COUNTRY STAR COLE SWINDELL CELEBRATES HIS JOURNEY
From Georgia fraternities to Country Music stardom, Cole Swindell’s songwriting touches everyone.
Cole Swindell, born and raised in Georgia, grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of Southern life, where music, family, and community formed the backbone of his upbringing. From an early age, Swindell was drawn to storytelling through song, often scribbling lyrics and melodies in notebooks long before he imagined a career in country music. He attended Georgia Southern University, where he became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. It was through this fraternity that he first met fellow “brother”—and future country superstar—Luke Bryan, a connection that would leave a lasting mark on Swindell’s path in music.
After graduating in 2007, Swindell made the decision to move to Nashville, the heart of country music, with aspirations of building a career from the ground up. Initially, he worked on the road selling merchandise for Luke Bryan, a role that provided him with an insider’s view of life on tour, fan interactions, and the complexities of the music industry. Even while traveling, Swindell remained committed to his true passion: songwriting. He dedicated countless hours to crafting songs, experimenting with melodies, and refining lyrics that would lay the foundation for the hits that would later define his career.
In 2010, Swindell’s persistence and talent earned him a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a significant milestone that allowed him to write songs for established artists such as Craig Campbell and Thomas Rhett. Through this period, Luke Bryan continued to serve as both mentor and inspiration, offering guidance on navigating the music business and life on the road, and encouraging Swindell to pursue his own recording career.
Swindell’s personal breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of “Chillin’ It,” a catchy, upbeat track that quickly climbed the charts and introduced him to a nationwide audience. By this time, the doors Bryan had helped open, combined with Swindell’s growing songwriting credibility, positioned him perfectly for the next phase of his career. Swindell has often credited Bryan with showing him the ropes, providing not just opportunities but also lessons in professionalism, perseverance, and connecting authentically with fans.
Over the years, Swindell has released five studio albums, each contributing to his reputation as one of country music’s most consistent and relatable voices. His 2014 self-titled debut album featured “Chillin’ It” and established him as an artist to watch. “You Should Be Here” (2016) included the heartfelt title track and the high-energy collaboration “Flatliner” with Dierks Bentley. In 2018, “All of It” delivered memorable singles such as “Break Up in the End” and “Love You Too Late”. His fourth album, “Stereotype” (2022), featured hits like “Single Saturday Night” and “Never Say Never.”
In 2025, Swindell released his fifth studio album, “Spanish Moss,” a 21-track collection that showcases his evolution as an artist while staying true to the storytelling roots that define country music. The album includes the debut No. 1 single “Forever To Me,” co-written with Greylan James and Rocky Block, which Swindell dedicated to his engagement and wedding to his bride, Courtney. The song also holds personal significance as it marks and honors the upcoming birth of their first child, a daughter, in the fall of 2025. Other standout tracks from the album include “We Can Always Move On,” “Spanish Moss,” “Kill A Prayer,” “One Day,” and “3 Feet Tall,” the latter of which was hailed by Country Now as a “Song of the Year” contender and “one of Cole Swindell’s most meaningful songs”.
To support the release of “Spanish Moss,” Swindell embarked on the Happy Hour Sad Tour, which kicked off on September 4, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio. The tour features special guests Priscilla Block, Logan Crosby, and Greylan James, and is produced by Pepper Entertainment. Swindell expressed his excitement for the tour, stating, “I cannot wait to get out on the road this year for the Happy Hour Sad Tour. Getting to write songs and make music for a living is a dream come true, and there are so many folks that make that happen! I hope the fans that spend their hard-earned money to come out and support us know how much we appreciate it and how much we love seeing them out there having fun.”
The Happy Hour Sad Tour is not just a promotional tour; it’s a celebration of Swindell’s journey as an artist and a father-to-be, (his daughter was born in August, 2025). The tour’s name, inspired by the title track from “Spanish Moss”, reflects the emotional depth and authenticity that Swindell brings to his music. Fans can expect a mix of new hits and classic favorites, all delivered with the passion and energy that have become synonymous with Swindell’s live performances.
As Swindell continues to balance his career with his personal life, he remains committed to his craft and his fans. His journey from fraternity halls in Georgia to sold-out arenas and national tours is a testament to determination, talent, and the power of mentorship. Through songwriting, touring, and chart-topping hits, Cole Swindell has solidified his place in country music as a compelling voice whose journey continues to inspire.
