Country music sensation Luke Combs embarked on his guitar-playing journey at the seemingly late age of 21, a decision profoundly influenced by his mother’s anecdotal advice about fellow stars Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. This unexpected beginning highlights a powerful message: it’s truly never too late to discover and cultivate a profound talent, even when charting a course toward global stardom.
In the world of music, it is often assumed that prodigious talent emerges in childhood, with instruments picked up almost as soon as one can walk. Yet, the story of Luke Combs, a global country music superstar known for racking up number one singles and selling out venues worldwide, defies this conventional narrative. Combs’ path to becoming one of the biggest names in the business began not in early youth, but in his early twenties, thanks to a nudge from his mother and a guitar that had long gathered dust.
A Mother’s Pivotal Advice Sparks a New Path
The pivotal moment arrived when Combs was 21 years old. He was at a crossroads, having dropped out of Appalachian State University and working two jobs, feeling somewhat directionless. Though he had always enjoyed singing as a casual hobby, the idea of seriously pursuing music, let alone playing an instrument, had not yet solidified. It was his mother who provided the crucial push.
As Combs recounted in an
with Clint Black for Talking in Circles, his mother noticed his sulking and presented him with a compelling piece of motivational wisdom. “I don’t understand why you’re sitting around sulking,” she reportedly said. “You know Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, they didn’t start playing guitar until they were 21.”
This advice, whether entirely accurate or a well-intentioned maternal white lie, resonated deeply with the young Combs. He had, in fact, owned a $50 Ivanez guitar since middle school, a gift from his parents, Rhonda and Lee Combs. However, at the time, he had resisted learning it, dismissing it as something his parents wanted him to do, and therefore, “not cool.” The guitar lay forgotten in a closet, waiting for its true calling.
The Humorous ‘I’m Way Better Than Those Guys’ Moment
Upon hearing his mother’s words, Luke Combs, then 21, had a rather characteristic, self-assured reaction. He recalled thinking, “Oh man, I’m way better than those guys.” While he admits he doesn’t know the full truth behind his mother’s claim about Chesney and McGraw’s starting age, he playfully acknowledged that she might have said “anything to get me out of doing something” and into a more productive state. Regardless of its absolute veracity, the advice worked its magic.
This humorous anecdote highlights Combs‘ inherent confidence in his singing ability, which had been a casual enjoyment his whole life. It was this self-belief that allowed him to embrace the challenge of learning a new instrument later in life, proving that a strong foundation in one aspect of your craft can fuel courage in others.
Fact-Checking Mom: Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw’s Guitar Journeys
It turns out, Luke Combs‘ mother wasn’t far off the mark regarding the late starts of other country music legends. Her advice, while perhaps a simplification, held a kernel of truth that provided invaluable inspiration.
- Kenny Chesney: According to East Tennessee State University’s alumni page, Chesney, now 57, indeed began playing guitar during his time as a student there. He received a guitar for Christmas and dedicated himself to practicing several hours daily, eventually joining the university’s bluegrass band where he honed his songwriting skills.
- Tim McGraw: Similarly, Tim McGraw, 58, also started his guitar journey in college. In an Instagram video shared in September, McGraw revealed he sold his high school ring during his freshman year to “bought a guitar for 20 bucks.” He spent an entire summer learning “about 50 or 60 songs,” building his initial repertoire.
These parallel stories underscore a powerful theme: the pursuit of passion and talent knows no strict timeline. For aspiring musicians or anyone hesitant to embark on a new creative endeavor, these tales of late bloomers achieving monumental success offer profound encouragement.
The Self-Taught Path to Stardom: From Porch to Stage
Armed with newfound motivation and a long-dormant guitar, Luke Combs didn’t seek formal lessons. Instead, he taught himself. He spent an entire summer dedicated to playing on his porch, diligently learning the instrument from scratch. His commitment paid off rapidly; within 12 months, he was not only playing but also writing his own songs and actively seeking opportunities to perform at local gigs.
His journey continued from humble beginnings in North Carolina, playing for crowds of 200 people multiple nights a week, to eventually moving to Nashville with a small but established following. Even during this early phase, Combs admitted to being “self-conscious about my guitar playing because it was so new and it was so clunky.” However, his unwavering confidence in his singing allowed him to push through this “awkward phase,” believing that a great vocal performance would overshadow any nascent guitar skills.
This strategic focus allowed him to progress his career while simultaneously refining his instrumental abilities and songwriting craft. It’s a testament to his innate talent and relentless work ethic that he became one of country music’s biggest stars despite starting his journey as a professional musician relatively recently, as highlighted by People.
Never Too Late: A Lesson for Aspiring Artists
Luke Combs‘ story serves as a powerful reminder that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s true calling. His journey from a college dropout unsure of his path to a chart-topping artist illustrates several key lessons:
- Embrace New Beginnings: It’s never too late to learn a new skill or shift your career trajectory.
- Listen to Encouragement: Sometimes, the most profound advice comes from unexpected places, like a mother’s intuition.
- Leverage Existing Strengths: Use your established talents to bolster confidence in new areas, even if they feel “clunky” at first.
- Dedication Over Perfection: Consistent practice and a strong work ethic can overcome a late start.
For fans and aspiring artists alike, Combs‘ rise to fame is an inspiring narrative of resilience, passion, and the undeniable truth that with enough drive, one can achieve extraordinary success at any point in life.
