Country singer Luke Combs’ unassuming appeal makes him a hit

FILE - In this June 8, 2018 file photo, artist Luke Combs performs at the 2018 CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn. A year after his major label debut, which spawned three top country radio hits including the multiplatinum No. 1 "Hurricane," Combs' unassuming appeal has given him mainstream success at a breakneck pace. His debut album is the most streamed country album of the year. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Instead of following the traditional path to country stardom by first writing for other artists, Luke Combs built his fan base one show at a time, touring extensively across the Southeast and promoting himself to millennial fans on social media.

“This One’s for You,” his 2017 major label debut, spawned three country radio hits including the multiplatinum No. 1 “Hurricane.” Combs’ unassuming appeal has given him mainstream success at a breakneck pace and he has the most streamed country album of 2018.

Fans have connected with the burly and bearded North Carolina-born singer’s unvarnished approachability and his deep booming voice. He said there’s an authenticity in not putting on an act when he hits the stage and feeling comfortable in his own skin.

Combs re-released his debut album last month with five new songs.