Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson is a singer-songwriter known for his work in country music, Americana, and roots rock. Drawing from traditional country, outlaw influences, soul, rock, and psychedelic elements, Simpson has developed a reputation for blending genres and exploring new musical directions while maintaining a connection to the foundations of country music. After serving in the U.S. Navy and working as a railroad operations manager in Utah, Simpson transitioned to a music career and relocated to Nashville to pursue solo work.

Simpson began his solo career with "High Top Mountain," a debut album that drew comparisons to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson and received critical attention. He followed with "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music," a record recognized for its philosophical themes and sonic experimentation. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album, appeared on Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums," and was included in NPR's 50 Favorite Albums. The single "Turtles All the Way Down" won Song of the Year from the Americana Music Honors & Awards, and Simpson was named Artist of the Year by the Americana Music Association.

His third studio album, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," marked a significant point in his career. Released on Atlantic Records, the album topped country and rock charts and received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, and Simpson performed at the Grammy Awards alongside the Dap-Kings. Simpson continued to expand his musical range with "Sound & Fury," a hard rock album accompanied by an anime film, as well as two bluegrass records—"Cuttin' Grass, Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions" and "Cuttin' Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions"—and the acoustic-focused "The Ballad of Dood & Juanita."

Simpson adopted the alter ego Johnny Blue Skies for his eighth studio album, "Passage du Desir," recorded at Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville and Abbey Road Studios in London. The album received positive reviews from outlets including Rolling Stone and GQ. Simpson followed with a tour that reached more than 200,000 fans across 28 cities. Under the Johnny Blue Skies moniker, Simpson released "Mutiny After Midnight," which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 1 on the US Americana/Folk Albums and US Top Rock & Alternative Albums charts.

In addition to his music career, Simpson has appeared in films such as "Queen & Slim," "The Dead Don't Die," and "Killers of the Flower Moon," as well as the television series "The Righteous Gemstones." Simpson's career is characterized by artistic exploration, genre blending, and a consistent presence in country music, Americana, and roots rock.