Ernest

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Lore & Background

Ernest's journey began in Nashville, where he attended Lipscomb Academy. His early musical taste was eclectic, citing the Space Jam soundtrack from sixth grade alongside influences like Eminem, John Mayer, and George Strait. At age 19, a viral infection caused a heart attack, a near-death experience that preceded a period of drug addiction while he played baseball in the National Junior College Athletic Association at Freed–Hardeman University before dropping out to pursue music. His recovery led him back to Nashville to write in the bro-country style with Matt Royer, whose recording studio was owned by his brother (Ernest's future father-in-law). This partnership resulted in co-writing "Dig Your Roots" for Florida Georgia Line. By September 2019, he signed with Big Loud Records, releasing country rap singles like "Dopeman" and "Bad Boy" before pivoting to hits like "Big, Big Plans" for Chris Lane and "More Than My Hometown" for Morgan Wallen in 2020.

In Their Own Story

In December 2021, Ernest released "Flower Shops," a duet with labelmate Morgan Wallen that became a defining moment in his career. This followed a year of massive success as a songwriter, contributing to Sam Hunt's "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s" and Dallas Smith's "Hide from a Broken Heart." In April 2024, Ernest expanded his live presence by performing at the Stagecoach Festival, where he appeared on stage with both Morgan Wallen and Willie Nelson. Throughout this rise, he maintained a consistent creative team; all his songs are produced by Joey Moi. He also launched "Just Being Ernest" in April 2020, recording 50 episodes of the podcast primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss the music industry with other musicians.

Reader's Guide

To understand Ernest's current standing, note his discography consists of three distinct studio albums: Locals Only (2019), Flower Shops (The Album) (2022), and Nashville, Tennessee (2024). His songwriting credits are extensive, covering artists across the genre spectrum from Thomas Rhett to Jelly Roll. For fans tracking his personal life, Ernest is married to Delaney Royer; they have a son named Ryman after the famous auditorium. In 2022, the couple purchased a 5-acre farm near Nashville featuring a greenhouse and chicken coop. While he frequently posts on TikTok, his wife manages his digital content. Interestingly, despite his country fame, Ernest has been friends with baseball star Mookie Betts since age eight, having competed against him in youth baseball.

Did You Know?

• Ernest suffered a heart attack at age 19 caused by a viral infection.
• He co-wrote the title track for Florida Georgia Line's 2016 album Dig Your Roots with Matt Royer, his future brother-in-law.
• Ernest and his wife bought a 5-acre farm near Nashville in 2022 that includes a greenhouse and chicken coop.
• He has been friends with baseball player Mookie Betts since he was 8 years old.
• His podcast, Just Being Ernest, recorded 50 episodes mostly during the COVID-19 pandemic.