Brantley Gilbert Biography: A Country Rock Rebel
Brantley Gilbert, Brantley Keith Gilbert, in Jefferson, Georgia, has carved out a unique space in country music with his blend of country, Southern rock, and hard rock influences, often dubbed “bro-country.”
His career is marked by raw honesty, a rebellious spirit, and deeply personal songwriting that resonates with a dedicated fanbase.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings:
Growing up in a small town outside Athens, Georgia, Gilbert was drawn to Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and these influences are heavily present in his music.
He began singing and writing songs at a young age, and a near-fatal car accident at 19 spurred him to dedicate himself to his musical aspirations.
He initially performed acoustic sets in his hometown, gradually evolving his sound into the high-energy country-rock shows he’s known for today.
Career Highlights and Discography:
Gilbert’s career took off after he moved to Nashville, where he initially signed with Warner Chappell Publishing as a songwriter.
He released his debut album, “A Modern Day Prodigal Son,” in 2009, followed by “Halfway to Heaven” in 2010, both on the independent label Average Joe’s Entertainment.
A pivotal moment came in 2011 when he signed with Valory Music Co., a division of Big Machine Records.
They reissued “Halfway to Heaven,” which produced his first two #1 hits: “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”
Around this time, he also found significant success as a songwriter, with Jason Aldean recording two of his co-written tracks, “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” both becoming massive hits.
His subsequent albums continued to solidify his reputation as a country rock rebel:
- Just as I Am (2014): This album featured the chart-topping singles “Bottoms Up” and “One Hell of an Amen.”
- The Devil Don’t Sleep (2017): Included the hit “The Weekend.”
- Fire & Brimstone (2019): Featured the duet “What Happens in a Small Town” with Lindsay Ell.
- So Help Me God (2022): Showcased collaborations with artists like Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, and Jason Aldean.
- Tattoos (2024): His latest album, which includes collaborations with Ashley Cooke and Justin Moore.
Personal Life and Struggles:
Gilbert has been open about his past struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction, which began in his teenage years due to football injuries and intensified in college and early in his music career.
He describes a period where he would drink and take pills frequently, even throughout the night.
A hospitalization for pancreatitis in late 2011 served as a major wake-up call, with doctors warning him that his lifestyle could be fatal.
He entered rehab and has been sober since December 18, 2011, crediting his faith and the support of his now-wife, Amber Cochran Gilbert, for his recovery.
Keith Urban, who also faced addiction, visited Gilbert during his rehab, offering crucial support and encouragement.
He often speaks about the importance of family and faith in his life. Gilbert is also a strong supporter of veterans and the military.
Awards and Recognition:
Brantley Gilbert’s distinctive style has earned him various accolades. He won the ACM New Male Artist award in 2013 and has had multiple #1 hits on the country charts.
While he has received nominations for other prestigious awards, including CMA Song of the Year for “Dirt Road Anthem,” his impact on the genre is undeniable, leaving a lasting mark with his authentic lyrics and powerful performances.
Age
Brantley Gilbert was born on January 20, 1985, in Jefferson, Georgia, which makes him 40 years old as of 2025.
- Age: 39 years old (as of 2025)
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Nationality: American
Parents and Siblings
Brantley Gilbert was born in Jefferson, Georgia, to Becky and Keith Gilbert.
His father, Keith, was originally a pastor before transitioning into entrepreneurship, while his mother, Becky, ran a preschool program at a local Baptist Church.
His parents met at Johnson Bible College near Knoxville, Tennessee, a private Christian university.
Wife
Brantley Gilbert’s wife, Amber Cochran Gilbert, is a former teacher and fitness enthusiast. She was born on March 30, 1988, making her 36 years old.
Amber and Brantley were high school sweethearts who reconnected later in life and got married on June 28, 2015.
The couple has two children and is expecting a third. Their son, Barrett Hardy-Clay Gilbert, was born on November 11, 2017, and their daughter, Braylen Hendrix Gilbert, was born on September 9, 2019. They announced in May 2024 that they are expecting their third child.
Amber has been a significant influence on Brantley’s music, inspiring many of his songs.
She has a background in education, holding a bachelor’s degree in middle grade education from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in family counseling from Liberty University.
Although she no longer teaches in a traditional school setting, she founded Arc Learning Academy, a homeschool group in Jefferson, Georgia. Amber is also passionate about fitness and often shares her workout routines on social media.
Height, Weight
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 80 kg (176 lbs)
Career and Background
Brantley Gilbert’s career took off with the release of his debut album, “Modern Day Prodigal Son,” under Average Joes Entertainment.
His second album, “Halfway to Heaven,” was re-released by Big Machine Records, propelling him to fame. Gilbert has released several successful albums, including “Just as I Am,” “The Devil Don’t Sleep,” and “Fire & Brimstone.”
He has also co-written hits for other artists, such as Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
Songwriting Process
Brantley Gilbert’s songwriting process is deeply personal and often collaborative. He typically insists on having a major role in the creation of his songs, preferring to be involved from the initial idea to the final product.
Here are some key aspects of his process:
- Personal Experiences: Many of Gilbert’s songs are inspired by his own life experiences and emotions. For example, “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” was written about a personal relationship, capturing the raw emotions he was feeling at the time.
- Collaborative Writing: Gilbert often collaborates with other songwriters. He values the energy and ideas that come from working with others in the same room, although he has adapted to writing via video conference when necessary.
- Genre-Blending: While his music leans towards country, Gilbert doesn’t confine himself to a single genre. He writes what he feels, regardless of whether it fits neatly into country, rock, or another genre.
- Emotional Honesty: Gilbert aims to be truthful in his songwriting, often using it as a form of therapy to work through his own feelings and experiences.
- Adaptability: Although he usually prefers to be involved in every aspect of the songwriting process, there are exceptions. For instance, the song “Hard Days” was nearly complete when it was presented to him, but he felt a strong connection to it and made it his own by tweaking the lyrics to fit his style.
Albums and Songs
Brantley Gilbert is a well-known country music artist with a discography that includes several popular albums and songs.
Here are his studio albums:
- A Modern Day Prodigal Son (2009)
- Halfway to Heaven (2010)
- Just As I Am (2014)
- The Devil Don’t Sleep (2017)
- Fire & Brimstone (2019)
- So Help Me God (2022)
- Tattoos (scheduled for release on September 13, 2024)
Some of his most popular songs include:
- “Bottoms Up” from Just As I Am
- “Country Must Be Country Wide” from Halfway to Heaven
- “One Hell of an Amen” from Just As I Am
- “The Weekend” from The Devil Don’t Sleep
- “What Happens in a Small Town” from Fire & Brimstone
Brantley Gilbert’s Near-Fatal Car Accident
Brantley Gilbert experienced a life-altering car accident in his late teens that significantly impacted his life and career.
The accident, which occurred near his hometown of Jefferson, Georgia, involved his truck rolling over multiple times and crashing into a tree. Miraculously, he survived the accident, though he sustained injuries.
This harrowing experience served as a turning point for Gilbert. The accident prompted him to reevaluate his life and priorities, leading him to focus more on his music and songwriting.
The event also inspired him to write the song “Halfway to Heaven,” which reflects on the accident and his newfound appreciation for life.
Gilbert’s near-fatal accident is a well-known story among his fans and has become a significant part of his personal narrative.
The experience helped shape him as an artist and has undoubtedly contributed to the authenticity and depth of his music.
Net Worth
Brantley Gilbert has an estimated net worth of $15 million. His wealth primarily comes from his music career, including album sales, songwriting royalties, touring, and merchandise.
Gilbert has also written hit songs for other artists, such as Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem”, which contributed to his financial success.
Sources of Income:
- Music Sales & Streaming – His albums, including Just as I Am and The Devil Don’t Sleep, have performed well commercially.
- Songwriting Royalties – Gilbert has penned several successful songs for himself and other country artists.
- Touring & Live Performances – His concerts and tours generate significant revenue.
- Merchandise Sales – Branded merchandise adds to his earnings.
- Endorsements & Collaborations – While not as publicized, partnerships with brands contribute to his income.
In December 2015, Gilbert made headlines by donating $10.5 million worth of goods to Toys for Tots, showcasing his philanthropic side.
Who is Brantley Gilbert signed with?
Brantley Gilbert is currently signed with Valory Music Co., a division of Big Machine Records.
He initially started his career with Average Joes Entertainment, where he released his first two albums, “Modern Day Prodigal Son” and “Halfway to Heaven.”
In 2011, he transitioned to Valory Music Co., under which he has released several successful albums, including “Just as I Am,” “The Devil Don’t Sleep,” “Fire & Brimstone,” and “So Help Me God.”
What kind of singer is Brantley Gilbert?
Brantley Gilbert is known for his unique blend of musical styles, primarily rooted in country rock. His music often incorporates elements of southern rock, hard rock, and bro-country.
Gilbert’s sound is characterized by its gritty, rebellious edge, and he often explores themes of small-town life, personal struggles, and resilience.
His powerful vocals and storytelling ability have earned him a dedicated fan base and several chart-topping hits.
What is Brantley Gilbert Known For?
Brantley Gilbert is known for his unique blend of country and rock music, characterized by his gritty voice and honest lyrics.
He has made a significant impact on the country music scene with several chart-topping albums and singles. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Hit Songs: Songs like “Bottoms Up,” “Country Must Be Country Wide,” and “One Hell of an Amen” have been major hits.
- Albums: His albums, such as Halfway to Heaven, Just As I Am, and The Devil Don’t Sleep, have received critical acclaim and commercial success.
- Songwriting: Gilbert has also co-written hits for other artists, including Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”
- Live Performances: Known for his high-energy live performances, Gilbert has a strong connection with his audience.
How to Book Brantley Gilbert?
If you’re looking to book Brantley Gilbert for an event, you can follow these steps:
- Contact His Booking Agent: You can reach out to his booking agent through platforms like Booking Entertainment or Celebrity Talent. They will provide you with details on availability and pricing.
- Fill Out a Request Form: Many booking agencies have online forms where you can submit your event details and request a quote.
- Direct Contact: You can also call the booking agency directly to discuss your event and get immediate assistance.
What is Brantley Gilbert Doing Now?
As of now, Brantley Gilbert is actively involved in his music career and personal life:
- New Album: He recently released his album Tattoos on September 13, 2024. The album features collaborations with artists like Justin Moore and Ashley Cooke.
- Touring: Gilbert is currently on his “Off The Rails” tour, performing across various locations.
- Family Life: He and his wife, Amber Cochran Gilbert, are expecting their third child.
- Advocacy: Gilbert continues to support military veterans and first responders, often incorporating these themes into his music and public appearances.
Is Brantley Gilbert Married?
Yes, Brantley Gilbert is married to Amber Cochran. They have been together since 2015.
How Old Is Brantley Gilbert?
Brantley Gilbert is 40 years old, born on January 20, 1985.
Is Brantley Gilbert Working on a New Project?
Brantley Gilbert continues to be active in the music industry. He frequently tours and performs, and he is known for working on new music projects. His latest album, “So Help Me God,” was released recently, and he is likely working on new material.
How Do I Email Brantley Gilbert?
To contact Brantley Gilbert, you can use the following email addresses:
- For general inquiries and fan mail: [email protected].
- For merchandise support: [email protected].
Brantley Gilbert is quite active on social media! Here are some of his official accounts:
- TikTok: @brantleygilbert.
- YouTube: Brantley Gilbert.
- Instagram: @brantleygilbert.
- Twitter: @brantleygilbert.
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