This fall marks a season of milestones for country music star Chris Young. His highly anticipated new album, I Didn't Come Here to Leave, his tenth, and first with Black River Entertainment, is a landmark project featuring 14 fresh songs over eleven co-writes. The album’s October release date also coincides with another special milestone — the GRAMMY-nominated vocalist’s eighth anniversary of his induction into the exclusive membership of the Grand Ole Opry.
For an artist who has amassed 14 number one singles, billions of streams, and two decades in the industry, the timing feels serendipitous. "I've been head down working on this album, thinking about the first Christmas tour I'm going to do, playing shows, traveling all over the country, and I'm like, 'Yeah, it's just really, really busy, but business as usual.' But then there's things that are not business as usual when it comes to milestones like that."
Young’s upcoming record, anchored by the title track “I Didn’t Come Here to Leave,” describes the song as equal parts personal mantra and crowd-pleasing party starter. “When I signed the new deal, I felt like throwing a party,” he says. “The song is indicative of who I am as an artist. I’ve been through the ups and downs, I’ve stuck around and I’m still here. Plus, it’s just fun as hell.”
The album also showcases Young’s serious side. There’s a poignant track about his father’s battle with cancer ("I had to call and get his permission"), a heartfelt tribute to his mother in “Jesus, Momma, Country Radio,” ("If I'm going to put out a song about my dad, I got to mention my mom") and plenty of moments that balance intimacy with stadium-ready energy. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Andy Sheridan, the project was recorded largely in Sheridan’s home studio, an intentional return to the basics. “It was the same players on every track, the same mix and mastering engineer,” Young says. “It was a lot of fun making this project.”
At 39, Young is proud of his longevity. “I joke that I’m not old enough to have been around this long,” he says, reflecting on his 20 years as a signed recording artist. Asked about the key to his staying power, Young says, “Honestly, I have no clue. Every career is different. I’ve just been lucky enough to have an awesome career and been fortunate to learn from some of the best, including finding songs, whether I wrote them or not, that connected with people. Sometimes those weren’t even big chart hits, but they became fan favorites.”
Among those mentors are songwriter Kent Blazy, who taught him the value of persistence, and producer James Stroud, whom Young credits with shaping his understanding of production. “He’s like a second dad to me,” Young says warmly. “A lot of what I know about artistry comes from the people I’ve been lucky enough to work with.”
This year also brings a brand-new adventure: Young’s first-ever Christmas tour. “I’ve never done a Christmas tour before, so it’s exciting and a little nerve-wracking,” he says. “But Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. It’s a chance to do something different and hopefully create a show people come back to year after year.”
For all his personal milestones, Young is equally committed to giving back. His partnership with his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, where the Chris Young Café serves as a performance and learning hub, underscores his dedication to nurturing the next generation of music professionals.
“If a scholarship or opportunity I help provide ends up giving someone that little push they need, that’s the whole point,” he says. “Maybe ten years later they’re running a publishing company, or they’re producing in their bedroom, or they’re out on tour. That’s what excites me.”
It’s a perspective shaped by gratitude. “I used to do heating and air, and I was terrible at it,” he says. “I know how lucky I am to have this career. Giving back is something I think is very, very, very important.”
Beyond music, fans might be surprised to learn about Young’s culinary side. Inspired by his mother, he’s developed a love for cooking—complete with friendly competitions among his close-knit group of friends. “We’ll pick a category, like beer can chicken, ribs, or brisket, and everyone makes their version,” he says. “We do blind voting to see who wins. It gets competitive, but it’s all in good fun.” As for his personal favorite? “Breakfast food,” he says without hesitation. “You just can’t beat it. I could eat breakfast for dinner any day of the week.”
With a new album, a holiday tour, and milestone anniversaries, Chris Young is wrapping up 2025 with a vengeance. “I always tell people if you’ve ever listened to one of my songs and didn’t turn it off, you’re the reason I get to do this,” he says. “That’s the truth. Every bit of success I’ve had is because people cared enough to listen.”
ChrisYoungCountry.com