Country music has long been intertwined with themes of faith, struggle, and redemption. At CMA Fest 2023, the heart of country music in Nashville, Tennessee, this connection shines brightly. payoffsong.com celebrates this bond by revisiting powerful stories from country artists who openly share their faith journeys. These narratives, originally featured on the Jesus Calling Podcast, reveal how these musicians navigate heartache, joy, and the demanding path to success, all while leaning on their unwavering trust in God. Dive into these inspiring stories and discover the uplifting power of Country Music Songs rooted in faith.
Brett Young: Finding God’s Plan in Music
Brett Young‘s journey in music is a testament to perseverance and divine timing. For a decade, he navigated the Los Angeles music scene, performing in bars and restaurants. Despite making a living, he felt unfulfilled, singing covers to indifferent crowds. Record deals and original songs seemed distant dreams. Contemplating a career shift towards songwriting for others, Brett moved to Nashville.
Brett Young shares his faith story on the Jesus Calling Podcast
His Nashville plan took an unexpected turn. Initially aiming to write for other artists, Brett recorded demos of his songs. However, his voice captured attention. “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans,” Brett reflects. Just as he felt his time for a solo career had passed, God opened doors. He was offered the platform he had longed for. This pivotal moment shaped his approach to country music songs. Brett prioritized authentic songwriting, sharing genuine life experiences to connect deeply with fans. He understood that his songs were his primary means of connection, a way to share his true self with audiences who came to see him night after night. This commitment to authenticity has resonated with listeners, forging a strong bond built on shared experiences and faith-infused country music songs.
“I always say, ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.’” – Brett Young
Brett emphasizes that staying true to himself and his experiences remains his guiding principle. He aims to ensure his music offers a clear reflection of his personal journey and faith, fostering a genuine connection with his ever-growing fanbase through heartfelt country music songs.
Lathan Warlick: A Second Chance Through Faith
From rapper to country music collaborator, Lathan Warlick‘s story is a powerful example of faith intervening in unexpected ways. Raised with a foundation of faith by his grandmother and mother, Lathan initially drifted away, influenced by his environment. Despite their teachings and church attendance, he admits to being “hard-headed,” needing a significant life event to truly embrace his faith.
Lathan Warlick discusses faith and unexpected answers on Jesus Calling Podcast
A near-fatal encounter became his turning point. After celebrating a talent show win at a club, Lathan found himself facing a life-threatening situation. Mistakenly caught in a conflict, he was chased and cornered. Facing a gun pointed at his face, fear gripped him. In that moment of terror, his grandmother’s words echoed in his mind: “call on God in times of need.” Desperate, Lathan prayed, asking for divine intervention to escape the situation. Incredibly, the gunman pulled the trigger, but the gun clicked and misfired. A series of events followed, culminating in Lathan’s escape. This miraculous escape profoundly impacted him. He felt a heavy, inexplicable feeling, leading to tears and a profound realization: “God was calling me to be a light out into the world.” This experience reshaped his path, leading him to become a positive artist, refusing to be confined by genre labels. Lathan sees his music, including his foray into country music songs, as a way to share his testimony and spread light, emphasizing God’s unexpected plans and his calling to reach a wider audience with a message of hope and faith.
“I can remember my grandma always saying if I was ever in a time of need to just call on God, that was like one of the things that I can remember with my back against this wall.” – Lathan Warlick
Lathan’s journey exemplifies how faith can redirect and transform a life. His story, often shared through his unique blend of music genres including country music songs, inspires listeners to recognize God’s presence even in the darkest moments and to embrace unexpected paths as part of a larger divine plan.
Tayla Lynn: Finding Unconditional Love and Redemption
Tayla Lynn, granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, shares a deeply personal story of faith interwoven with family, addiction, and redemption. Her early relationship with God was nurtured by her aunt, who instilled in her the simple yet profound message: “Jesus is love.” As a child, Tayla embraced this concept, finding comfort in the idea of unconditional love.
Tayla Lynn with her grandmother Loretta Lynn, a legacy of faith and country music
Growing up between her mother in Franklin, Tennessee, and her father on tour with Loretta Lynn, Tayla experienced contrasting worlds. While cherishing time with her father and “Meemaw” (Loretta Lynn), she also felt the pangs of separation. Music became a constant, particularly her grandmother’s biopic, Coal Miner’s Daughter, which she watched repeatedly, dreaming of escaping her circumstances and emulating her grandmother’s success. However, adolescence brought challenges. Early alcohol use at fourteen spiraled into addiction. During turbulent times at home, Tayla found solace in her faith, feeling that only “me and God in a closet” could offer protection. Yet, as addiction deepened, she admits to hiding from God, creating a “curtain” to shield her actions.
Moving in with Loretta Lynn offered a different kind of freedom, but also exposure to the Nashville honky-tonk scene. Tayla’s drug use escalated, masking deeper emotional wounds. Despite outward appearances of success, touring and working with her grandmother, she was battling a severe addiction. Multiple rehab attempts followed until, in 2004, she reached a turning point. Sober and frail, Tayla began rebuilding her life and rediscovering her spiritual connection. During this recovery, she found Jesus Calling, a devotional book that resonated deeply, providing daily guidance and reinforcing her faith. Tayla emphasizes the ongoing nature of recovery, relying on daily prayer and spiritual connection to maintain her sobriety. Through her journey, Tayla never felt abandoned by God. She recognized that any distance from faith was self-imposed. Her story, reflected in her life and potentially in future country music songs, is a testament to God’s unwavering presence, unconditional love, and the possibility of redemption even after profound struggles.
“I never felt abandoned. I never felt like God wasn’t there. I always knew any time that I wasn’t feeling God, it was because that was of my own doing. God is everything to me. Jesus is everything to me. You know, it’s always been that way.” – Tayla Lynn
Tayla’s narrative underscores themes often found in country music songs: hardship, resilience, and the search for grace. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities offers hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles, demonstrating the power of faith in overcoming adversity.
Granger & Amber Smith: Faith Amidst Unthinkable Loss
Granger and Amber Smith share a story of unwavering faith tested by unimaginable tragedy. Granger’s upbringing was deeply rooted in faith, with his mother instilling biblical teachings from a young age. Church was a constant, shaping his early spiritual foundation. However, as Granger ventured into the world and his music career, particularly in Nashville’s music scene, his faith drifted. It wasn’t until marriage and parenthood that Granger and Amber felt a pull to reconnect with their spiritual roots.
Granger Smith and his wife Amber share their journey of faith and healing
The miracle of their children rekindled their faith. Holding their babies, Granger recognized the undeniable presence of God and the responsibility to instill the same faith-based foundation he had received. They began incorporating devotionals, Bible reading, and prayer into their daily lives. They felt they were in a good place, balanced in faith, family, and Granger’s booming country music songs career. Then, tragedy struck. Their young son, River, tragically drowned in a pool accident. Amber recounts the horrific day, the frantic CPR, the initial hope upon regaining River’s heartbeat, and the devastating news of irreversible brain damage. In the face of this immense grief, their faith became their anchor.
Granger and Amber Smith with their children, finding strength in faith after loss
Despite well-meaning but misguided advice to disregard medical opinions and pray for a miraculous healing, Granger felt a different spiritual direction. He prayed for guidance to make the right decisions for his family, for strength to navigate the unbearable. An overwhelming peace descended upon them, guiding them to accept God’s will. They chose to say goodbye to River. This peace, they emphasize, was crucial in making impossible decisions. Amber and Granger channeled their grief into their faith, “running to Him” for solace. They acknowledge the immense pain and ongoing healing process but affirm that their faith has carried them. They believe in God’s sovereignty and accept River’s short but impactful life as part of a larger divine plan. Their story, often reflected in Granger’s emotionally resonant country music songs, is a testament to faith’s ability to sustain even in the darkest valleys, offering hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
“If you believe like we do that God is sovereign, then River had three years on this Earth and all of our days are numbered and we have to surrender to that and accept that. And then just do the next best thing to try to move forward to still continue to grow our faith.” – Granger & Amber Smith
The Smiths’ journey resonates deeply with the themes of love, loss, and faith found in many country music songs. Their vulnerability in sharing their pain and their reliance on faith offers a powerful message of hope and enduring love in the face of tragedy.
Travis Tritt: From Childhood Choir to Country Star
Travis Tritt‘s musical journey began in a children’s choir, singing a solo at just six years old. This early experience ignited a passion for music, even though a career in the industry seemed distant for many years. Growing up, college wasn’t an option, leading Travis to marry and work in heating and air conditioning. Music remained a side passion, playing occasional gigs with his band. A turning point came when Travis saw a solo musician performing in a local club. He realized he could do that too. He befriended the musician and, when the opportunity arose, took over the club gig.
Travis Tritt performing, a journey from faith-based beginnings to country music success
Balancing his day job with nightly performances was demanding, but Travis found more fulfillment and surprisingly, more income in his music. He wrestled with the decision to pursue music full-time. Seeking advice, he spoke with his father, his boss, and a former musician himself. His father, recalling his own regret of not pursuing music, encouraged Travis to chase his dream, assuring him his job would be waiting if things didn’t work out. This pivotal encouragement propelled Travis to take the leap. He focused solely on his music, never looking back. Travis acknowledges being incredibly blessed throughout his career, having worked with his musical heroes, including Ray Charles and the Eagles. He recognizes his dreams have surpassed his initial imaginings. Grounded in gratitude, Travis begins each night’s prayers by counting his blessings: health, family, protection, salvation, and the talent God has given him. He expresses thankfulness for the ability to use his country music songs to entertain, uplift, and connect with people, making a living while sharing his gift. Travis attributes all his blessings to God, recognizing divine providence in his life and career.
“I’m one of those people that can look back and say, honestly, my dreams have more than come true.” – Travis Tritt
Travis Tritt’s story embodies the themes of hard work, faith, and gratitude often celebrated in country music songs. His journey from a childhood choir to country stardom highlights the power of pursuing one’s passion with faith and recognizing divine blessings along the way.
Travis Tritt at the Iowa State Fair in 1994, a testament to his enduring career
Reba, Susie, & Alice McEntire: A Sisterhood of Faith and Family
Reba McEntire and her sisters, Susie and Alice, share heartwarming stories of faith within their family, highlighting the influence of their parents and the strength of their sisterhood. Alice recounts their father, a rodeo cowboy and rancher, embracing faith later in life. Despite societal norms of ranchers not being overtly religious, their father felt a conviction and was baptized, openly expressing his faith. Susie recalls his practical approach to faith, comparing it to “insurance for your soul.” The sisters fondly remember their father’s earnest engagement with church sermons, his direct questions to the pastor, showcasing a sincere and inquisitive faith.
Reba McEntire with her sisters Susie and Alice, a family grounded in faith
Reba shares the touching story of their mother’s baptism at 87, a joyful occasion where their mother declared she was “turning herself in” to God. Susie expresses deep gratitude for her sisters, acknowledging Alice’s support during a difficult marriage and Reba’s opportunities offered on tour and in music. She cherishes the unique bond of sisterhood, a connection deeper than blood. Susie also shares a simple yet powerful lesson from their grandmother: “Always tell the Lord thank you.” This practice of gratitude has resonated throughout her life, a constant source of strength and perspective.
Reba McEntire with sisters Susie McEntire-Eaton and Alice, a legacy of faith and sisterhood
Reba reflects on the importance of love and grace, especially amidst societal divisions. She emphasizes extending compassion and understanding, recognizing that everyone faces their own struggles. The sisters conclude by sharing a passage from Jesus Listens, focusing on gratitude and God’s unending love. Their collective stories, intertwined with Reba’s iconic country music songs legacy, highlight the enduring power of family, faith, and gratitude.
“When I don’t have anything else to pray about, I just stop and I say, ‘Thank you, God, thank you. I don’t know what’s coming next. I don’t know how I’m going to do this, but I just want to say thank you.’” – Susie McEntire-Eaton
The McEntire sisters’ reflections offer a heartwarming glimpse into a family grounded in faith and love. Their stories, connected to the world of country music songs through Reba’s legendary career, emphasize the importance of family bonds, faith-based values, and the simple power of gratitude.
Conclusion:
These country music artists’ stories reveal a common thread: faith as a source of strength, guidance, and hope amidst life’s complexities. Their journeys, expressed both in interviews and potentially through their country music songs, offer inspiration and resonate with listeners seeking connection, meaning, and the uplifting power of faith-filled narratives. Explore more stories of faith and music at JesusCalling.com/podcast.
