Brothers Osborne

The country duo Brothers Osborne – John (guitar) and T.J. (vocals) – grew up playing music with their family, but that almost didn’t translate to a professional career. 

They both landed in Nashville after graduating high school two years apart, but they pursued other projects in an attempt to develop solo careers. But their power ultimately lay in playing together, and eventually they began performing as a duo at some of Nashville’s smaller venues. 

That push drew the attention of EMI Records Nashville, which signed John and T.J. in 2012. With that opportunity, they continued performing, releasing singles and recording a self-titled EP in 2014, all of which lead to their debut album Pawn Shop in 2016 and two big accolades. Thanks to John’s electrifying guitar playing and T.J.’s growling baritone, Brothers Osborne was named Vocal Duo of the Year by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association in 2016 and 2017.

Brothers Osborne followed their early critical success with 2018’s Port Saint Joe and 2020’s Skeletons, albums which showcased their penchant for blurring country with southern rock. 

In 2021, T.J. made headlines when he opened up to TIME Magazine about being gay. The announcement made him the first country artist signed to a major label to come out.