Brothers Osborne is a critically acclaimed American country music duo consisting of brothers, John and TJ Osborne. The siblings have been making music together since their early years and have been heavily influenced by their musical upbringing in a rural Maryland town. Their sound is a blend of traditional country music with a modern twist, which has garnered them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
Formed in 2013, Brothers Osborne quickly gained recognition for their raw and authentic songwriting, impressive musicianship, and powerful live performances. Their debut album, Pawn Shop, released in 2016, was met with critical acclaim and chart-topping success. Since then, the duo has continued to push the boundaries of country music, collaborating with artists outside of the genre and using their platform to advocate for political and social issues.
In this article, we will explore the early years and musical influences of Brothers Osborne, their rise to fame, chart-topping hits, live performances and tours, political and social activism, future projects and collaborations, and their lasting impact in the country music industry.
Key Takeaways
- Brothers Osborne is a highly successful country music duo consisting of brothers TJ and John Osborne, known for their raw talent and captivating stage presence.
- They have released three full-length albums, all of which have reached the top 10 on the US Country charts, and have produced for other artists such as Ashley McBryde.
- The duo has won several awards and have been nominated for multiple Grammys and CMA Awards, including Vocal Duo of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.
- Brothers Osborne have used their platform to speak out against gun violence and support LGBTQ+ rights, and have partnered with organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the CMA Foundation for charitable efforts.
Early Years and Musical Influences
During their formative years in Deale, Maryland, Brothers Osborne were heavily influenced by their parents’ record collection and exposure to the live music scene in nearby Baltimore. The siblings, John and TJ Osborne, grew up listening to a variety of genres, including country, rock, and blues, which helped shape their unique sound.
Their musical upbringing also included attending concerts and festivals with their family, which exposed them to a wide range of artists and performers. As they grew older, the brothers began playing music together, with John on guitar and TJ on drums. They started performing at local bars and clubs, honing their skills and developing their sound.
Along with their early influences, they also drew inspiration from country music legends such as Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, as well as rock icons like The Allman Brothers Band. This eclectic mix of musical styles and influences would later become a defining feature of Brothers Osborne’s music.
Formation of Brothers Osborne
The musical duo that would later become known as Brothers Osborne was formed in the early 2000s by two brothers from Maryland who shared a passion for country music. John and TJ Osborne grew up in Deale, a small town in southern Maryland. They were both musically inclined from a young age, with John playing guitar and TJ playing bass.
They began performing together in bars and clubs around their hometown, honing their skills and developing a unique sound that blended traditional country with rock influences. As they gained a local following, the brothers decided to move to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
They signed with EMI Records in 2012 and released their debut single, ‘Let’s Go There,’in 2013. The song received positive reviews and charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Brothers Osborne continued to release music and tour extensively, building a dedicated fan base and earning critical acclaim for their unique sound and dynamic live performances.
Today, they are considered one of the most exciting acts in country music, known for their powerful vocals, impressive musicianship, and authentic approach to the genre.
Debut Album: Pawn Shop
Released in 2016, the debut album of Brothers Osborne, titled Pawn Shop, was a critical and commercial success.
The album featured eleven tracks that showcased a unique blend of traditional country and rock influences.
The album’s lead single, ‘Stay a Little Longer,’was a chart-topping hit and earned the duo multiple award nominations, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
The album’s success can be attributed to the duo’s songwriting abilities and their willingness to experiment with different genres.
Pawn Shop includes songs that range from traditional country ballads to rock-infused anthems, showcasing the duo’s versatility as musicians.
Overall, the debut album was a strong start for Brothers Osborne, and it set the tone for their success in the country music industry.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Earning critical acclaim and industry recognition, Brothers Osborne’s unique blend of traditional country and rock influences garnered multiple award nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Their debut album, Pawn Shop, received positive reviews from music critics, with Rolling Stone praising their ‘gritty, rootsy sound that owes as much to rock & roll as country.’
In addition to their Grammy nomination, Brothers Osborne were also nominated for several other awards, including CMA Awards for Vocal Duo of the Year and Musical Event of the Year.
They won the Vocal Duo of the Year award in both 2016 and 2017.
Their success continued with their sophomore album, Port Saint Joe, which received even more critical acclaim and earned them another Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Overall, Brothers Osborne have become known for their unique sound and impressive musical talent, earning them a loyal fanbase and industry recognition.
Chart-Topping Hits
One notable achievement of this musical duo is having multiple chart-topping hits that showcase their unique blend of country and rock influences. Brothers Osborne’s music has resonated with audiences across different genres, leading to their success in the country music scene.
Their debut single ‘Let’s Go There’reached the top 40 on the Hot Country Songs chart, followed by ‘Rum,’which became their first top 30 hit. Their breakthrough came with ‘Stay a Little Longer,’which peaked at number two on the Country Airplay chart and received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Brothers Osborne’s subsequent releases, including ‘It Ain’t My Fault’and ‘Shoot Me Straight,’also achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. These chart-topping hits have solidified their position in the country music industry and established them as one of the most dynamic and influential duos in recent years.
Their distinct sound, marked by TJ Osborne’s soulful vocals and John Osborne’s guitar skills, has garnered a loyal following of fans who appreciate their authentic approach to country music. Their ability to fuse traditional country elements with rock and blues influences has made Brothers Osborne stand out in a crowded field.
Their chart-topping hits are a testament to their musicianship and songwriting abilities, and their continued success suggests that they are poised for even greater achievements in the future.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Collaborating with various artists has allowed Brothers Osborne to showcase their versatility in different genres.
In 2018, they collaborated with Dierks Bentley on the hit single ‘Burning Man,’which peaked at number two on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song combines the Brothers’ signature gritty sound with Bentley’s smooth vocals, resulting in a powerful anthem about overcoming obstacles and embracing life’s ups and downs.
Another notable collaboration for Brothers Osborne is their work with pop singer Dua Lipa on the remix of her song ‘New Rules.’The remix adds a country twist to the original pop hit, with the Brothers’ guitar riffs and twangy vocals providing a fresh take on the song. The collaboration was well-received by audiences, showcasing the duo’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and appeal to a wider audience beyond their country roots.
Overall, Brothers Osborne’s collaborations with other artists have allowed them to showcase their musical versatility and reach a broader audience, solidifying their place as a dynamic and innovative duo in the music industry.
Live Performances and Tours
Thrilling fans with their electrifying live performances, Brothers Osborne has become known for their raw talent and captivating stage presence. The duo has embarked on several successful tours, showcasing their ability to perform for large audiences across the country. Here are four highlights from their recent live performances and tours:
-
CMA Fest: Brothers Osborne has been a fixture at the annual CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee, since 2015. In 2018, they performed on the main stage, bringing their signature blend of country rock to a crowd of thousands.
-
The Family Tour: In 2019, Brothers Osborne embarked on a headlining tour, appropriately named The Family Tour. They brought along fellow country artists, including Ruston Kelly and Devon Gilfillian, to perform with them on various dates.
-
Stagecoach Festival: Brothers Osborne has also graced the stage at the Stagecoach Festival in California, one of the largest country music festivals in the world. They have performed at the festival multiple times, including in 2019, when they shared the stage with artists like Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.
-
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: In addition to their live performances on tour, Brothers Osborne have also made appearances on various talk shows. In 2018, they performed their hit song โShoot Me Straightโ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, wowing the audience with their electrifying energy and impressive musicianship.
Overall, Brothers Osborne has proven to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to live performances. Their ability to connect with audiences and deliver unforgettable shows has solidified their place as one of the top acts in country music today.
Political and Social Activism
The political and social activism of the country duo has sparked a powerful response from fans and critics alike.
Brothers Osborne has been vocal about their support for LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for marriage equality and inclusivity within the country music industry.
They have also used their platform to speak out against gun violence, performing at a benefit concert for victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas.
In addition to their advocacy work, Brothers Osborne has also been involved in various charitable efforts.
They have partnered with organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the CMA Foundation to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
Their commitment to using their platform for positive change has garnered praise from both fans and industry professionals, solidifying their status as not just talented musicians, but also dedicated activists.
Future Projects and Collaborations
Moving forward, the country music duo Brothers Osborne has several upcoming projects and potential collaborations that will further showcase their musical prowess and industry influence.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, the brothers revealed that they are working on their fourth studio album, which they describe as a departure from their previous work. They promise to experiment with different styles and sounds, while still maintaining their trademark sound and authenticity.
They also hinted at a possible collaboration with singer-songwriter Maren Morris, whom they have worked with in the past.
Aside from their own album, the brothers have also been busy working with other artists. They recently collaborated with Dierks Bentley on his album ‘The Mountain,’ and they have also worked with Chris Stapleton, who they describe as one of their biggest influences.
The duo’s influence in the industry is also evident in their role as producers for other artists, such as Ashley McBryde’s ‘Never Will’ album.
With their talent and industry connections, it is clear that the Brothers Osborne will continue to make waves in the country music scene for years to come.
Legacy and Impact in Country Music
The enduring legacy and significant impact of Brothers Osborne in country music can be attributed to their consistent chart-topping success, critical acclaim, and influence on other artists in the industry.
Since their debut in 2014, the duo has released three full-length albums, all of which have reached the top 10 on the US Country charts. Their singles have also performed well on the charts, with multiple number one hits including ‘Stay A Little Longer,”It Ain’t My Fault,’and ‘Shoot Me Straight.’Their success is a testament to their talent, but also to their ability to stay true to their roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
In addition to their commercial success, Brothers Osborne have also received critical acclaim for their music. They have been nominated for numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and CMA Awards, and have won several of them. Their music has been praised for its authenticity and honesty, as well as its ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern influences.
Their impact on other artists in the industry can also be seen through their collaborations with other musicians, including Maren Morris, Dierks Bentley, and Lee Ann Womack. Overall, Brothers Osborne have cemented their place in country music history as a duo that has made an undeniable impact on the genre.