7 Reasons Why Eric Church Makes Us Say, "Amen"

Whether or not you consider yourself a religious person, it's hard not to appreciate the gospel of Eric Church, who has been serenading fans with his unique brand of outlaw-inspired country music for more than 10 years. 

In 2011, Church scored his first No. 1 hit with the song "Drink In My Hand," and hasn't stopped topping the charts ever since. His most recent single, "Record Year," comes from his latest album, Mr. Misunderstood, which he surprised fans with in 2015, and will likely perform when he hits the road this spring. 

Before Church lights the stage on fire when he performs at the 51st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3 at 8/7c, let's learn more about this Southern rock gentleman. 

Stream the Academy of Country Music Awards live with CBS All Access.
 

This year, Church might be nominated for five ACM awards—including Entertainer Of The Year, Male Vocalist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Video Of The Year, and Vocal Event Of The Year for "Raise 'Em Up" with Keith Urban—but this isn't his first brush with ACM glory. 

In 2011, Eric won Top New Solo Vocalist Award, Vocal Event Of The Year Award for "The Only Way I Know" with Jason Aldean and Like Bryan, and Album Of The Year for his third LP, Chief. 

Photo: © Byron Purvis/AdMedia/AdMedia/Corbis

Starting with his 2006 debut, Sinners Like Me, Eric Church has churned out five more fan-loved albums. Plus, in 2013, this prolific country superstar put out a new album each year, ending with 2015's Mr. Misunderstood, which was actually a surprise release that happens to be nominated for a 2016 ACM Award for Album Of The Year.

That Eric Church... Always keeping country-music lovers on their toes! 

Photo: © Debby Wong/Corbis

Okay, so he probably knows the meaning, but he definitely wouldn't be described as such.

For example, in 2013, Eric and his wife, Katherine, founded the Chief Cares Fund, which helps underprivileged families in places like Tennessee, North Carolina, and even Nepal. 

Photo: © Jason Moore/ZUMA Press/Corbis

Ever since stepping onto the country music scene, Eric Church rarely leaves home without throwing on a trucker hat and pair of aviator sunglasses. In fact, he even sells his trucker-style baseball caps at concerts and on his website.

Photo: © Veda Jo Jenkins/Retna Ltd./Corbis

During his decade-long music career, Eric Church has achieved numerous chart-topping hits, like "Drink In My Hand," "Springsteen," and "The Only Way I Know" featuring Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean.

Photo: © Debby Wong/Corbis

When Eric dropped Mr. Misunderstood, which features themes about independence and loyalty, the LP was first sent out to his loyal Church Choir Fan Club members. It wasn't until the next day that the album became available to the general public. Looks like it pays to be a Church (concert-)goer.  

Photo: © Tetra Images/Corbis

Along with singing and playing guitar, Eric Church can also tickle the ivories and finger-pick the banjo. This country-music all-star is definitely a one-man band!

To see Eric Church perform and possibly walk away with more than a few trophies, watch the 51st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3 at 8/7c or Stream the event live with CBS All Access.
 

Photo: © Chris Schwegler/Retna Ltd./Corbis