follow-up singles included "Take Your Time," released in late 2014 and certified platinum by the RIAA in March 2015 before achieving multi-platinum status, and "Break Up in a Small Town," issued on September 21, 2015, which also reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.[32] Montevallo was certified 2× platinum by the RIAA on February 1, 2016, reflecting over two million equivalent units sold in the U.S.[33] At the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards on April 19, 2015, Hunt won New Artist of the Year, recognizing his rapid ascent with Montevallo's crossover success.[34] He supported his breakthrough by opening select dates on major tours, including performances alongside established acts in 2015 that amplified his visibility.[35] The album prominently featured Hunt's fusion of country storytelling with R&B rhythms and pop production, elements that broadened his appeal beyond traditional country audiences and contributed to its mainstream radio play.[36][37]2017–2020: Southside and major hits
In early 2017, Sam Hunt announced his engagement to Hannah Lee Fowler, whom he had known since high school, marking a significant personal milestone that influenced the introspective themes in his subsequent music.[38] The couple married in an intimate ceremony in Cedartown, Georgia, on April 15, 2017, shortly after the engagement revelation.[39] This period of personal stability contrasted with professional momentum, as Hunt released his lead single "Body Like a Back Road" from his upcoming second album in February 2017.[40] "Body Like a Back Road," co-written by Hunt with Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne, became his signature hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a record 34 weeks and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.[41] The track's crossover appeal drove massive streaming numbers, exceeding 9.2 million U.S. streams in one week during its peak run.[40] By 2020, it had been certified 7× Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its enduring popularity and sales of over 7 million units. Following this success, Hunt issued "Downtown's Dead" in May 2018 as the next single, a mid-tempo track about small-town nightlife that peaked at No. 8 on the Hot Country Songs chart. "Kinfolks," released in October 2019, served as another promotional single, debuting at No. 18 on the Country Airplay chart and emphasizing familial and relational bonds.[42] Hunt's second studio album, Southside, faced delays from its originally planned 2019 release due to personal challenges, including a DUI arrest in November 2019 that prompted a brief career hiatus to address his well-being.[43] The album ultimately arrived on April 3, 2020, via MCA Nashville, produced primarily by Zach Crowell with contributions from Luke Laird.[44] It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking Hunt's second consecutive No. 1 there and the biggest country album debut of 2020 with 46,000 equivalent album units in its first week.[45] Southside featured 12 tracks blending Hunt's signature pop-country fusion, with themes drawn from his Georgia roots and life experiences, and included collaborations such as the track "What We Gonna Do About It" co-written with ERNEST.[46] To promote the project, Hunt announced the Southside Summer Tour in February 2020, initially set to launch in May with openers Kip Moore and Travis Denning, but postponed to July amid external factors before being canceled later that year.[47] Despite the tour's fate, Southside rebounded strongly through streaming platforms, with tracks like "Hard to Forget" generating significant plays and reinforcing Hunt's crossover style established on his debut Montevallo.[45] The album's success solidified Hunt's position as a major force in contemporary country music during this era.[48]2021–present: Recent singles, tours, and projects
Following the success of his 2020 album Southside, Sam Hunt continued releasing standalone singles that maintained his signature blend of country and pop elements. His track "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s," released in October 2020, achieved No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in May 2021, marking his eighth leader on that ranking.[49] In September 2021, Hunt issued "23," a nostalgic reflection on young love co-written with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.[50] The following year, he dropped "Water Under the Bridge" in June 2022, a laid-back tune produced with McAnally and Chris LaCorte that evoked themes of moving on from past relationships.[51] Later in November 2022, Hunt released the promotional single "Start Nowhere," an autobiographical piece co-written with Zach Crowell and others, highlighting his roots in small-town Georgia.[52] In July 2023, Hunt unveiled "Outskirts" as a lead single, which peaked at No. 1 on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts in April 2024, becoming his tenth radio No. 1 overall.[53] The song gained significant traction on TikTok through user-generated content and trends, contributing to its streaming success with over 120 million Spotify plays by late 2025.[54] This momentum led to the Summer on the Outskirts Tour in 2023, a 27-date amphitheater run across the U.S. and Canada featuring openers Brett Young and Lily Rose, which extended into arena shows as the Outskirts Tour in early 2024.[55] Hunt supported the track with performances at major events, including Stagecoach Festival in April 2023, where he joined promotional activations and live sets.[56] Without a full-length album since Southside, Hunt shifted focus to shorter projects, releasing the four-song Locked Up EP in April 2024 via MCA Nashville, which included "Outskirts" alongside new tracks like the title song performed at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.[57] In interviews that year, he teased ongoing songwriting for future releases, emphasizing a return to his melodic storytelling style.[58] By 2025, Hunt launched the Locked Up Tour starting in June, wrapping in September with stops in Oregon and Canada, while performing at festivals such as the iHeartCountry Festival in May and Boots and Hearts in August.[59] In 2025, Hunt welcomed his third child, influencing family-themed content in his music and videos. That year also saw the release of "Liberty" on November 1, 2024 (music video February 2025) and "Country House" in May, the latter earning his 11th No. 1 on Country Airplay in July.[60][61] These efforts have propelled Hunt's career to over 54 million RIAA-certified units as of July 2025, solidifying his diamond-selling status.[61]Artistry
Musical style and songwriting
Sam Hunt's musical style is characterized by a distinctive fusion of country, R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements, often incorporating trap beats, auto-tune, and a conversational, narrative-driven delivery that echoes influences like Drake.[62] This blend is evident in tracks like "House Party," a party anthem that features hip-hop-inspired scratching and an unconventional structure blending upbeat rhythms with relational storytelling about an intimate gathering that disrupts the neighborhood.[63] Similarly, "Break Up in a Small Town" employs introspective lyrics over a downtempo groove, exploring the challenges of post-breakup encounters in a confined community, using auto-tune to soften the vocal edges and heighten emotional vulnerability.[64] Hunt's approach prioritizes rhythmic flow and genre-crossing production to create accessible, modern country anthems that appeal beyond traditional boundaries.[65] His songwriting process is deeply autobiographical, drawing heavily from his Southern roots in Georgia, where he honed storytelling skills through eavesdropping on local conversations and church gatherings during his youth.[66] Hunt co-writes the majority of his tracks, emphasizing vulnerability and contemporary romance, as seen in "Take Your Time," which captures a hesitant bar encounter with half-spoken verses that reflect modern dating dynamics through subtle nods to everyday interactions and emotional hesitation.[67] This method allows him to infuse personal experiences—such as breakups and small-town life—into confessional narratives, prioritizing quality over quantity in a deliberate, reflective process that often spans days per song.[68] Themes of sensitivity, swagger, and relational introspection dominate, transforming clichés like heartbreak into relatable, narrative-driven tales rooted in his upbringing.[62] Hunt's compositional techniques have evolved from the acoustic-leaning tracks of his 2014 debut album Montevallo, which featured organic instrumentation and confessional clarity in songs like "Drinkin' Too Much," to the more electronic production on his 2020 follow-up Southside.[62] The latter incorporates glitched samples, reggae grooves, and urban nightlife motifs, as in "Hard to Forget," marking a shift toward bolder genre experimentation while maintaining lyrical ties to personal transformation.[65] Recent singles like "Outskirts" (2023) further this progression, blending small-town nostalgia—evoking rural simplicity and unfulfilled paths—with contemporary urban sounds, such as layered beats that contrast heartfelt reminiscence with city bustle.[69] This progression continues in his 2024 EP Locked Up, with tracks like "Country House" blending nostalgic country themes with modern 808 beats and synth production.[70] This development reflects Hunt's adaptation to a post-"Old Town Road" landscape, expanding country's sonic palette.[71] This shift contributed to the broader evolution of country's sonic boundaries, influencing later genre-blending phenomena.[71][72] While praised for broadening country's appeal to younger, diverse audiences through innovative fusions that refresh genre conventions and achieve crossover success—such as "Body Like a Back Road" topping charts for 34 weeks—Hunt has faced criticisms for diluting traditional country purity.[62] Detractors, including figures like Brad Paisley who mocked his style at the 2015 CMA Awards, argue his pop-heavy elements ignore historical roots and contribute to a "hack genre" perception.[62][73] Nonetheless, his work has been lauded for its emotional depth and ability to humanize modern experiences, fostering greater inclusivity in Nashville's evolving soundscape.[65]Vocals and influences
Sam Hunt possesses a baritone vocal range spanning approximately G#2 to G4, allowing him to deliver a smooth, conversational style that blends country traditions with R&B-inflected phrasing.[74] His delivery often incorporates syncopated rhythms and percussive elements, creating a rhythmic flow that transitions seamlessly between spoken-word verses and melodic choruses.[75] This approach is evident in his occasional use of rap-like cadences, as heard in upbeat tracks like "House Party," where he mixes talking and singing for a dynamic, engaging effect.[75] Hunt employs higher registers sparingly, typically reserving belted or head-voice peaks for emotional emphasis in ballads, contributing to his breathy yet controlled tone that requires strong breath support.[75] In production, Hunt frequently collaborates with Zach Crowell, who handles programming, keyboards, and background vocals to incorporate layered harmonies and subtle synth elements, blending hip-hop beats with country instrumentation.[76] This polished approach, seen in hits like "Body Like a Back Road," achieves a contemporary pop sheen through multi-tracked vocals and rhythmic programming, enhancing Hunt's fusion sound without overpowering his natural timbre.[71] Crowell's contributions help create a "candy-coated" texture, as described in discussions of the track's chart success, emphasizing melodic gloss over raw edges.[77] Hunt's influences draw heavily from 1990s R&B artists such as Usher, K-Ci & JoJo, R. Kelly, Ginuwine, and 112, which inform his soulful melodies and groove-oriented phrasing, as he has cited Usher's "Nice & Slow" as a pivotal early inspiration.[78] His Georgia upbringing exposed him to Southern hip-hop, including acts like OutKast, shaping his rhythmic delivery and urban edge, while country roots from artists like Billy Currington and Hank Williams Jr. provide narrative grounding.[71] These elements reflect a broader absorption of hip-hop and R&B during his formative years in the South.[79] Hunt's innovative style has significantly influenced the evolution of "bro-country" in the 2010s, pushing the genre toward greater urban fusion by popularizing hip-hop rhythms and R&B grooves in mainstream country hits.[71] His 2014 debut album Montevallo helped normalize these cross-genre elements, inspiring subsequent artists to experiment with rap-infused country and broadening Nashville's acceptance of hip-hop influences.[72]Personal life
Family and relationships
Sam Hunt met his wife, Hannah Lee Fowler, in 2008 while attending college; the couple dated intermittently for several years before parting ways around 2012 when Hunt relocated to Nashville to focus on his music career.[80] They reconciled in 2016, became engaged during a trip to Israel in January 2017, and married on April 15, 2017, in an intimate ceremony in Hunt's hometown of Cedartown, Georgia.[81] Fowler has appeared in several of Hunt's music videos, including "Body Like a Back Road" (2017) and "Locked Up" (2024), often portraying the central romantic figure in his narratives.[82] The couple faced challenges in their marriage, but they reaffirmed their commitment. In February 2022, while Fowler was pregnant with their first child, she filed for divorce citing adultery and inappropriate marital conduct, only to withdraw the petition three months later in May 2022; the pair reconciled shortly thereafter.[83] Hunt and Fowler welcomed their first child, daughter Lucy Louise, in May 2022.[84] Their second child, a son named Lowry Lee, arrived on October 24, 2023.[85] The family expanded further with the birth of their third child, another son named Weyman Allen Hunt, on May 21, 2025.[86] Despite Hunt's rising fame, the couple prioritizes a private family life, occasionally sharing glimpses through his music, which often draws inspiration from their relationship.[87]Legal issues
In November 2019, Sam Hunt was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, on charges of driving under the influence and possession of an open container of alcohol after being pulled over for driving the wrong way on a one-way street.[88] His blood alcohol level was measured at 0.173, more than twice the legal limit, and he was booked into jail before being released on bond.[89] The incident drew significant media attention and led to professional repercussions, including temporary disruptions to tour promotions and public image challenges amid his rising career following the success of his debut album Montevallo.[90] Hunt issued a public apology on social media shortly after, describing the decision to drive as a "poor and selfish" one that put others at risk, and vowed it would not recur.[91] In August 2021, Hunt pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of DUI stemming from the 2019 arrest.[92] He was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in jail, with all but 48 hours suspended, along with two years of supervised probation, completion of an alcohol and drug education program, and a one-year revocation of his driver's license.[93] The open container charge was dropped as part of the plea deal.[94] On January 20, 2025, Hunt was pulled over in Henderson County, Tennessee, for speeding at 84 mph in a 55 mph zone while operating a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device mandated by his prior DUI conviction.[95] He was arrested on charges of speeding and violating the interlock device, which requires a breath sample to prevent impaired driving, and was booked into jail before posting a $1,500 bond and being released the same day.[96] Following a legal review and completion of a pretrial diversion program, the charges were dismissed, though he received a citation for speeding.[97] No additional legal incidents involving Hunt have been reported as of November 2025.[98]Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montevallo | Released: October 27, 2014 Label: MCA Nashville Format: CD, digital download | US: 3 US Country: 1 | US: 4× Platinum[99] |
| Southside | Released: April 10, 2020 Label: MCA Nashville Format: CD, digital download | US: 9 US Country: 1 | US: Platinum[100] |
Extended plays
| Title | EP details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X2C | Released: August 12, 2014 Label: MCA Nashville Format: Digital download | Preview to debut album Montevallo |
| Locked Up | Released: April 5, 2024 Label: MCA Nashville Format: Digital download | Includes singles "Outskirts" and "Locked Up" |
Mixtapes
| Title | Mixtape details |
|---|---|
| Between the Pines (Acoustic Mixtape) | Released: October 29, 2013 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download |
Singles
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Leave the Night On" | 2014 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 48 | US: 3× Platinum | Montevallo |
| "Take Your Time" | 2015 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 20 | US: 4× Platinum | Montevallo |
| "House Party" | 2015 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 27 | US: 2× Platinum | Montevallo |
| "Break Up in a Small Town" | 2015 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 29 | US: 3× Platinum | Montevallo |
| "Make You Miss Me" | 2016 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 77 | US: 2× Platinum | Montevallo |
| "Body Like a Back Road" | 2017 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 (34 weeks) US: 6 | US: Diamond (10× Platinum) | Southside |
| "Downtown" (with Kelsea Ballerini) | 2018 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 83 | US: Platinum | Southside |
| "Kinfolks" | 2019 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 4 US: 55 | US: Platinum | Southside |
| "Hard to Forget" | 2020 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 5 US: 38 | US: Platinum | Southside |
| "23" | 2020 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 3 US: 54 | US: Platinum | Non-album single |
| "Wishful Drinking" (with Ingrid Andress) | 2021 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 9 US: 77 | US: Platinum | Good Person (Ingrid Andress) |
| "Start Nowhere" | 2022 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 10 | - | Non-album single |
| "Outskirts" | 2023 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 1 US: 85 | US: Platinum | Locked Up |
| "Locked Up" | 2024 | US Country Airplay: 6 US Hot Country: 12 | - | Locked Up |
| "Country House" | 2025 | US Country Airplay: 1 US Hot Country: 2 | - | Locked Up |
Awards and nominations
Sam Hunt has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. The following tables list his major accolades from prominent organizations as of November 2025.Grammy Awards
Hunt has received five Grammy nominations but no wins.[1]| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Best New Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| 2016 | Best Country Album | Montevallo | Nominated |
| 2018 | Best Country Solo Performance | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
| 2018 | Best Country Song | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Country Duo/Group Performance | "Wishful Drinking" (with Ingrid Andress) | Nominated |
Academy of Country Music Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | New Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2018 | Single Record of the Year | "Body Like a Back Road" | Won |
| 2018 | Song of the Year | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
| 2018 | Gene Weed Milestone Award | Himself | Won |
Country Music Association Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Single of the Year | "Take Your Time" | Nominated |
| 2015 | Song of the Year | "Take Your Time" | Nominated |
| 2017 | Single of the Year | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
| 2018 | Song of the Year | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Top Country Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| 2016 | Top Country Album | Montevallo | Nominated |
| 2016 | Top Country Song | "Break Up in a Small Town" | Nominated |
| 2016 | Top Country Song | "Take Your Time" | Nominated |
| 2018 | Top Country Song | "Body Like a Back Road" | Won |
| 2018 | Top Selling Song | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
American Music Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | New Artist of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | Favorite Male Country Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| 2015 | Favorite Country Album | Montevallo | Nominated |
| 2017 | Favorite Male Country Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| 2017 | Favorite Country Song | "Body Like a Back Road" | Nominated |
CMT Music Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Breakthrough Video of the Year | "Leave the Night On" | Won |
| 2016 | Video of the Year | "Break Up in a Small Town" | Nominated |
| 2016 | Male Video of the Year | "Break Up in a Small Town" | Nominated |
| 2020 | CMT Performance of the Year | "Hard to Forget" (with T.I.) | Nominated |
ASCAP Country Music Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Songwriter/Artist of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | Song of the Year | "Body Like a Back Road" | Won |
Americana Music Honors & Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Emerging Artist of the Year | Himself | Won |