Luke Grimes

Luke Grimes has always been known, firstly, for his acting skills.

Running the gamut of roles in blockbuster films, such as American Sniper, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, Taken 2 and The Magnificent Seven, as well as lower budget movies like All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, Freeheld and Assassination of a High School President, and a handful of spots on popular TV shows, including Brothers & Sisters, True Blood and Outlaw Country.

Most people know Grimes nowadays from his time of the neo-Western drama series, Yellowstone, where he stars as Kayce Dutton alongside Kevin Costner. He became part of the main cast of Taylor Sheridan's modern-day western in 2018 and has stayed with the show as it's steadily become a staple in today's TV guide.

However, if you ask the Ohio native, he would tell you that his sights weren't always set on acting. In fact, from an early age, he had quite the interest in music.

Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, Grimes grew up singing and playing music in church; later going on to learn guitar, piano and drums. After his high school graduation, he headed to the creative mecca of New York City to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and play with his alt-country band, Mitchell's Folly.

Grimes received his first acting role in 2006, and two years later, Mitchell's Folly released their debut album, Whirlwind. As fate should have it, though, acting soon overshadowed music for Grimes.

But now he's giving it another shot.

Grimes signed with Universal Music Group in late 2022, also releasing his debut single, 'No Horse to Ride.' The first taste of music from Grimes made its way onto episode eight of Yellowstone's fifth season, likely marking just the beginning of his musical appearances.

Taking on a sound and style akin to that of Zach Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours and Colter Wall, Grimes has released a smattering of songs that dig into the purposefully under-produced and stripped-back feel often found throughout Yellowstone's acclaimed soundtrack.

As the show has been on hiatus, Grimes has been busy readying his debut album expected for release in late 2023. The record will likely feature his recent releases, including ‘Oh Ohio,’ ‘Playin’ On The Tracks’ and the Foy Vance-graced ‘Hold On.'

It goes without saying that the 39-year-old earthy troubadour's country music career is one that we'll be keeping an eye on.