7 Shocking Secrets Behind John Morgan's 'Friends Like That' No. 1 Hit And Massive 2025 Tour

The country music world is currently buzzing about John Morgan's breakout success, and it all revolves around one song: "Friends Like That." Originally a fan-favorite solo track, its re-release as a powerful duet featuring superstar Jason Aldean propelled it to the top of the charts, cementing Morgan's status as a major force in Nashville. As of December 17, 2025, the song's momentum has directly launched Morgan’s first headlining tour, making this North Carolina native one of the hottest rising stars on the circuit. This deep dive reveals the surprising backstory, the crucial mentorship, and the full details of his career’s skyrocketing trajectory.

This chart-topping single is more than just a catchy tune; it’s the cornerstone of a massive new chapter for the artist, including his debut album *Carolina Blue* and a sprawling 2025 tour. The song itself is a masterful piece of songwriting, blending traditional country themes with a fresh, contemporary delivery that resonates with fans who know the value of true, reliable companionship—even if those friends come in the form of a bottle of Jack Daniel's or a classic Willie Nelson record.

John Morgan: Full Biography, Hometown, and The Nashville Journey

John Morgan is the epitome of the modern country success story, blending a deep-seated love for traditional bluegrass with a contemporary, blue-collar songwriting style. His journey from the Great Smoky Mountains to the top of the country radio charts is a testament to perseverance and a lucky break.

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• Full Name: John Morgan
• Born: August 8, 1995
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 30
• Hometown: Sylva, North Carolina, U.S. (a small town deep in the Great Smoky Mountains)
• Genre: Country, Contemporary Country
• Instruments: Vocals, Guitar
• Early Career: Toured the summer festival circuit for 10 years in a family bluegrass band, beginning at age ten.
• Move to Nashville: Moved to Nashville around 2020 to pursue songwriting full-time after selling everything he had.
• Record Label: Night Train Records (an imprint of BBR Music Group, owned by Jason Aldean)
• Notable Songwriting Hits (for Jason Aldean): "If I Didn't Love You" (No. 1 hit with Carrie Underwood, GRAMMY-nominated), "Trouble With A Heartbreak" (No. 1 hit), "That's What Tequila Does."
• Debut Album: Carolina Blue (Released April 25, 2025)
• Debut Headlining Tour: "Friends Like That" Tour (Kicks off October 2025)

The Breakout Hit: How "Friends Like That" Became a No. 1 Duet

The success of "Friends Like That" is a masterclass in how a fan-favorite track can be strategically elevated into a career-defining radio smash. The song’s original solo version first appeared on Morgan's debut EP, *Remember Us?*, in 2023 and quickly gained traction, amassing over 28 million streams by April 2024.

The Surprising Origin of the Lyrics

The core concept of "Friends Like That" is a fresh take on the classic breakup song. Instead of heading to a bar or calling up human friends, the narrator stays home and finds comfort in inanimate objects.

• The "Friends": The song's title refers to the things the narrator leans on during heartbreak: musical records from legends like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, and the alcohol brand Jack Daniel's.
• Initial Pitch: Morgan co-wrote the song in September 2020 with Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, and Lydia Vaughan. The initial idea was for a more somber and serious tune, but the writers collectively decided to shift it to a more lighthearted, energetic "campfire sing-a-long" feel.
• The Real-Life Inspiration: Morgan noted that the concept of staying home instead of going out felt "more real" to him, stating, "when I get pissed off or whenever something happens, I just don't want to talk to anybody."

The Jason Aldean Factor and Mentorship

The track's leap to No. 1 on country radio happened after John Morgan re-recorded it as a duet featuring Jason Aldean, which officially impacted airwaves on April 22, 2024.

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Aldean is not just a collaborator; he is Morgan’s mentor and business partner. Aldean personally signed Morgan to his Night Train Records imprint, part of BBR Music Group, and has been a major supporter of his career. The collaboration was a natural fit, with Aldean saying he was excited to jump on a song that was "jumpstarting his career."

The 2025 "Friends Like That" Tour and Album Success

The massive success of the single paved the way for John Morgan's most significant career move to date: a headlining tour and the release of his debut studio album.

The Debut Album: Carolina Blue

Morgan released his critically acclaimed debut album, *Carolina Blue*, on April 25, 2025. The album's title is a direct nod to his North Carolina roots and features the hit single "Friends Like That." Another fan-favorite track from the album, the nostalgic "Kid Myself," quickly followed the hit single and was named the No. 1 most-added single at country radio upon its release.

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The Headlining Tour Details

In mid-2025, John Morgan announced his first-ever headlining run: the "Friends Like That" Tour, kicking off in October 2025. The tour is a direct celebration of the single's success and the camaraderie that defines his journey.

Morgan emphasized that the tour is a "celebration of the friends who’ve had my back," including the talented co-writers and collaborators who will join him on the road.

Key Tour Personnel and Dates:

• Opening Acts: The tour features a rotating lineup of Morgan's close friends and collaborators: Brent Anderson (co-writer/co-producer), Jeb Gipson (longtime friend/labelmate), and the duo Ryan and Rory.
• Major Stops: The 20-date nationwide run hits major markets across the country, including:
  • Atlanta, GA (Smith's Olde Bar)
  • Chicago, IL (Carol's Pub)
  • Nashville, TN (Nashville Palace)
  • Denver, CO (Grizzly Rose)
  • Portland, OR (Ponderosa Lounge)
  • San Diego, CA (Moonshine Flats)
• Special Performances: John Morgan performed the No. 1 song on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*, further boosting its profile and solidifying his presence in mainstream media.

The story of "Friends Like That" is a perfect example of how the Nashville music machine can propel a talented songwriter into the spotlight. By combining a relatable, clever lyric with the star power of a mentor like Jason Aldean, John Morgan has not only scored a No. 1 hit but has also built a foundation for a long and successful career in country music. The 2025 tour is the final piece of the puzzle, bringing his "blue-collar toughness" and stadium-ready anthems directly to the fans who made it all happen.