At 40, Luke Grimes is in the enviable position of having two full-tilt, red-hot careers - acting and singing - at the same time.
He stars in the popular Western television drama Yellowstone in the role of Kayce Dutton. Grimes was also in American Sniper with Bradley Cooper, and the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, just to mention some of his other acting credits.
On the music side of his jam-packed resume, Grimes released his first, self-titled album in March of this year. His Playin' On The Tracks Tour featuring Carter Faith kicks off in Philadelphia on November 9.
And Grimes is set to make his dream-come-true debut at the Grand Ole Opry on November 15, an immense milestone for him. Although it may seem like all these exciting developments happened for Grimes overnight, they are actually the result of many years of his diligent hard work and dedication to being the best musician he can be. He is thrilled and humbled by the doors that are now opening wide for him.
Happily, fans have put out the welcome mat (make that the red carpet) for Grimes as a country music performer just like they gravitate to him as an actor. His authenticity and no-frills manner are ideal qualities for a country music star. Not to mention his compelling voice and masterful ease with a tune.
Acting Vs. Singing
Grimes Is Juggling Both Handily
As for how he juggles these demanding professions simultaneously, Grimes' clear-cut philosophy of each one is probably something he relies on to help keep himself focused and centered. As he told Wide Open Country in a recent interview, "The goal of acting is to become somebody else. The goal of music is to tell the truth about yourself."
A native of Ohio who has made his home in Montana for the past four years, Grimes reveres the frontier lifestyle. He respects people such as farmers and ranchers who live that existence every single day and the rugged heritage of the American West that they embody.
In short, Luke Grimes is the real thing - and music fans absolutely adore the guy.
With a mellow voice that is pure country and the stage presence of a seasoned artist, Grimes is set to leave his newcomer status behind faster than tickets to a Taylor Swift concert sell out.
Luke Grimes Is Busily Learning The Ropes Of The Music Business
Judging By His Success Right Out OF The Gate, He's A Quick Study
Grimes said to WOC, "I've been learning at warp speed about the music business. Just learning a ton about how that works. I've never had a record deal, I've never been with a label. It's all a first."
He explained, "I've always loved music. I've always played music, but not in any sort of professional capacity."
Grimes clearly is thoroughly into what he's doing right now. It fits him like the proverbial glove. "I learned that I love the process and I can't wait to do it again, and hopefully get to do it a lot." Sounds like we can look forward to plenty more country music from him in the years to come!
Music Industry Execs Recognized Grimes' Talent
When He Signed With UMG Nashville In 2022, Its President Rhapsodized About Him
In a press release dated December 13, 2022, Grimes' signing with UMG (Universal Music Group) Nashville was announced. It was a watershed moment for the singer, a key milestone in his career. His talent. commitment, and drive were all emerging big-time, and being rewarded handsomely. The not-easily impressed music industry's upper echelon was sitting up and taking notice.
UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe said in the release, "As an actor, Luke Grimes has effortlessly brought the cowboy lifestyle to the forefront of American culture. As a country music artist, Luke has tapped into that same honesty and authenticity to capture a raw grit and pure depth of artistry that will expand the sound and reach of country music."
This was only the beginning of an impressive recent cascade of accomplishments for Luke Grimes.
Musical Achievements Came Fast For Luke Grimes Earlier This Year
He Released His Album And Signed A Deal With Warner Chappell
Per Music Row, he "signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in collaboration with Range Media Partners" in early 2024. On top of that major news, Grimes' album was released on March 8. It was produced by Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy winner who has worked alongside top-tier stars like Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and Chris Stapleton.
Grimes Genuinely Respects Songwriters And Savors Working with Them
Grimes said, 'In Nashville, The Song Is The Star'
"As far as music goes," Grimes noted, "one of the things that I've been able to do is write with a lot of the people that I've always looked up to as writers. The cool thing about Nashville is the song is the star. And that's why people sing other people's songs. The real stars of that town are the songwriters. That's been my favorite part of the process. Getting to write with them has been a dream come true."
Some of the distinguished songwriters Grimes has worked with so far include Randy Montana, Brent Cobb, Jessi Alexander, Liz Rose, and Rodney Clawson.
Songs Of His That Are Among Grimes' Favorites
He Mentioned Two Of Them Immediately
When asked which songs of his are particularly meaningful to him, Grimes replied that two come to mind right away - one because he loves to perform it, and the other because it is so close to his heart and reflect his geographical roots.
"There are songs that are my favorites to play versus the ones that are the most personal," he said. 'For example, I just love playing 'Black Powder' live. It's so much energy, it's rock and roll, it's fun. You can kind of lose yourself in that."
Grimes added, "It's not quite as fun to be super vulnerable and do a song like 'Oh Ohio' in front of a bunch of people because it does feel very vulnerable. You're kind of digging deep and telling the truth."
Giving an overview of how he thinks of his songs, Grimes said, "They're all kind of your babies and you like them all for different reasons. But those are two of the big standouts for me."
