No matter how big his music gets, no matter how many records he sells or awards he wins, Luke Combs always insists on one thing: He’s just a regular guy. It’s that same down-to-earth mentality that helps explain why he’s one of the biggest artists in country music today. The rise of this humble kid from Asheville, North Carolina, has been anything but ordinary. A college dropout who worked for a while as a bar bouncer, Luke found himself with a No. 1 single, “Hurricane” in 2017, barely two years after leaving home to pursue his music dreams in Nashville, Tennessee. From there, the records have tumbled: To date, all 17 of Combs’ solo singles have topped the country music charts—a feat unmatched by any other artist in the history of the genre. In this special issue, we get up close and personal with Luke, looking at his meteoric rise, his personal struggles and controversies, and how he met the love of his life who inspired him to write some of his biggest hits. Plus, we get a sneak peek at his tour and learn what’s next for the music superstar.
THE COMPLETE FAN GUIDE TO Luke Combs
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET • Why Luke Combs is the feel-good hero of country music.
TAKING IT TO THE PEOPLE • Country music’s reigning champ is set to follow up a record-breaking world tour with the Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour in 2024.
Tomorrow Me • WHAT THE GROWIN’ UP AND GETTIN’ OLD TOUR SET LISTS MIGHT LOOK LIKE.
ONE, TWO, PLENTY • THE ARTISTS WHO WILL JOIN LUKE COMBS ON THE ROAD IN 2024.
Blue-Collar BOY • Raised as an only child to working-class parents, Luke Combs showed an early knack for singing, but never dreamed of making it big.
Tempt Me WITH A GOOD TIME • Giving up on college life, the young dropout decided to pursue music full time after finding his feet singing in local North Carolina bars.
Life Goes On • Blake Shelton was embarrassed to learn that Luke Combs got rejected by The Voice.
ONE NUMBER AWAY • The singer became an overnight sensation with the help of “Hurricane,” a song that put him on the brink of country music stardom.
FOREVER AFTER ALL • Luke Combs keeps his personal life relatively private, but his love for his wife and kids is evident.
EYE OF THE STORM • Luke Combs burst out of the gate with a historic major-label debut, This One’s for You, that helped make him country music’s newest superstar.
MY KINDA FOLK • The singers and musical acts who helped shape the country star.
LOVE ME ANYWAY • Luke Combs has been open about battling OCD and anxiety.
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY • When he’s not busy selling out concerts around the world, the singer is happiest on a lake, in the woods or at the game.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE • Hitting the road to take the party to his devoted fans, the newly minted star continued his hot streak with What You See Is What You Get.
LIGHT AFTER DARK • In the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns, the singer lifted spirits with the feel-good “Six Feet Apart” and his biggest single to date.
COUNTRY NEVER Broke My Heart • Riding a hot streak through turbulent times, the star found himself ensnared by controversy—then rebounded with another hit record, Growin’ Up.
FAST & FURIOUS • How a cover of a Tracy Chapman classic from the 1980s propelled the country singer to ever greater heights.
GOING‚ GOING‚ WRONG • The beloved star has had more than one brush with controversy in recent years.
WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS • Taking a look at the star’s ever-expanding trophy cabinet of music awards.
BETTER TOGETHER • The best entries from Luke Combs’ illustrious list of collaborations.
TAKE YOU WITH ME • Luke Combs’ fourth album, Gettin’ Old, coincided with his...
