Chase Rice is a country music singer and songwriter from North Carolina who has made a name for himself in the industry with his unique blend of traditional country and rock influences. Born on September 19, 1985, Rice grew up in a small town in North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played football and earned a degree in agricultural science.
After graduation, Rice moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music, and quickly found success as a songwriter, penning hits for artists such as Florida Georgia Line and the band Journey.
In 2010, he appeared on the reality TV show Survivor: Nicaragua, where he finished as the runner-up, which helped to raise his profile and paved the way for his career as a solo artist.
Since then, Rice has released several successful albums, earned critical acclaim for his songwriting and live performances, and become a major force in the country music scene.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Rice is a successful country music singer and songwriter who blends traditional country and rock influences in his music.
- Rice has found success as a songwriter, penning hits for popular artists such as Florida Georgia Line and Journey.
- Rice has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression and advocates for mental health awareness.
- Rice’s legacy in country music is one of innovation, advocacy, and authenticity, and his continued success in music will undoubtedly contribute to his impact on the industry.
Early Life and Upbringing
Prior to his rise to fame in the country music industry, Chase Rice’s early life and upbringing were characterized by a strong passion for sports and a deeply rooted connection to his rural North Carolina roots.
Born in 1985 in Florida, Rice and his family moved to Asheville, North Carolina, when he was just a few months old.
Growing up, Rice was an avid athlete, participating in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his childhood and teenage years.
He even went on to play football at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree in agricultural science.
Despite his love for sports, Rice’s true passion lay in music.
He grew up listening to country and rock music, and began writing his own songs as a teenager.
Rice played in a band with his college roommates, and after graduation, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
However, he found himself drawn back to his roots in North Carolina, where he began performing at local bars and clubs.
It was during this time that he was discovered by a producer who would help him launch his career in the country music industry.
Discovering a Passion for Music
During his early years, Rice developed a strong interest in music, leading him to discover a passion that would later shape his career. This interest was first ignited when he learned to play guitar at the age of 10, which led him to start writing his own songs.
Rice was heavily influenced by his father, who was a musician himself, and would often take him to local bluegrass festivals and concerts.
As he got older, Rice’s passion for music only grew stronger, and he began performing at local bars and clubs in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. He eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his music career full-time.
Rice’s early experiences in music helped shape his unique sound, which blends elements of country, rock, and pop. Today, he is known for his high-energy performances and powerful songwriting, which have earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim alike.
Moving to Nashville
After developing his passion for music, Rice relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a full-time music career. Nashville, also known as the ‘Music City,’is home to numerous record labels, recording studios, and music venues. It has been a destination for aspiring musicians for decades, making it a hub for country music. Rice was no exception and moved to Nashville in 2010 to take his career to the next level.
Upon arriving in Nashville, Rice began playing at local bars and clubs, trying to get his name out there and establish connections within the industry. He also started co-writing songs with other songwriters, which is a common practice in the music industry. This allowed him to hone his craft and learn from other experienced writers.
Through hard work and persistence, Rice eventually caught the attention of record labels and signed a publishing deal with Creative Nation. His move to Nashville proved to be a pivotal moment in his music career, as it opened doors and provided him with opportunities that he may not have had otherwise.
Runner-Up on Survivor
As a contestant on the television show Survivor, Chase Rice made it to the final two and was ultimately named the runner-up of the season. The show, which aired in 2010, was the 21st season of Survivor and was filmed in Nicaragua.
Rice was a fan favorite throughout the season, known for his physical prowess and strategic gameplay. However, his decision to blindside his closest ally in the game ultimately cost him the title of Sole Survivor.
Despite not winning the game, Rice’s time on Survivor proved to be a valuable experience for his career in the entertainment industry. He used the platform to launch his music career, with his first single, ‘Buzz Back,’being released shortly after the season’s conclusion.
Rice has also continued to make appearances on reality television, including a stint on The Amazing Race in 2012. His success on reality TV has helped to establish him as a household name in the country music industry.
Debut Album Release
The debut album of the runner-up of Survivor’s 21st season, which he released shortly after the show’s conclusion, helped establish him as a prominent figure in the country music industry.
Chase Rice’s debut album, ‘Friday Nights & Sunday Mornings,’was released in 2010 and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The album showcased Rice’s unique style, blending traditional country elements with rock and roll influences.
The album’s lead single, ‘Buzz Back,’received significant airplay on country radio and helped Rice gain a following. The album also featured collaborations with well-known country artists, such as Florida Georgia Line and Colt Ford.
With the release of ‘Friday Nights & Sunday Mornings,’Rice established himself as a rising star in the country music scene and set the foundation for a successful career in the industry.
Hit Single ‘Ready Set Roll’
‘Ready Set Roll’ became a chart-topping hit single for the country artist, showcasing his ability to infuse rock elements into his music. The song features a catchy chorus and a high-energy beat, which helped it gain popularity and radio airplay. Rice’s unique blend of country and rock music was well-received by audiences, and ‘Ready Set Roll’ became a breakout hit for the artist.
To further highlight the song’s success, here are some notable achievements associated with ‘Ready Set Roll’:
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The song peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
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It was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2014, indicating over 1 million units sold.
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The music video for the song has over 50 million views on YouTube.
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‘Ready Set Roll’ was also used in the opening sequence of the reality TV show, ‘Duck Dynasty.’
Collaborations and Tours
After the success of ‘Ready Set Roll,’Chase Rice continued to make a name for himself in the country music scene through collaborations and tours.
In 2014, he joined fellow country artist Dierks Bentley on his ‘Riser Tour’as an opening act. This tour helped Rice gain exposure to a wider audience and further establish his presence in the industry.
In addition to touring, Rice has also collaborated with other artists. He was featured on Florida Georgia Line’s hit song ‘Cruise’in 2012, which became one of the best-selling digital country songs of all time. Rice also co-wrote the song ‘Truck Yeah’for Tim McGraw, which became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
These collaborations not only helped Rice gain more recognition, but also showcased his talent as a songwriter and musician.
Overall, Rice’s collaborations and tours have contributed to his success and solidified his place in the country music industry.
Personal Life and Relationships
One aspect of Chase Rice’s public persona that has garnered attention is his personal life and relationships. Rice has been relatively private about his romantic life, but in 2020 he was linked to The Bachelor alumna Victoria Fuller. The two were spotted together at a country music festival, and Fuller later confirmed their relationship on Instagram. However, the couple reportedly split after a few months of dating.
Aside from his romantic relationships, Rice has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression. In a 2019 interview with People, he spoke about seeking therapy and how it has helped him manage his mental health. He also uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and encourages his fans to seek help if they need it.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Rice remains focused on his career and continues to release new music and tour regularly.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Recently, Rice has been working on new music and preparing for upcoming tours, indicating his commitment to his career as a country music artist.
In 2020, he released his latest album titled ‘The Album Part II,’ which features 10 tracks, including his hit single ‘Lonely If You Are.’ The album has received positive feedback from both fans and critics, with many praising Rice’s ability to create catchy and relatable songs that resonate with listeners.
Aside from his music, Rice has also been involved in various charity events and initiatives. In 2020, he participated in a virtual benefit concert called ‘Stars and Strings,’ which aimed to raise funds for veterans and their families. He has also been vocal about his support for organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Special Olympics.
Looking forward, Rice plans to continue creating music and touring, with several shows already scheduled for the rest of 2021 and into 2022. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to give back to his community make him an admirable figure in the country music industry.
Legacy and Impact on Country Music
Transition: While Chase Rice’s recent projects and future plans have been noteworthy, his impact on country music extends beyond his current work.
Chase Rice has made a significant impact on the country music scene since his debut in 2010, with his unique blend of country and rock music. His music has resonated with fans, and his live performances have been praised for their high energy and engaging nature. Rice’s impact on country music can be seen in his chart-topping singles and his collaborations with other country artists, such as Florida Georgia Line and Kane Brown. Additionally, Rice’s songwriting has been recognized, with his ability to craft meaningful lyrics that connect with listeners.
Rice’s legacy in country music extends beyond his music, as he has been an advocate for the genre and its artists. He has spoken out against the lack of representation for country artists in mainstream media and has used his platform to promote up-and-coming country musicians. Rice has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, using his success to give back to the community. His impact on country music can be seen in the numerous awards and accolades he has received, as well as the continued success of his music.
Overall, Chase Rice’s legacy in country music is one of innovation, advocacy, and authenticity.
Chase Rice’s impact on country music is significant and long-lasting. His unique blend of country and rock music, meaningful lyrics, and engaging live performances have resonated with fans and influenced other artists in the genre. Additionally, Rice’s advocacy for country music and philanthropic efforts have made him a respected figure in the industry.
As he continues to produce music and collaborate with other artists, Chase Rice’s legacy in country music will undoubtedly continue to grow.