Kane Brown is one of the most fascinating young country artists in the genre. The 23-year-old country singer is of mixed race descent, and he survived a difficult childhood that included physical abuse and homelessness. He lived in poverty growing up, and has been candid about racism and the negative stereotyping that he has gone through due to his tattoos. He was raised in Georgia before settling in Tennessee, and while attending high school in Georgia he sang in the choir with Lauren Alaina. Brown grew up listening to country and was inspired to pursue a music career after winning a talent show in 11th grade by singing Chris Young's '"Gettin' You Home." Brown auditioned successfully for 'X Factor,' but left the show after producers tried to put him in a boy band, opting instead to post covers of country songs online. A cover of George Strait's "Check Yes or No" went viral, garnering 7 million views via Facebook, and Brown quickly grew an enormous social media presence that he parlayed into the release of his first single, "Used to Love You Sober," in 2015. He released an EP titled 'Closer' in 2015 and followed it with 'Chapter 1' in 2016, followed by the release of a self-titled full-length album in December of 2016. Brown has yet to score a mainstream country hit, but he's attracted attention with singles including "Ain't No Stopping Us Now," "Thunder in the Rain" and "What Ifs," a duet with his former classmate Lauren Alaina. He has toured opening for Florida Georgia Line and even headlined his own Ain't No Stoppin Us Now Tour, cementing his position as one of the hottest young artists in country music.
- Full Name: Kane Brown
- Birth Date: Oct. 21, 1993
- Top Songs: “Used to Love You Sober,” “Thunder in the Rain,” “What Ifs”
- Did You Know? Brown is engaged to singer Katelyn Jae
- Further Reading: Kane Brown Is Country Music’s Most Mystifying Newcomer