About:
Sturgill Simpson, a prominent American country musician, has made a significant impact on the country music scene with his exceptional talent and unique style. Born on June 8, 1978, in Jackson, Kentucky, Simpson has risen to prominence through his heartfelt songwriting and soulful performances. This article delves into the life and career of Sturgill Simpson, exploring his early years, education, musical journey, achievements, and personal life.
Early Life and Education:
Sturgill Simpson hails from Jackson, Kentucky, and was born into a family with deep roots in the coal mining industry. His mother’s side of the family consisted of coal miners, with every male member working in the industry until Sturgill pursued a career in music. On the other hand, his father served as an undercover Kentucky State Police Trooper in the narcotics department. Despite facing challenges, such as his parents’ divorce during his seventh-grade years, Simpson persevered.
Simpson attended Woodford County High School, where he faced a difficult phase in his life. He encountered personal struggles and briefly engaged in the sale and consumption of drugs. However, he managed to overcome these challenges and graduated from high school.
Military Service:
Following his graduation, Sturgill Simpson enlisted in the US Navy, dedicating three years of his life to serving his country. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed on a warship and spent several days camped at various ports, always prepared for the possibility of battle. Despite not experiencing direct combat, his military service undoubtedly played a formative role in his life.
Musical Journey:
Sturgill Simpson’s passion for music was evident from a young age. In 2004, he formed a band called “Sunday Valley” with a group of friends, blending rock and country influences in their music. While the band performed at local festivals and gained some recognition, Simpson eventually took a break from music.
After working at the Salt Lake City railroad freight-shipping yard and becoming a manager for the Union Pacific Railroad, Simpson was convinced by his wife and friends to return to music. He rejoined his former band as the vocalist and guitarist, touring extensively and later releasing an album. However, in 2012, the band disbanded, leading Simpson to embark on a solo career.
Simpson’s debut album, “High Top Mountain,” was released on June 11, 2013. He self-funded the project, with production by Dave Cobb. The album featured 12 tracks, including notable contributions from artists like Ray Cline, Ralph Stanley, and Steven Fromholz. “High Top Mountain” reached number 11 on the US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) list and showcased Simpson’s exceptional talent. The track “Life Ain’t Fair and the World is Mean” gained significant popularity among listeners.
Continuing his unorthodox approach to traditional country music, Sturgill Simpson released his second album, “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.” The album, which sold over 228 thousand copies in the United States, received critical acclaim and found its place in the top 10 of The Billboard charts for US country music.
In April 2016, Simpson released his highly successful third album, “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.” This album surpassed expectations, earning widespread praise and topping the charts for US Rock, US Folk, and US Country music on Billboard. Notably, “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” won the prestigious 2017 Grammy Award for Best Country Album, solidifying Simpson’s status as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Sturgill Simpson Net Worth:
In 2010, Sturgill Simpson tied the knot with Sarah Simpson, and the couple has since welcomed three children together. The family has made their home in Nashville, Tennessee, following the disbandment of Simpson’s former band, ‘Sunday Valley.’
Simpson’s remarkable success in the music industry has not only brought him critical acclaim but has also contributed to his financial prosperity. He has accumulated his wealth primarily through the sale of his albums, which include a diverse range of projects such as ‘The Ballad of Dood and Juanita,’ ‘High Top Mountain,’ ‘Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1 & 2,’ ‘Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,’ ‘Sound & Fury,’ and ‘A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.’
Moreover, Simpson’s presence on platforms like YouTube has garnered over 149 million views, translating into substantial revenue of approximately $450,000. Additionally, he owns his family home in southeast Tennessee. As a result, it is estimated that Sturgill Simpson has a net worth of $5 million.
Facts about Sturgill Simpson
- Sturgill Simpson is an American singer-songwriter and musician.
- He gained recognition with his breakthrough album “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music” in 2014.
- His third studio album, “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth,” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 2017.
- Simpson ventured into acting, appearing in the CBS All Access series “One Dollar” and the film “The Dead Don’t Die.”
- He released the album “Sound & Fury” in 2019, accompanied by an anime film of the same name on Netflix.