Kimberly Schlapman

Kimberly Schlapman is a founding member of the country music vocal group Little Big Town and a multifaceted personality whose career extends beyond the stage. Founded in 1998, Little Big Town has maintained the same four members since its inception: Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook. The group’s musical style is characterized by four-part vocal harmonies, with all members alternating as lead vocalists. Schlapman’s journey to Nashville began at Samford University in Alabama, where she met Karen Fairchild during their first week at Samford on a bus to choir camp. After relocating to Nashville, the two reunited and laid the foundation for what would become one of country music’s enduring acts.

Little Big Town’s rise in the country music industry was built on a series of notable recordings and extensive touring. The group entered the music scene with hits such as "Boondocks," "Bring It On Home," "Good As Gone," and the Grammy-nominated single "Little White Church." With albums "Tornado" and "Pain Killer," the group achieved success with No. 1 singles including "Pontoon," "Tornado," "Day Drinking," the history-making "Girl Crush," and "Better Man." Little Big Town has released 10 studio albums, earned more than 45 award show nominations, and received nearly 20 awards, including multiple Grammy, American Music, People’s Choice, Country Music Association, and Academy of Country Music awards, as well as an Emmy Award. As part of the group, Schlapman has won four Grammy Awards and received 13 nominations, CMA Vocal Group of the Year honors, numerous Academy of Country Music Awards, and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Country Group. A significant milestone occurred when Reba McEntire invited the group to become members of the Grand Ole Opry, a full circle moment as Little Big Town made its first public appearance as a band on the Opry stage.

Beyond her work with Little Big Town, Schlapman has developed a career as a home lifestyle personality and culinary enthusiast. She hosted the cooking show "Kimberly’s Simply Southern" for three seasons. Schlapman is the author of the cookbook "Oh Gussie! Cooking and Visiting in Kimberly’s Southern Kitchen," which features recipes and stories from her roots in the Appalachian foothills of north Georgia, her travels with Little Big Town, and her life in Nashville. She is also the author of the children’s Christmas book "A Dolly for Christmas," which tells the story of her family’s adoption journey. Schlapman has appeared on national programs including "The Voice," "The Tonight Show," and "Today." She has served as a judge and mentor on culinary competition series, including "Chopped Junior," "Beat Bobby Flay," and as a guest judge on "Project Runway All Stars."

Schlapman has spoken publicly about personal challenges, including her long struggle with infertility due to endometriosis and her path to adoption, raising awareness about these issues. Her mother’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease led Schlapman to engage in advocacy work, including sharing her family’s experience through the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research and awareness efforts. Schlapman’s contributions have been recognized in her hometown, where Habersham Central High School honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting her impact in country music and entertainment.