About
Eli Young Band
Starting out
Before Eli Young became a four member band, they were an acoustic duo consisting of Mike Eli and James Young who met at the University of North Texas. The two became dorm roommates and founded a common interest in music. The two of them soon started to play guitar and eventually began to write and perform songs. They soon met the group’s other half, Chris Thompson and Jon Jones with the four of them eventually forming the Eli Young Band.
Beginning their journey
Eli Young Band was signed to the Carnival Records and later released their self-titled debut album in 2002. Following the release of ‘Eli Young Band’ the group came out with its second album, ‘Level’ in 2005 and went on to open shows for Miranda Lambert. The band’s fan following soon started to increase as it gained national exposure on GAC and CMT. Later in 2006 they put out their live album, ‘Eli Young Band Live At the Jolly Fox’ and signed a management deal with George Couri.
Jet Black & Jealous
Eli Young Band came out with their third studio album, ‘Jet Black & Jealous’ in 2008 through Universal South Records. It picked up the fifth spot on the US Top Country Albums Charts and produced four singles, When it Rains, Always the Love Songs, Radio Waves and Guinevere. When it Rains spent thirty seven weeks on the country charts whereas, Always the Love Songs debuted at eleventh position on the US Hot Country Songs.
Making Waves
After the release of their third album, Eli Young Band signed up with Republic Nashville. They followed that up by coming out with their fourth record, ‘Life at Best’ in 2011. It produced the band’s first platinum selling digital single and the first number one single titled, Crazy Girl. The album produced two more singles, Even if it Breaks Your Heart and Say Goodnight with the former picking up first spot on the US Hot Country Songs chart.
Life at Best taking over
‘Life at Best’ was certainly a commercial success and received favorable reviews from the critics as Steve Morley of Country Weekly gave the album four stars out of five and stated that the album, “rings with roots-rock guitars and meaty, often melancholy themes.” The band received three nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards under the categories of, ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Top Vocal Group of the Year’ and ‘Single Record of the Year’ for their fourth album. They also earned Grammy Award nomination for their platinum selling single, Even if it Breaks Your Heart.
10,000 Towns
After the release of their fourth studio album, Eli Young Band went and put out their first number one record, ’10,000 Towns’ in 2014. The album produced two singles including, Drunk Last Night which peaked at the first spot on the US Country Airplay Chart and has sold more than ninety five thousand copies in the US alone. ’10,000 Towns’ also received fair reviews from the critics as Brian Mansfield of USA Today gave it three out of four stars whereas Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave the album three out of five stars.
Success
Eli Young Band has made a serious impact on country music. They have earned a Grammy Award nomination and have won won one Academy of Country Music Award and a MusicRow Award each. They have also come out with their second EP, ‘Turn it On’ which peaked at the eleventh spot on the US Top Country Albums chart. They are now gearing up for their tour and will be making their way to your town soon. If you want to have one of the best nights of your lives then book your Eli Young Band tickets and catch them live as they play their most famous country anthems exclusively for you.