Sam Hunt

{{About|the American musician|other people of the name|Samuel Hunt (disambiguation){{!}}Samuel Hunt}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Sam Hunt

| image = Sam Hunt at C2C Festival 2014.png

| caption = Hunt performing at C2C Festival in London's O2 Arena, 2015

| birth_name = Sam Lowry Hunt{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/samhuntmusic/status/452637029877035008 |title=Sam Hunt on Twitter: "My middle name is Lowry" |website=Twitter.com |access-date=2016-03-05}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|12|8}}

| birth_place = Cedartown, Georgia, U.S.

| origin = Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

| genre = {{flatlist|

Country{{cite web | url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sam-hunt-mn0002674420 | title=Sam Hunt | website=AllMusic | access-date=September 15, 2015}}{{cite web|last=Easton |first=Anthony|date=19 November 2014|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/187959-sam-hunt-montevallo/|title=Sam Hunt: Montevallo|publisher=Popmatters|access-date=December 31, 2014}}
country pop
R&B

}}

| occupation = {{flatlist|

Singer
songwriter

}}

| instrument = {{flatlist|

Vocals
guitar

}}

| years_active = 2008–present

| label = MCA Nashville

| website = {{URL|samhunt.com}}

}}

Sam Lowry Hunt (born December 8, 1984) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Born in Cedartown, Georgia, Hunt played football in his high school and college years and once attempted to pursue a professional sports career before signing with MCA Nashville in 2014.

Prior to his successful solo career, Hunt was credited for writing singles for Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Billy Currington, and Reba McEntire. His debut studio album, Montevallo, broke several chart records with five singles spawned from the record, including three consecutive Hot Country Songs chart and four Country Airplay chart number ones. The lead single from the album, "Leave the Night On", peaked concurrently on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, making Hunt the first country artist in 22 years, since Billy Ray Cyrus, to reach the top of three country charts simultaneously in the Nielsen SoundScan-era.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6312087/sam-hunt-scores-country-charts-feat-last-achieved-22-years-ago |title=Sam Hunt Scores Country Charts Feat Last Achieved 22 Years Ago|author= Wade Jessen |date= November 7, 2014 |magazine=Billboard}} He is also the first country artist since Clint Black to occupy both year-end number one album and single with Montevallo and "Take Your Time".{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1648505508}} |last1=Jessen |first1=Wade |title=Hunt's No. 1 Trifecta |magazine=Billboard |volume=126 |issue=38 |date=15 November 2014 |page=86 }}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/hot-country-songs|title=Year End Charts - Year-end Singles - Hot Country Songs |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2015-12-10}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2015/top-country-albums|title=Year End Charts - Year-end Albums - Top Country Albums |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2015-12-10}} The fifth single "Make You Miss Me" from the album Montevallo, hit number one on the Country Airplay chart, thus making Hunt the first solo male artist to land four number ones on the Country Airplay chart from a debut studio album.{{cite magazine|author=Keith Caulfield |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7487760/billboard-200-chart-moves-stranger-things-soundtrack |title=200 Chart Moves: 'Stranger Things' Soundtrack Makes Strong Debut |magazine=Billboard |date=2016-08-26 |access-date=2017-01-26}}

Since the launch of his career, Hunt has quickly received recognition from both inside and outside the country music community for his blending of genres, incorporating use of R&B and pop into the production and songwriting of his songs. He has been honored with numerous awards, including one American Music Award, and one CMT Music Award, as well as nominations for Billboard Music Awards and Grammy Awards.

Life and career

=Early life and football career=

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Sam Hunt

| image =

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption =

| position = Quarterback

| college = Middle Tennessee (2003–2004)
UAB (2005–2007)

| high_school = Cedartown (GA)

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 3

| weight_lb = 215

| undraftedyear = 2008

}}

Hunt was born on December 8, 1984, in Cedartown, Georgia, the eldest of three children of Allen and Joan Hunt, an insurance agent and a teacher respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.uabsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hunt_sam00.html|title=Sam Hunt|work=UAB Sports.com|access-date=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202123653/http://www.uabsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/hunt_sam00.html|archive-date=February 2, 2014}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sam-hunt-montevallo-album-interview-20141028 |title=Sam Hunt Defends His Country Cred on New Album 'Montevallo'|author= Marissa R Moss |date= October 28, 2014 |magazine=Rolling Stone }} His brothers are Ben Hunt (Farmer Hunt) and Van Hunt. He studied at Cedartown High School where he played football. He was named 2002 Co-Offensive Player of the Year, was selected for the Georgia Sportswriters Association All-State Class AAA first-team as an all-purpose player, and was a Wendy's High School Heisman nominee.{{cite web |url=http://www.cmacloseup.com/2014/10/28/sam-hunt-debut-spotlight-2/ |title=Sam Hunt: Debut Spotlight |work=CMA Close Up Magazine |date=October 28, 2014 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118172634/http://www.cmacloseup.com/2014/10/28/sam-hunt-debut-spotlight-2/ |archive-date=January 18, 2015 }}

He was a quarterback at Middle Tennessee State University from 2003 to 2004. He dressed for every game in 2003 but did not play in any of them. He had limited action in six games in 2004, attempting one pass and rushing once for one yard. Hunt transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2005 and redshirted his first season there. He played in only seven games during the 2006 season due to injuries, completing 48 of 82 passes for 655 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions.{{cite web | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sam-hunt-1.html | title=Sam Hunt | publisher=Sports Reference LLC | work=sports-reference.com | access-date=October 16, 2017}} He also rushed 69 times for 159 yards and one touchdown. Hunt completed 155 of 331 passes for 1,905 yards, 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2007. He also rushed 68 times for 287 yards and two touchdowns. At UAB, he majored in philosophy before graduating with a business degree in economics.{{cite web |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/11/14/musicians-sports-sam-hunt-on-his-college-quarterback-years/ |title=Musicians + Sports: Sam Hunt On His College Quarterback Years |author=Scott T. Sterling |date=November 14, 2014 |work=CBS New York }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/sam-hunt-scores-a-touchdown-as-nashvilles-newest-hot-singer-songwriter-20140813 |title=Sam Hunt Scores a Touchdown as Nashville's Newest Hot Singer-Songwriter|author=Wendy Geller |date= August 13, 2014|magazine=Rolling Stone }} After practice every day, he would teach himself how to play acoustic guitar. With respect to the root of his interest in music, Hunt recalled between stops in tour, "I never saw myself as a musician or having any musical talent... I was just killing time that summer, and a buddy had recently bought a guitar. I picked it up one day and on a whim thought, 'You know, I think I want to buy a guitar'". Hunt's college roommates, having listened to a few songs he wrote, encouraged him to book shows at bars, marking the start of his pursuit of a career in music.{{cite web|last1=Murray|first1=Nick|title=Sam Hunt: How a Former College Football Star Is Making Over Country Music |date=February 26, 2015 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sam-hunt-how-a-former-college-football-star-is-making-over-country-music-20150226|publisher=Rolling Stone|access-date=27 August 2015}}

After graduating from UAB in 2007, he had a tryout with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.samhunt.com/bio|title=Bio: Sam Hunt|access-date=January 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209003153/http://www.samhunt.com/bio|archive-date=February 9, 2015}}{{cite web | url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/06/former_uab_quarterback_sam_hun.html | title=Former UAB quarterback Sam Hunt finding success in country music | website=Al.com | date=June 23, 2012 | access-date=October 16, 2017 | author=Irvine, Steve | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016220333/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/06/former_uab_quarterback_sam_hun.html | archive-date=October 16, 2017 }}{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/6670447/sam-hunt-breaking-down-stereotypes-taylor-swift-fashion-mens-style | title=Billboard Cover: Sam Hunt on Breaking Down Stereotypes, Teaming With Taylor Swift and Recruiting a 'Team of Misfits' on His Rise to Country Fame | magazine=Billboard | date=August 20, 2015 | access-date=October 16, 2017 | author=Tannenbaum, Rob | url-status=bot: unknown | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016220545/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/6670447/sam-hunt-breaking-down-stereotypes-taylor-swift-fashion-mens-style | archive-date=October 16, 2017 }} "I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I needed to find out if I could take it all the way", Hunt said. In 2008, two months after the unsuccessful attempt to impress the football team, to the surprise of his family and friends, he left to pursue a music career, and moved to Nashville along with a friend with only "some food and two mattresses and his mom's minivan".{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/naomizeichner/sam-hunt-montevallo-tracklist |title=Sam Hunt Is A Country Star for the Instagram Age |author=Naomi Zeichner |date= September 9, 2014 |work=BuzzFeed }}

Hunt co-wrote Kenny Chesney's 2012 hit "Come Over", for which he received an ASCAP award.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1692351/ascap-honors-writers-of-kenny-chesneys-come-over-hit.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824022806/http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1692351/ascap-honors-writers-of-kenny-chesneys-come-over-hit.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 24, 2012|title=ASCAP Honors Writers of Kenny Chesney's "Come Over" Hit|last=Morris|first=Edward|date=August 22, 2012|work=Country Music Television|access-date=January 21, 2014}} He also co-wrote two singles released in 2014: Keith Urban's "Cop Car", and Billy Currington's "We Are Tonight". Hunt independently released the single "Raised on It" in September 2013 and in October 2013, he released via his website a free 15-song mixtape titled Between the Pines.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/another-country-sam-hunt-maps-out-nashvilles-bold-new-future/2014/11/04/bd37cf86-643d-11e4-bb14-4cfea1e742d5_story.html |title=Another country: Sam Hunt maps out Nashville's bold new future |author=Chris Richards |date=November 4, 2014 |newspaper=Washington Post }} Hunt also co-wrote "Love Somebody", the title track from Reba McEntire's 27th studio album Love Somebody.Love Somebody (CD booklet and backing card). Reba McEntire. Nash Icon. 2015. NICR0300A.

= 2014–2016: ''X2C'' and ''Montevallo'' =

File:Sam Hunt concert 2014.jpg

In January 2014, it was confirmed that he had signed a recording contract with MCA Nashville. On August 12, 2014, he released X2C, a four-song EP, intended as a preview of his debut studio album.{{cite web |url=http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2014/08/17/sam-hunt-releases-x2c-album-preview/ |title=Sam Hunt Releases X2C Album Preview |author=Sarah Wyland |date=August 17, 2014 |work=Great American Country }} The EP debuted at number 36 on the US Billboard 200 and number five on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, selling 8,000 copies in its first week.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6228933/sam-hunt-top-country-albums-x2c |title=Sam Hunt Scores Highest Debut on Top Country Albums With 'X2C'|author= Wade Jessen |date= August 21, 2014 |magazine=Billboard }}

Hunt's first single for MCA Nashville was "Leave the Night On", which went to number one on the Country Airplay chart in October 2014{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/135126/sam-hunt-is-1-with-leave-the-night-on?ref=rss |title=Sam Hunt is No. 1 With 'Leave The Night On' |publisher=AllAccess.com |date=2014-11-03 |access-date=2015-07-01}} and has since been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).{{cite web | url=http://www.musicrow.com/2014/09/industry-ink-sam-hunt-goes-gold-jason-isbell-sae-nashville/ | title=Industry Ink: Sam Hunt Goes Gold, Jason Isbell, SAE Nashville, Taryn Pray | publisher=Music Row | date=September 18, 2014 | access-date=October 28, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028043059/http://www.musicrow.com/2014/09/industry-ink-sam-hunt-goes-gold-jason-isbell-sae-nashville/ | url-status=live | archive-date=October 28, 2014}} The music video for the song earned Hunt two CMT Music Awards nominations, winning the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year award, and nominated for the CMT Video of the Year award. His debut studio album Montevallo, was released on October 27, 2014.{{cite web | url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-montevallo-album-details/ | title=Sam Hunt Reveals 'Montevallo' Album Details | publisher=Taste of Country | date=September 16, 2014 | access-date=October 28, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005195256/http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-montevallo-album-details/ | url-status=live | archive-date=October 5, 2014}} On the same day, Sam Hunt released Between the Pines: Acoustic Mixtape. The album is made up of acoustic versions of his hit songs, including his versions of ones that he wrote for other artists. Universal Music Group Nashville president, Cindy Mabe explained the date of the release: "The idea was to release it on the same date that Montevallo was released [in 2014] as a one-year anniversary gift to fans and Sam's way to offer more music and a thanks for the support".{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1760206906}} |last1=Asker |first1=Jim |title=Rhett, Old Dominion Dominate |magazine=Billboard |volume=127 |issue=34 |date=14 November 2015 |page=65 }} On November 5, 2014, Montevallo debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart and number three on the US Billboard 200.{{cite web|url=http://www.samhunt.com/news/11-05-14/montevallo-country-musics-best-selling-debut-album-2011|title=MONTEVALLO is Country Music's Best-Selling Debut Album Since 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214113900/http://www.samhunt.com/news/11-05-14/montevallo-country-musics-best-selling-debut-album-2011 |archive-date=December 14, 2014 }} It opened with 70,000 units sold. The album included his own version of "Cop Car". The second single from the album "Take Your Time", peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track spent 11 weeks at number one of Hunt's 17 weeks in 2015 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making him the 16th artist in the chart's 57-year history – and the fifth in the past 50 years – to rule for 10 weeks or more.{{cite web|last1=Hodak|first1=Brittany|title=How Sam Hunt Won Country Music In 2015|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyhodak/2015/12/28/how-sam-hunt-won-country-music-in-2015/|work=Forbes|access-date=31 December 2015}} With Montevallo and "Take Your Time", Hunt became the first country artist since Clint Black to have his debut studio album and single to peak atop the year-end charts in the same year. Five days after the release of Montevallo, Hunt announced his first tour Lipstick Graffiti. Tickets went on sale on November 14, 2014. Within a short time of going on sale, the tour sold out at 15 of the venues.{{cite web|url=http://www.samhunt.com/news/11-15-14/lipstick-graffiti-tour-sells-out-15-shows-within-minutes-going-sale |title=LIPSTICK GRAFFITI Tour Sells Out 15 Shows Within Minutes of Going On Sale|access-date=November 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123133019/http://www.samhunt.com/news/11-15-14/lipstick-graffiti-tour-sells-out-15-shows-within-minutes-going-sale |archive-date=November 23, 2014 }} In 2015, he served as an opening act (alongside Hunter Hayes) for Lady Antebellum's Wheels Up Tour.

Hunt was featured on Billboard for the issue of August 29, 2015, where he opened about breaking down country music stereotypes.{{cite magazine|last1=Tannanbaum|first1=Rob|title=Billboard Cover: Sam Hunt on Breaking Down Stereotypes, Teaming With Taylor Swift and Recruiting a 'Team of Misfits' on His Rise to Country Fame|magazine=Billboard |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/6670447/sam-hunt-breaking-down-stereotypes-taylor-swift-fashion-mens-style|access-date=2 December 2015}} He served as a background vocalist on Carrie Underwood's song "Heartbeat", which was released in October 2015.{{cite web |url=http://therowdy.com/article/sam-hunt-confirmed-as-background-vocalist-on-carrie-underwood-s-heartbeat |title=Sam Hunt confirmed as background vocalist on Carrie Underwood's 'Heartbeat' |website=Therowdy.com |date=2015-10-13 |access-date=2016-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120405/http://therowdy.com/article/sam-hunt-confirmed-as-background-vocalist-on-carrie-underwood-s-heartbeat |archive-date=December 8, 2015 }} To commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hunt's debut studio album Montevallo, Between the Pines was re-released on October 27, 2015, peaking at number 31 on the US Billboard 200.{{cite web |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-reissues-between-the-pines/ |title=Sam Hunt Reissues Acoustic Record Montevallo's Birthday |author= Laura McClellan |date= October 28, 2015 |work=Taste of Country }} Hunt won his first American Music Award for New Artist of the Year on November 22, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.

For the week of September 10, 2016, Hunt's fifth single "Make You Miss Me" from Montevallo, hit number one on the Country Airplay chart, thus making him the first solo male artist to land four number ones on the Country Airplay chart from a debut studio album.

= 2017–present: ''Southside'' =

On February 1, 2017, Hunt released "Body Like a Back Road", which went on to become his biggest hit.References confirming release of "Body Like a Back Road":

{{cite news|last1=Dukes|first1=Billy|title=Sam Hunt's New Song 'Body Like a Back Road' Written After Engagement [Listen]|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunts-body-like-a-back-road-new-single/|access-date=January 25, 2017|work=Taste of Country|date=January 25, 2017}}
{{cite news|last1=Casey|first1=Jim|title=Sam Hunt Announces New "Body Like a Back Road" Single [Listen], New "15 in a 30 Tour" & Talks "Spiritual" Engagement Details|url=http://www.nashcountrydaily.com/2017/01/25/sam-hunt-announces-new-body-like-a-backroad-single-new-15-in-a-30-tour-talks-spiritual-engagement-details-2/|access-date=January 25, 2017|work=Nash Country Weekly|date=January 25, 2017}}{{cite magazine|last=Asker|first=Jim|title=Florida Georgia Line Now Has 3 of the 5 Longest-Leading Hot Country Songs No. 1s, Thanks to 'Meant to Be'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8280778/florida-georgia-line-bebe-rexha-meant-to-be-number-one-hot-country-songs-18-weeks|access-date=April 5, 2018|magazine=Billboard|date=April 3, 2018}} In March 2017, while playing a string of live shows with Tucker Beathard, Hunt debuted another song titled "Drinkin' Too Much", a song he wrote and recorded about his on-and-off relationship with his then girlfriend, Hannah Lee Fowler.{{cite web|url=https://www.mixcloud.com/DJCutt/locash-sam-hunt-scotty-mccreery-blake-shelton-tucker-beathard-dj-cutt-mix/ |title=Locash Sam Hunt Scotty Mccreery Blake Shelton Tucker Beathard DJ Cutt Mix by DJCutt |website=Mixcloud.com |date=2020-03-20 |access-date=2020-04-04}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/inside-sam-hunts-apologetic-drinkin-too-much-the-ram-report-109357/ |title=Inside Sam Hunt's Apologetic 'Drinkin' Too Much': Ram Report |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=2017-01-05 |access-date=2020-04-04}}

In May 2018, Hunt released the single "Downtown's Dead". He then announced another song titled "Nothing Lasts Forever", that had yet to be released from his second studio album while performing it at several live shows.{{cite web|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-song-nothing-lasts-forever/|title=Next New Sam Hunt Song Better Shows His Musical Direction|work=Taste of Country|last=Dukes|first=Billy|date=May 18, 2018|access-date=May 19, 2018}}

Hunt took a prolonged hiatus from social media and releasing music after the end of the What Makes You Country Tour with Luke Bryan.{{cite news|url= https://torontosun.com/entertainment/music/country-star-sam-hunt-debuts-new-song-in-calgary |title= Country star Sam Hunt debuts new song in Calgary |newspaper=Toronto Sun|last=Volmers|first=Eric|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2019}} While performing at the Bud Light House Party event in Calgary, Hunt performed "Sinning with You" for the first time which he announced would be on his upcoming album.{{cite magazine|url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8530568/sam-hunt-sinning-with-you |title=Sam Hunt Plays New Song 'Sinning With You' at Canadian Club Show: Watch |magazine=Billboard|last=Reuter|first=Annie|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2019}} Hunt also announced that another single from the new album would be out shortly and the entire album would be released in early 2020.{{cite web|url= https://etcanada.com/news/510056/sam-hunt-premieres-new-song-sinning-with-you-reveals-details-on-next-album-after-his-reboot/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190920235803/https://etcanada.com/news/510056/sam-hunt-premieres-new-song-sinning-with-you-reveals-details-on-next-album-after-his-reboot/ |url-status= dead |archive-date= September 20, 2019 |title= Sam Hunt Premieres New Song 'Sinning With You', Reveals Details On Next Album After His 'Reboot' |work=ET Canada|publisher=Corus Entertainment|last=Colley|first=Katie|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2019}} In October 2019, Hunt released "Kinfolks", his first radio single in over a year.{{cite magazine|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sam-hunt-new-song-kinfolks-897498/ |title=Hear Sam Hunt's New Song 'Kinfolks' |magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Freeman|first=Jon|date=October 10, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2019}} "Sinning with You" was released in January 2020.{{cite news|title=Sinning With You – Single by Sam Hunt on Spotify|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/4U6IucCgnIhPWuvWpQ6npi?si=fcAip9MUSteO3-cKw6RbVQ |access-date=December 23, 2019|work=Spotify}}

In February 2020, Hunt announced the title of his second album would be Southside and that it would be released on April 3, 2020.{{cite news |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-sophomore-album-southside/|title=Sam Hunt Announces Long-Awaited Sophomore Album, 'Southside'|date=February 5, 2020|work=Taste of Country}}{{cite news|url=https://theboot.com/sam-hunt-southside-album-details/|title=Everything We Know About Sam Hunt's Sophomore Album 'Southside'|date=February 5, 2020|work=The Boot|publisher=Townsquare Media, Inc.}}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/country-star-sam-hunt-announces-sophomore-album-southside-tour-1203493483/|title=Country Hitmaker Sam Hunt Schedules First Album Since 2014 Debut|date=February 5, 2020|work=Variety}} He accompanied the album announcement with the announcement of his headlining Southside Summer Tour with Kip Moore, Travis Denning, and Ernest as supporting acts,{{cite news |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-southside-2020-tour-dates/|title=Sam Hunt Announces 'Southside' Summer 2020 Tour With Kip Moore|date=February 5, 2020|work=Taste of Country}}{{cite news|url=https://www.soundslikenashville.com/news/sam-hunt-announces-southside-album-headline-tour/|title=Sam Hunt Announces 'Southside' Album and Summer Headline Tour|date=February 5, 2020|work=Sounds Like Nashville}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/touring/8550185/sam-hunt-tour-dates|title=Sam Hunt Announces Sophomore Album 'Southside' After Six-Year Wait, Preps 2020 Tour|date=February 5, 2020|magazine=Billboard}} while releasing his next single "Hard to Forget" the next day.{{cite news|url=https://wyrk.com/check-out-sam-hunts-next-single-hard-to-forget-listen/|title=Check Out Sam Hunt's Next Single, "Hard To Forget" [LISTEN]|work=Country 106.5 WYRK|publisher=Townsquare Media, Inc.|access-date=February 20, 2020 }} Hunt later cancelled the Southside Summer Tour amidst the coronavirus pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-cancels-2020-southside-tour/|title=Sam Hunt Cancels 2020 Southside Tour|date=May 19, 2020|first=Billy|last=Dukes|work=Taste of Country}} On April 25, 2020, Hunt was featured on the remix of rapper Breland's single "My Truck".{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/my-truck-feat-sam-hunt-remix-single/1508214109|title=My Truck (feat. Sam Hunt) [Remix] - Single by BRELAND on Apple Music|via=Apple Music|date=April 25, 2020|access-date=August 2, 2020}}

In October 2020, Hunt released "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s" as the fifth single to country radio off Southside.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1825692/sam-hunt-seems-to-think-breaking-up-was-easier-in-the-90s/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007001212/http://www.cmt.com/news/1825692/sam-hunt-seems-to-think-breaking-up-was-easier-in-the-90s/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2020|title=Sam Hunt Seems to Think Breaking Up Was Easier in the 90's|publisher=CMT News|last=Bonaguro|first=Alison|date=October 6, 2020|access-date=November 28, 2020}} In April 2021, he joined indie pop singer Sasha Sloan on her single "When Was It Over?" which they co-wrote together with several other writers including Shane McAnally.{{Cite web|first=Jeremy|last=Chua|date=2021-04-23|title=Sam Hunt, Sasha Sloan Team Up For Haunting Breakup Song, 'when was it over?'|url=https://www.soundslikenashville.com/music/sam-hunt-sasha-sloan-breakup-song-when-was-it-over/|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Sounds Like Nashville}} In August 2021, he dueted with Ingrid Andress on "Wishful Drinking",{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/ingrid-andress-sam-hunt-wishful-drinking-1206140/|title=Ingrid Andress Teams With Sam Hunt for New Song 'Wishful Drinking'|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Freeman|first=Joe|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=December 9, 2021}} and followed that up with the release of his single "23" in September 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.umgnashville.com/news/sam-hunt-releases-new-song-23-today/|title=Sam Hunt Releases New Song "23" Today|work=Universal Music Group Nashville|date=September 9, 2021|access-date=October 22, 2021}} In 2022, he released the single "Water Under the Bridge", and the promotional single "Start Nowhere".{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-water-under-the-bridge-video/|title=Sam Hunt Enjoys Simple Pleasures in 'Water Under the Bridge' Video [Watch]|date=July 19, 2022|work=Taste of Country|access-date=January 17, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-start-nowhere/|title=Sam Hunt Gets Back to His Roots on Reflective New Track, 'Start Nowhere' [Listen]|first=Jeremy|last=Chua|date=November 23, 2022|work=Taste of Country|access-date=January 17, 2023}} In 2023, he released a new single, "Outskirts", and announced that he will be going on tour with the "Summer on the Outskirts" tour.{{cite magazine |author=Jon Freeman |date=March 6, 2023 |title=Sam Hunt Announces Summer on the Outskirts Tour |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/sam-hunt-summer-tour-dates-2023-1234691366/ |url-access=subscription}}

Artistry

= Vocals =

Writing for Billboard, Elias Leight observed on Hunt's vocal performance, describing his vocal performance in studio sessions as a "rough, heartthrob voice that shines clearly", but noted that his live vocals "weren't always easy to hear". Leight further praised Hunt's delivery to be "a mix of speaking and rapid-fire singing that sets him apart from other country singers", but commented its impact was "diminished because of his live singing". Finally, Hunt's live performance of "Make You Miss Me" rendered the music writer "the clearest glimpse of his husky mid-range, smooth but rugged voice in a setting where there were no beats crowding him or guitars to compete with".{{cite magazine|last1=Leight|first1=Elias|title=Sam Hunt Erases Boundaries Between Country & Other Genres at NYC Show|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6472469/sam-hunt-new-york-show-live-review|magazine=Billboard|access-date=27 August 2015}}

= Influences =

Hunt's music contains elements of country, R&B and pop. Dwight Yoakam, while speaking to Entertainment Tonight, commented on Hunt's music, saying "It reminds me a little bit of, with the infusion of soul and southern R&B, with the things that happened surrounding the album that Ray Charles put out – the very historic album The Modern Sounds of Country Music back in the early '60s. It was a reinterpretation that not only intrigued country audiences at the time, but it brought a brand new audience to the country music world".{{cite web|last1=Schillaci|first1=Sophie|title=Dwight Yoakam Compares Sam Hunt to Ray Charles: He's Bringing 'A Brand New Audience' to Country|date=May 13, 2015 |url=http://www.etonline.com/music/164437_dwight_yoakam_compares_sam_hunt_to_ray_charles_he_bringing_a_brand_new_audience_to_country/|publisher=Entertainment Tonight|access-date=15 December 2015}} His songwriting was heavily influenced by Brad Paisley, whose early hit "He Didn't Have to Be" had a big impact on him as a kid growing up in Georgia:{{cite web |url=http://pro.krmd-fm.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=58&ts=1414058454&article=1A5F068C5A9C11E4B51EFEFDADE6840A&mode=2 |title=Sam Hunt Opens Up About His Unlikely Classic Country Influences |date=October 28, 2014 |work=Nash FM 101.1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150210125812/http://pro.krmd-fm.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=58&ts=1414058454&article=1A5F068C5A9C11E4B51EFEFDADE6840A&mode=2 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 }} "I remember being at church on Wednesday night at Wednesday night supper, and getting the keys from my mom well before it was over to just go sit in the car and to turn the radio on and hopefully wait and catch that song". He also cites Billy Currington, Usher, K-Ci & JoJo, R. Kelly, Ginuwine and Alice Cooper as musical influences.

= Lyrical and musical style =

Hunt told Taste of Country that he does not write his songs with a specific genre in mind, but rather follows his instinct.{{cite web |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-interview-leave-the-night-on-r-and-b-influences/ |title=Sam Hunt Interview: 'Leave the Night On' Singer Shares His R&B Influences |author= Billy Dukes |date= August 14, 2014 |work=Taste of Country }} "I want to sound different than everybody else", said Hunt talking about his musical style. "To use a football phrase, I try to zig when other people zag". Commenting on his interpretation of country music, he told Rolling Stone Country, "I think country songs are truthful songs about life written by country people, but the beats and sounds will continue to evolve".{{cite web|last1=Moss|first1=Marissa R.|title=Watch Sam Hunt Throw a 'House Party' on 'Fallon' |date=August 19, 2015 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/watch-sam-hunt-throw-a-house-party-on-fallon-20150819#ixzz3k2LjqSc4|publisher=Rolling Stone|access-date=27 August 2015}} Billy Dukes of Taste of Country, on observing "Break Up in a Small Town", referred the song as "likely the wordiest song of 2015" and Hunt's "most genre-bending release to country radio", adding "Any talk of which genre Hunt belongs in misses the point. His story hits hard. It's deep and emotional and sincere and all the things we expect from a great country song".{{cite web|last1=Dukes|first1=Billy|title=Sam Hunt, 'Break Up in a Small Town' [Listen] |date=September 22, 2015 |url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-break-up-in-a-small-town/|access-date=23 September 2015}}

In a 2015 interview with Billboard, Hunt remarked on the position of women in his music, "Respect for women was a very important part of my upbringing", and added, "The women in my life demanded that from me". Hunt even named his album Montevallo, after the hometown of his wife, Hannah Lee Fowler, and consulted her in the lyrical production: "I spent a lot of time talking to her about the songs and asking, 'What do you think about this?' Her perspective was a powerful part of me being able to connect with a female audience, not just a male audience".{{cite magazine|last1=Payne|first1=Chris|title=Billboard Cover Sneak Peek: 5 Ways Sam Hunt Is Breaking Down Country Stereotypes|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/6670464/sam-hunt-billboard-cover-sneak-peek|magazine=Billboard|access-date=27 August 2015}}

In a June 2018 interview with Taste of Country, Hunt said that his upcoming second album will be much like Montevallo, but after the release of the second album he plans to "get back to the foundation of the musical genre that he identifies with".{{cite web|url=http://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-new-country-music-interview-2018/|title=Sam Hunt, Country Traditionalist? It's Burning Within Him|website=Tasteofcountry.com|date=June 14, 2018 }} In the same interview, he said "At some point his music will sound more like traditional country musician Tyler Childers".{{cite web|url=http://theboot.com/sam-hunt-tyler-childers-traditional/|title=Sam Hunt is Reaching Back to His Country Roots for New Music|website=Theboot.com|date=June 15, 2018 }}

Personal life

In January 2017, it was announced that Hunt became engaged to Hannah Lee Fowler.{{cite web|last1=Chiu|first1=Melody|title=Sam Hunt Is Engaged to Hannah Lee Fowler|url=http://people.com/country/sam-hunt-engaged-hannah-lee-fowler/|publisher=People|access-date=2 January 2017}} Fowler, whom Hunt had been dating on-and-off since 2008, was the main inspiration behind his album Montevallo.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=Lindsey|title=Meet Sam Hunt—Country Music's Hottest New Star Dishes on Montevallo|date=October 27, 2014 |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/592065/meet-sam-hunt-country-music-s-hottest-new-star-dishes-on-montevallo|publisher=E! Online|access-date=2 January 2017}} Her name and their story are also referenced in his song "Drinkin' Too Much".{{cite web|last1=Hudak|first1=Joseph|title=Hear Sam Hunt's Repentant New Song 'Drinkin' Too Much'|date=January 2017 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/country/news/hear-sam-hunts-repentant-new-song-drinkin-too-much-w458591|publisher=Rolling Stone|access-date=2 January 2017}} They were married on April 15, 2017, in Hunt's hometown of Cedartown, Georgia.{{cite web|last1=Mizoguchi|first1=Karen|title=Sam Hunt Marries Hannah Lee Fowler in Intimate Georgia Wedding|url=http://people.com/country/sam-hunt-marries-hannah-lee-fowler/|publisher=People|access-date=15 April 2017}} Fowler filed for divorce in February 2022,{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2022 |author=Rachel DeSantis |title=Sam Hunt's Pregnant Wife Hannah Lee Fowler Files for Divorce, Alleges He Cheated on Her |url=https://people.com/country/sam-hunt-pregnant-wife-hannah-lee-fowler-files-for-divorce-alleges-infidelity/ |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=People |language=en}} but later retracted her petition in May of the same year.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-09 |title=Country Star Sam Hunt and Wife Hannah Lee Fowler Call Off Divorce |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1330187/country-star-sam-hunt-and-wife-hannah-lee-fowler-call-off-divorce |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=E! Online}} In June 2022, Hunt announced the birth of their daughter,Cardoza, Riley [https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/sam-hunt-confirms-hannah-lee-fowler-gave-birth-to-1st-child/ Sam Hunt's Wife Hannah Lee Fowler Gives Birth, Welcomes 1st Baby After Reconciliation], Us Magazine June 8, 2022 and in December 2023, Hunt announced the birth of their son.Somers, Caitlyn [https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/sam-hunt-wife-hannah-lee-fowler-welcome-baby-no-2-details/ Country Star Sam Hunt and Wife Hannah Lee Fowler Welcome Baby No. 2], US Magazine December 1, 2023

=Legal issues=

On November 21, 2019, Hunt was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee after allegedly driving under the influence.{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6199421/sam-hunt-arrested-dui-charges/|title=Country singer Sam Hunt arrested on DUI charges in Nashville|date=November 21, 2019|website=Globalnews.ca|access-date=21 November 2019}} On August 19, 2021, Hunt was found guilty of his DUI charge that occurred nearly two years before. As a result of the conviction, his drivers license was suspended for one year; and he was sentenced to jail for a period of 11 months and 29 days, which was suspended except for 48 hours.{{cite web |title=Sam Hunt found guilty of DUI |date=August 18, 2021 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/country-star-sam-hunt-pleads-guilty-to-drinking-and-driving/3228061/ |publisher=NBC New York |access-date=August 19, 2021}} On January 20, 2025, Hunt was arrested in Henderson County Tennessee for refusing a breathalyzer after being pulled over for speeding. He posted a $1,500 bond, and avoided facing criminal charges after his lawyer was able to clear paperwork in court.{{cite news|url=https://people.com/sam-hunt-avoids-charges-after-reported-arrest-alleged-speeding-8782861|title=Sam Hunt Avoids Charges After Reported Arrest for Alleged Speeding, Anti-DUI Device Violation|first1=Rachael|last1=DeSantis|first2=Sarah|last2=Michaud|publisher=People|date=January 29, 2025|accessdate=January 30, 2025}}