Today we’d like to introduce you to Eldon Huff. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Eldon Huff is an American singer-songwriter making music that means something.
Pairing tough-to-match guitar skills with downhome lyrics about life and love, Eldon performs soulful songs that unite us all under the human condition. Like so many of us, he has searched for himself at the bottom of a bottle and down on his knees before God.
Somewhere between chasing the dream and putting in an honest day’s work, Eldon made a name for himself in Nashville doing Southern Roots Rock.
Known in Nashville as a triple threat, Eldon steps onto the stage with a steady and soulful voice, songs that speak volumes, and a legendary ability to wield a Les Paul guitar. Eldon’s catalog of music is grounded in straightforward themes that stand the test of time and lyrics that just don’t expire.
As a songwriter, he draws on his own life to tell stories about standing for something, refusing to back down, putting in a hard day’s work, relying on a higher power, falling in love, and remembering where you came from.
Narratives rooted in nostalgia and relevant today are paired with unshakeable chords and performed with the kind of conviction that only comes from living.
Born and raised in rural Kentucky, Eldon grew up on timeless greats like Bob Seger, Travis Tritt, and Keith Whitley. Drawn in by music at an early age, he got on stage every chance he could get.
At eight years old, he was playing drums in his dad’s body shop, and by 11, he talked a local band into hiring him. By 12, he started teaching himself guitar and, at 15, became the lead guitarist in another band. By 17, Eldon had played every bar, club, and honkytonk in Virginia, West Virginia, East Kentucky, North Carolina, and East Tennessee. At 18, he broke his mama’s heart when he dropped out of high school to follow the dream full time.
The rest was not history. It was hard work, dedication, and a winding road that finally led Eldon home.
With pit stops along the way, Eldon made the pilgrimage to Nashville to pursue music. It was here he learned that talent alone won’t get you there. It also takes an unrelenting will to succeed, a love for making music no matter how many people are listening, and the support of those who will stick by your side.
Working in manufacturing and construction, he crisscrossed the southeast, playing music on nights and weekends. Before long, Huff was recruited to the road, touring with country music artist Eric Church before publishing his own hit album.
Eldon has walked a mile in everyone’s shoes, and he’s finally found his way home. Soon after signing with High West Records, he holed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Ben Fowler to breathe life into his latest album, “Drifter.”
From here on out, Eldon Huff will continue to do what he’s always done by making music that means something. And he’s just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a career in music has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I started this journey long ago and am still not where I want to be. From being signed one of the largest music companies in the world, Sony, to being a “sideman” guitarist for country superstar, Eric Church, this road has been one of struggles, victories, peaks, valleys, blood, sweat and tears.
I could, literally, write a book on my struggles in the music business. But my most difficult struggle was the one I faced within myself and my addiction to alcohol. Years of rejection, financial strife and mental anguish eventually took its toll on me. I had always been an “overdo it” drinker, and had my occasions of crippling hangovers, but when I lost my deal with Sony in 2010, I leaned into alcohol more and more. Looking back, alcohol was the beginning and end of my struggles in Nashville. Although I thought I had it under control and that no one knew about my drinking problem, I was actually the last one to know.
I’ve been beat up pretty bad by my, almost 20 years, in the business but I’m still here. Still going strong, more focused and better than ever.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a country music artist, originally, from Harlan, KY.
I’m basically known for my music and being a good guy. Lol.
My proudest accomplishments are my new album, Drifter, playing the Grand Ol Opry in 2018 and my family. I’m married to, Jessica (16 years) and have two daughters, Kadence and Haylen Reese.
I think what sets me apart from others in my genre is my songs, the show I give night after night and my work ethic. My songs are about everyday living for the everyday person. I write about being in love, love lost, working, providing for my family, things I’ve lived through and seen. My stage show is raw, pure and full of emotion and energy. Taking you on a journey that allows you to put your worries away for a few minutes and enjoy the moment.
I’m proud of my work ethic. I pride myself on never being outworked. I basically do everything myself. I have a small team that helps with certain things but I pretty much steer the ship. Everything from my social media, booking shows, producing the shows, dialing in the sound, to designing the artwork for my albums, writing the songs, producing all of the content. It’s a lot to handle at times but it’s the only way I know how to do it. With all that said, none of it would be possible without my Dream Team at High West Records. I’m truly blessed to have them believe in me the way they do.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by what makes you happy. Do I have a roof over my head? Do I have a car to drive and a few dollars to fill the tank with? Are my kid’s healthy? Am I still enjoying what I do? My answer is yes to all and that’s makes me pretty darn successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eldonhuff.com/
- Instagram: @eldonhuffofficial
- Facebook: @EldonHuff
- Twitter: @EldonHuff
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/EldonHuff
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTd3efUe5/
Image Credits
Cody Nottingham
Michael Thomas Photography
