• December 20, 1997
• Born Chase Matthew McQuitty in Sevierville, Tennessee, Chase Matthew grew up immersed in music, singing in his church's youth band. After leaving school, he kept working at his craft while holding down a day job as a mechanic.
• Matthew's music, rooted in authentic storytelling about the people he grew up with, quickly garnered a strong social media following. Recognizing his potential, entrepreneurial country rapper Ryan Upchurch signed Matthew as the inaugural artist for his Holler Boy label in 2021. The title track from Matthew's debut EP, County Line, became a breakout hit, propelling him into the spotlight.
• Matthew has faced significant challenges in his life - he dropped out of high school, battled drug addiction, was homeless, and had a close friend die - but he has transformed these experiences into the foundation of his artistry.
  
  "All I've ever wanted to be is a success story because so many people didn't want to see me win," Matthew reflected to CMT. "I want to give country music morals again. Make sure every decision you make in life that you do it with the full meaning of your heart."
• After Matthew signed with Warner Records Nashville in October 2022, the label released the album Come Get Your Memory. Its lead single, "Love You Again," became his first song to reach the Country chart.
• Chase Matthew made his debut at the iconic Grand Ole Opry on March 14, 2023.
• Matthew openly discusses the importance of his faith in his life and music, which is evident in songs like "She Loves Jesus."

Comments

More Songfacts:

Road To NowhereTalking Heads

David Byrne says "Road To Nowhere" is about "how there's no order and no plan and no scheme to life and death and it doesn't mean anything, but it's all right.

CreepRadiohead

One of the moodiest hits of the '90s is "Creep" by Radiohead. It was the group's first single, and to their dismay, it became their biggest hit - it wasn't the song they wanted to be known for.

God Bless AmericaKate Smith

Irving Berlin said "God Bless America" was "not a patriotic song, but rather an expression of gratitude."

Where Everybody Knows Your NameGary Portnoy

The TV show Cheers was nearly canceled after its first season, but the theme song, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," was very popular. To satisfy viewer demand, the theme was made into a full song and released as a single.

FireJimi Hendrix

Thirty years after Jimi Hendrix played "Fire" at Woodstock, Red Hot Chili Peppers played it at Woodstock '99, but this time the unruly crowd actually set fires and looted.

Pump Up The JamTechnotronic

The first Eurodance hit in America was "Pump Up The Jam" by Technotronic in 1989. It led to a wave of Eurodance hits from the likes of Black Box, Snap! and C+C Music Factory in the early '90s.

Editor's Picks

Harold Brown of WarSongwriter Interviews

A founding member of the band War, Harold gives a first-person account of one of the most important periods in music history.

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

Max Cavalera of Soulfly (ex-Sepultura)Songwriter Interviews

The Brazilian rocker sees pictures in his riffs. When he came up with one of his gnarliest songs, there was a riot going on.

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?