Tanner Horton - The Creekers: From Creek to Country Stardom
Description
From creek beds to the country music spotlight, Tanner Horton shares the remarkable rise of The Creekers in this intimate conversation about authentic music, rural roots, and overnight viral success.
The gravel in Tanner Horton's voice matches the authenticity of his story—a tale of musical passion born in the hollers of Eastern Kentucky, nurtured through family traditions, and suddenly thrust into the spotlight through a viral TikTok video. As lead guitarist and vocalist for The Creekers, Tanner offers listeners a rare glimpse into the band's organic formation around 2020, when they played their first gig at a small Tennessee bar for just $150.
What makes this episode particularly special is hearing the backstory of songs like "Hidin' Kentucky" and "River Rat" directly from their creator, including the poignant moment when Tanner performs an acoustic version of "River Rat" exclusively for the podcast. His musical journey winds through formative years at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music, where legends like Bobby Osborne helped shape his distinctive sound—a sound that caught fire when The Creekers' "Tennessee Song" exploded across social media platforms.
Beyond music, Tanner reveals the balancing act of maintaining his horseshoeing work while fielding calls from major record labels and booking increasingly prestigious venues. His aspirations remain refreshingly grounded: a piece of land for hunting and raising cattle, and a good saddle mule—dreams that reflect the authentic rural values permeating The Creekers' sound. As the band prepares to record their next album in Nashville, this conversation captures a pivotal moment in their ascent, documenting how genuine storytelling and musical craftsmanship can still cut through the noise in today's digital landscape.
Ready to discover your next favorite band before they become household names? Listen now and be among the first to experience The Creekers' authentic country sound that's rapidly winning hearts across America.
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