Cory Kent joined The Bobby Bones Show and shared stories about his music career, family life and the moment Willie Nelson unexpectedly changed his life when he was 16 years old.
Kent's wife Dana first crossed paths with Bones years prior. Dana, a photographer, had photographed a wedding for Bones’ sister-in-law in Oklahoma. Kent joked that he wished she had mentioned his music career at the time because it might have helped him get noticed sooner. Kent grew up in Bixby, Oklahoma, a town now known for its dominant high school football program. While Bixby became a football powerhouse after his time there, Kent said the school was more known for wrestling when he was growing up. However, his younger brother has been part of the dominating football program.
Bones then asked Kent to share the Willie Nelson story he previously told on The BobbyCast because it's one of the greatest stories he had ever heard. When he was 16 years old, Kent's uncle bought his grandfather third-row tickets to see Nelson perform in Tulsa. Kent loved Nelson’s music because of the bond he shared with his grandfather, who introduced him to country music. Unable to afford an expensive ticket himself, Kent waited outside the venue until after the concert began and bought a cheap ticket from a scalper for $10. Once inside the arena, Kent said he could not stop thinking about performing music himself. He asked a concession worker for a piece of cardboard and a Sharpie, then wrote a sign that said, “It’s my dream to play a song with you.” Kent eventually sneaked down to the floor section near his grandfather and held the sign up during the show. Nelson noticed him and initially threw him a bandana, seemingly hoping Kent would stop holding up the sign. Kent instead put the bandana in his pocket and raised the sign again. Nelson threw him a second bandana and later a third before finally asking what song Kent wanted to play. Kent chose “Milk Cow Blues,” explaining that he had spent years performing western swing music in a band and knew Nelson admired that style of music. Nelson invited him onstage without any rehearsal or discussion about the song’s key. Kent was nervous but began singing confidently once the song started. He remembered seeing Nelson smile in relief after realizing the teenager could actually sing. During the performance, Kent attempted to take a photo on his phone as proof the moment happened, but the picture turned out blurry. Fortunately for Kent, the other concert goer who stood behind Kent and his sign during the show actually captured the whole performance on his hand camera. Kent had given him one of the bandanas for his patience being behind his sign most of the concert. After the show, Nelson invited Kent backstage and gave him advice that ultimately changed his life. Kent recalled Nelson telling him that if he wanted to succeed in music, he needed to write great songs and spend time in Nashville around talented songwriters. Six months later, Kent moved to Nashville at 17 years old, sleeping in his truck and crashing on friends’ couches while trying to build a music career.
Kent also discussed balancing music with family life. He and his wife recently welcomed their fourth child, Ivy. Kent admitted life with four children is chaotic but their youngest daughter has been especially calm. Before Ivy, they experienced a miscarriage. Kent said the loss deeply affected him and his wife and made them realize they were not finished growing their family. He shared that their children still consider themselves a family of five kids, saying one child is “up there” waiting for them someday. Kent believes fatherhood keeps him grounded despite his music success. His children do not care about platinum records or industry accomplishments and simply see him as Dad. He added that he measures success by whether his children will still want to spend time with him later in life.
Bones shifted the conversation to Kent’s career journey. He revealed that after moving to Nashville and signing a songwriting deal, he was unexpectedly dropped from his publishing contract shortly after he and his wife bought their first house and welcomed their first child. With no reason to remain in Nashville, Kent and his family moved to Texas to be closer to relatives. He planned to rebuild his career through touring, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut down live music shortly after the move. He was really struggling financially during that time period, he worked jobs at a motorcycle shop and a pavement company while continuing to perform anywhere he could, including a taco shop in Texas for little pay and free tacos. After selling their home in Tennessee, Kent used the money to fund touring opportunities with his band, even though they often lost money while opening for larger acts like Randy Rogers Band and Josh Abbott Band. But everything changed when he independently released “Wild As Her.” Despite advice from others to wait longer between releases, he trusted his instincts and put out the song shortly after releasing an album. The song gained traction online as fans began creating videos with it on social media. Kent recalled his manager calling to tell him the song was having a moment online, though Kent admitted he did not fully understand what that meant at first. As the song continued growing, multiple record labels attended one of his shows at a biker bar in Texas. Kent said 11 labels eventually offered him deals, and he signed with the team he believed best fit his vision. “Wild As Her” eventually became a triple-platinum No. 1 hit.
Kent also discussed collaborating with Koe Wetzel on “Rocky Mountain Low.” The duet came together naturally after the two artists spent time together at shows and developed mutual respect for each other’s careers. Kent admired Wetzel’s willingness to trust instincts over industry formulas. Kent also recently recorded a duet with another male artist who heavily influenced his music, though he hasn't released the artist's name yet. In September, Kent will release his album Heartland Rock and Roll which will feature 15 songs, two of which fans have already connected with on the road “Empty Words” and “Cigarette Burns."