The country superstar received the 109th star on the famed walkway.
On Thursday, March 20, Luke Combs received a prestigious honor of being inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame, earning the 109th star on the legendary walkway. The milestone ceremony took place at Music City Walk of Fame Park, where Combs’ name now lives alongside generations of influential artists who have left their mark on country music history.
This distinction recognizes Luke Combs for his outstanding dedication to preserving Nashville’s musical legacy and the profound impact he’s had the world through his music. His long list of accolades includes being a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as an 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-timeBillboardMusic Award-winner. Plus, the multi-platinum sensation also recently made history as the first artist to have two songs reach a billion streams on Spotify and first country artist with three singles certified RIAA diamond.
Members of the media, industry executives, fans, and Combs’ family who gathered to celebrate him were welcomed by WSM’s “Coffee, Country & Cody” host andGrand Ole Opry announcer/host, Bill Cody.
After listing off Combs’ long list of achievements, he stated, “Luke, being able to honor you now and your own star on the Music City Walk of Fame, especially as a legendary Opry member during the 100th anniversary year, well, it doesn’t get any more true Nashville than that, does it?”
Once Cody concluded he warm opening message, he invited fellow Walk of Fame inductee, Colin Reed, of Ryman Hospitality Properties, up to the podium to present Combs with the honor. Reed shared several stories of his time spent with the North Carolina native over the years, which allowed him get to know not just Luke Combs as the renowned country star, but also Luke Combs, the human being, who carries “whit, intellect and compassion for his family.”
“There are many folks who have been honored over the years by being inducted into the Walk of Fame. All of the inductees have still have had stellar careers and in many ways, have helped promote Nashville as a music city. But it’s my view that Luke’s influence on the country music industry, albeit spectacular to date, is in its infancy,” Reed gushed. “His skill set is, in my opinion, is extremely unique. He’s a great artist, a great human being, a great family man, but at the same time an extraordinary songwriter and storyteller.”
Reed went on to predict that Combs will continue to evolve and expand his global reach in the years to come, thus proving to be “a massive downstream demand generator for Nashville and Tennessee.”
“ So we are fortunate that he calls Nashville home and Ryman and Opry Entertainment are delighted we are partners. And last but not least, I’m proud to have you as a friend. So it’s an honor to present Luke with the star,” he added as he handed off the honor to Combs.
The “Fast Car” singer began by thanking everyone who came out to witness this unforgettable day, especially the fans who he cites as the reason “ that country music exists. You’re the reason why we all wanted to pursue country music in the first place.”
While Combs admitted he doesn’t tend to prepare his speeches in advance, he certainly knew exactly what he wanted to say in this moment.
“ We never start in this business to get recognized or win awards. We start with a love of music, right? And that’s what I have. I’ve been singing ever since I was a kid. It’s one of the only things that I feel like I’m actually really good at and I’m very, very blessed to be able to do that on the scale beyond my wildest dreams. So it’s so incredible to get to be standing up here today to be on this walk of fame which is again, something that I never could have planned for.”
He went on to share gratitude for some of the most important people in his life, including his parents, his wife, Nicole, his friends and his manger since day one, Chris Kappy. Combs also recognized the rest of his team, his label and his songwriting bodies.
Combs went on to reflect on the fact that never “in a million years” would he have predicted that his career would reach this level. Like many others, it all started out with a dream to make a living doing what he loves. While he is proud of where he is today, he revealed he would have been happy if that simply meant getting to pay his bills and live in a one bedroom apartment by himself.
“When I came to Nashville, there was never any expectations of, I need to be a superstar and I need to play stadiums or I need to get a publishing deal. It was just, I want to be happy. And I’m so happy living the life that I get to live now and living it with the people that I get to live it with. And I couldn’t be more thankful for everybody that’s here today. There’s so many people that aren’t here to say thank you to, and I love each and every one of you guys. Thank you so much. Here’s to many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many more years of music. Thank y’all,” he added in conclusion.
Combs then made his way over to the spot on the walkway and took a few moments to stare in his star that was just unveiled before him, in awe.
“Wow that’s unbelievable, that is really unbelievable. Never thought I’d see that,” he said quietly to himself.
Members of the public gathered to watch the country star pose with his new piece of hardware cemented into the ground. He snapped photos with members of his team as well as his family, proudly showing off a big smile. Before exciting the event, Combs made sure to greet as many fans as he could, take selfies and sign memorabilia.
Luke Combs’ Music City Walk of Fame induction ceremony was initially scheduled to take place last fall, but he ended up missing the ceremony to instead pour his efforts into helping raise over $24.5 million forHurricane Helene relief efforts in western North Carolina with the for the Concert for Carolina benefit concert.
He was set to be celebrated alongside last year’s induction class, which included the late, legendary “tropical troubadour” Jimmy Buffett, the iconic gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, hospitality leader Colin Reed of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Grand Ole Opry announcer and WSM host, Bill Cody. These figures earned the 105th, 106th, 107th, and 108th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame in 2024.
Fans visiting Nashville’s downtown area can now stop by to view Luke Combs’ star on the iconic walkway.
