Drake White

Country musician Drake White's rollicking, roots-fueled stage show earned him a devoted following among audiences and fellow artists alike, which led to a Top 5 debut album in 2016. Born in Hokes Bluff, Alabama, White's introduction to live performance was similar to that of many traditional music performers - he sang in his local church choir - but with one significant difference: his parents made him do it. But the experience did not turn him away from music. White experimented with writing lyrics and playing guitar in his early times, but football was his primary interest during his time at Hokes Bluff High School, from which he graduated in 2002. He attended Gadsen State Community College and later, Auburn University, where he studied building science, which led to a career as a general contractor in Nashville. But White had continued to write lyrics during this period, and after finding his day job lacking in inspiration, began performing at local music venues. In 2010, he decided to make music his career, and after assembling a band, the Big Fire, White became a staple of the Nashville club scene. The sound of the band - a freewheeling mix of country, rock, funk and blues - and White's gospel-inspired vocals and penchant for freestyling lyrics in mid-song won the attention of producer Jeremy Stover, who helped the group land opening slots on tour with the likes of Willie Nelson. Stover also signed White and the Big Fire to MCA Nashville, which issued his first single, "Simple Life," in 2013. The track was a modest success, breaking into the Top 40 on the Country Airplay chart, but with a move to Dot Records in 2014, White's career caught the attention of country music listeners. His first single for the new imprint, "It Feels Good," rose to No. 38 on the Billboard Country chart in 2015, while its follow-up, "Livin' the Dream," provided White with his first Top 20 country hit. Like-minded country superstar Zac Brown took a liking to White's approach, and tapped him to serve as his opening act on several tours. White repaid the favorite by inviting Brown to provide vocals for the song "Back to Free," which appeared on his 2016 debut album, Spark. The record debuted at No. 4 on the Country Albums chart and placed at No. 34 on the Billboard 200.