Ernest

From hip-hop roots to hit songwriter for Wallen, the man behind the Flower Shops.

Ernest Keith Smith, known mononymously as ERNEST, is an American country music singer-songwriter born on January 11, 1992. He has released three studio albums: Locals Only (2019), Flower Shops (The Album) (2022), and Nashville, Tennessee (2024). Beyond his own recordings, Ernest is a prolific songwriter whose tracks have been recorded by major artists including Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Chris Lane, and Jelly Roll. His musical output is consistently produced by Joey Moi. Originally from Nashville, he navigated a path through hip hop influences and personal struggles before co-writing the title track for Florida Georgia Line's 2016 album Dig Your Roots.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Ernest Keith Smith
Born: 11 January 1992
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Genre: Country
Occupation: Singer-songwriter
Years active: 2017–present
Label: Big Loud

Lore & Background

Ernest's journey began in Nashville, where he attended Lipscomb Academy. His early musical taste was eclectic, citing the Space Jam soundtrack from sixth grade alongside influences like Eminem, John Mayer, and George Strait. At age 19, a viral infection caused a heart attack, a near-death experience that preceded a period of drug addiction while he played baseball in the National Junior College Athletic Association at Freed–Hardeman University before dropping out to pursue music. His recovery led him back to Nashville to write in the bro-country style with Matt Royer, whose recording studio was owned by his brother (Ernest's future father-in-law). This partnership resulted in co-writing "Dig Your Roots" for Florida Georgia Line. By September 2019, he signed with Big Loud Records, releasing country rap singles like "Dopeman" and "Bad Boy" before pivoting to hits like "Big, Big Plans" for Chris Lane and "More Than My Hometown" for Morgan Wallen in 2020.

Reader's Guide

To understand Ernest's current standing, note his discography consists of three distinct studio albums: Locals Only (2019), Flower Shops (The Album) (2022), and Nashville, Tennessee (2024). His songwriting credits are extensive, covering artists across the genre spectrum from Thomas Rhett to Jelly Roll. For fans tracking his personal life, Ernest is married to Delaney Royer; they have a son named Ryman after the famous auditorium. In 2022, the couple purchased a 5-acre farm near Nashville featuring a greenhouse and chicken coop. While he frequently posts on TikTok, his wife manages his digital content. Interestingly, despite his country fame, Ernest has been friends with baseball star Mookie Betts since age eight, having competed against him in youth baseball.

Did You Know?

He has been friends with baseball player Mookie Betts since he was 8 years old.
His podcast, Just Being Ernest, recorded 50 episodes mostly during the COVID-19 pandemic.