Brett Young's Journey: From Covering Tim McGraw To Family Life On Tour

Brett Young closes his latest album, Across the Sheets, with a Tim McGraw cover. The song is "Don't Take the Girl," a McGraw classic from 1994 that came out when Young was about 13 years old and inspired him to pursue a career in country music. With a history like that, McGraw's thoughts on his cover performance meant a lot to the younger star — and fortunately, Young's "Don't Take the Girl" got a thumbs up.

Young's admiration for McGraw runs deep, as he recalls sending the finished cover to McGraw. "Tim said, 'He sings his butt off. Great work,'" Young tells ET Online. This validation from a country legend not only boosted Young's confidence but also solidified the connection between the two artists. Young dreams of collaborating with McGraw one day, though he acknowledges that there are no imminent plans for a joint project.

As Young embarks on his musical journey, he is also navigating the challenges of family life. His wife Taylor and their two young daughters, Presley and Rowan, join him on the road for his opening slot on Sam Hunt's 2023 Summer on the Outskirts Tour. "It's a whole different world having the kiddos on the road," he shares, revealing the joy and exhaustion that comes with balancing family and music.

Young shares heartwarming anecdotes about his daughter's excitement for life backstage. Three-year-old Presley is old enough to enjoy the experience, asking, "When are we going at the stage?" Young laughs as he explains to her that the performance is still hours away, but her enthusiasm is infectious. As the Summer on the Outskirts Tour wraps up in early September, Young looks forward to his headlining Dance With You Tour, set to kick off later that month.