Country singer and musician whose debut single was 2006’s “The Dollar” off his album of the same name. He has also co-written hits for George Strait. He attended Jacksonville State University for two years but dropped out to join the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he served for eight years. He was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2009 for his breakout album, That Lonesome Song. He lost his initial record deal, which prompted him to divorce his wife and retreat into himself for a while. His music video for 2010’s “Playing the Part” was directed by Matthew McConaughey, who played the dancing gorilla.