Luke Combs And Lainey Wilson: A Friendship That Spans Over A Decade

There are a couple of things here that may surprise you: The fact that 2013 was 11 years ago, and that Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson's friendship goes back that far. In recent chats with both Combs and Wilson for Taste of Country Nights: On Demand, they’ve shared tidbits about their longstanding friendship. At the 2024 ACM Awards, the two were both up for ACM Entertainer of the Year, and when we asked Combs about Wilson, he had some big thoughts.

What Does Luke Combs Think About Lainey Wilson?

"She was just always a hustler, man," the "Hurricane" singer recalls. "She's always been so respected, in my opinion. We have a lot of the same mutual friends, we kind of came up in the same writing circles and hung out at the same places." These sentiments highlight the mutual respect and admiration they hold for each other's craft and determination.

Wilson managed to pull out a photo of when the two now-superstars met in 2013. It’s a nostalgic reminder of their humble beginnings in the music scene. She explains in an Instagram video how they started kicking it as songwriters many years ago.

"He used to come over to my camper-trailer and we would write music. It's so crazy how life is a full circle," she says, recalling their days as fresh-faced newcomers. This reflection shows how far they’ve come since their early songwriting sessions.

Life in Nashville: A Ten-Year Hustle

Now, both Wilson and Combs are megastars. They say Nashville is a "10-year-town," meaning you have to put in ten years of hustling and singing for little-to-no money, writing music that might not get recorded, before you finally get a breakthrough. This saying encapsulates the struggle many artists face in the industry.

Eleven years later, both stars are riding massive success. They have worked hard to get where they are, and their friendship has played a significant role in their journeys. The support they provide each other is invaluable as they navigate the complexities of fame.

The Future: Luke Combs' New Nashville Bar

Luke Combs is ready to join the ranks of country artists who have opened their own bars in Nashville's Broadway district. The honky-tonk will be called Category 10, playing off of his debut single "Hurricane." Although true hurricanes are categorized no higher than a Category 5, Combs opted to double the intensity with a 10 ranking. It’s a nod to his career, really.

Category 10 will be anything but small: The bar will be the largest entertainment venue on the strip, featuring the area's biggest dance floor and rooftop. Combs is also including more intimate spaces to accommodate young talented singers and songwriters. This venture showcases Combs’ commitment to nurturing new talent in the industry.

Lainey Wilson's Rise to Fame

Lainey Wilson has exploded onto the country scene in the past few years. In 2023, she became the CMA Entertainer of the Year. Ever since she stepped onto the big stages, Wilson has always rocked a pair of bell bottoms, which has become her signature look. This unique style sets her apart in the industry.

From small town to the big city, Lainey Wilson has come a long way in her music career. A talented songwriter and an esteemed vocalist, it was only a matter of time before she got her time in the spotlight. What makes Wilson so captivating is her ability to connect with her fans through her music.

Conclusion and Reflection

As we look back at the journeys of Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson, it's clear that their friendship has been a vital part of their success. They have both faced challenges, yet they continue to rise in the country music scene. Their stories are inspiring to many aspiring artists who hope to make their mark in the industry.

Support from friends, hard work, and a little bit of luck can go a long way. As they both continue to shine, fans can only wait in anticipation for what’s next for these two talented musicians!