Eric Church, a trailblazing figure in the world of country music, has crafted a remarkable career that defies convention. With a distinctive sound that fuses traditional roots with a contemporary edge, Church’s raspy, commanding vocals and fearless lyrical narratives have propelled him to the forefront of the genre. His discography is a testament to his artistry, showcasing a storytelling skill that transcends the boundaries of country music.
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The recipient of numerous accolades, including the coveted CMA “Entertainer of the Year” award as well as 10 GRAMMY Award nominations, Church’s reputation as a giant in the industry is well-earned. Beyond the studio, his live performances are nothing short of electrifying, solidifying his status as a true legend in the realm of country music.
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Why he wears sunglasses onstage
However, Church is known for more than being a country hitmaker. Long-time fans associate the singer with his trademark Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, which he’s even sung about in his 2020 release, “Through My Ray Bans.” According to the musician himself, he didn’t originally intend for the sunglasses to become synonymous with his onstage persona. Rather than a style choice, he first donned sunglasses out of necessity.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Church often found himself staring directly into stage lights, which dried out his eyes so much that it would cause his contact lenses to fall out. Sunglasses, he found, remedied this problem. After wearing them so often, his bandmates christened him with the nickname “Chief” because he wore the same style commonly worn by police officers.
His famous aviator shades, along with a Von Dutch trucker hat he used to sport in shows, a purple suede suit he wore singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LV, as well as an acoustic guitar that Church played during his childhood, have been featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in an exhibit dedicated to the singer called “Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul.”
How fans can cop the look
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Like many country music stars, Church’s ensembles favor comfort over fashion. As such, he is frequently seen wearing denim jeans, simple T-shirts, cowboy boots, and of course, his signature sunglasses. To cop his effortlessly cool look, global fans can purchase the exact model of Ray-Ban Aviator Classics through online retailer OPSM, for instance, which offers free delivery and even has a virtual try-on feature that allows you to test the sunglasses to make sure they’ll suit your face shape. Fans from the US can visit brick-and-mortar stores like Target, where Ray-Bans are also sold. As for the cowboy boots, the country crooner prefers those by luxury bootmaker Lucchese, but you can find similar styles for less on Tecovas.
What he’s been up to lately
In August 2023, during The Outsiders Revival World Tour, Church opted to bring his music catalog to outdoor amphitheaters across the US for the first time. Since the original Outsiders World Tour in 2014, Church has been a lone wolf when it comes to playing live. But his 2023 summer tour featured a 12-piece band as well as a line-up of star-studded guests, including Lainey Wilson, Midland, Whiskey Myers, and more. Church is slated to headline Pepsi’s Rock the South 2024 three-day festival next summer in Alabama alongside HARDY and Jelly Roll.
With a unique blend of tradition and innovation, Church has left an indelible mark on the genre. As he continues to evolve and push boundaries, Church’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his fiercely devoted fan base ensures that his legacy as a country music icon will stand the test of time. His rebellious spirit and raw storytelling are the cornerstones of his success, making him a cherished and influential figure in the world of country music.
