Little Big Town stands as one of country music's most enduring and unique vocal groups, a rarity in the industry for maintaining the exact same four-member lineup since their formation in 1998. In 2025, the quartet—comprising Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet—is celebrating their 25th Anniversary, a testament to their powerful four-part harmonies and deep personal bonds.
This article provides the most current and complete look at the members of Little Big Town, detailing their individual biographies, their roles in the band, and the latest news surrounding their recent projects, including the *Mr. Sun* album and their *Scattered* EP.
The Little Big Town Members: A Complete Biography
Little Big Town is defined by its four members, who all share lead vocal duties, creating a signature sound that is instantly recognizable. Their constant lineup since 1998 is an uncommon feat in popular music.
- Karen Fairchild
- Role: Vocals, Founding Member
- Born: Karen Renee Fairchild, September 28, 1969 (age 56 as of late 2025)
- Hometown/Origin: Gary, Indiana
- Key Facts: She is married to fellow band member Jimi Westbrook, whom she wed in 2006. She is known for her distinctive, powerful alto voice.
- Kimberly Schlapman
- Role: Vocals, Founding Member
- Born: Kimberly Bramlett Schlapman (née Roads), October 15, 1969 (age 56 as of late 2025)
- Hometown/Origin: Decatur, Alabama
- Key Facts: She is a founding member who met Karen Fairchild in college. She also hosted the cooking show Kimberly's Simply Southern on the Great American Country network.
- Jimi Westbrook
- Role: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Founding Member
- Born: Jimi Westbrook, October 21, 1971 (age 54 as of late 2025)
- Hometown/Origin: Sumiton, Alabama (born in Arkansas)
- Key Facts: He performs rhythm guitar and is married to Karen Fairchild, with whom he has a son, Elijah Dylan Westbrook. He joined the group after being introduced to Karen by her husband at the time.
- Phillip Sweet
- Role: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Founding Member
- Born: Phillip Sweet, March 18, 1974 (age 51 as of late 2025)
- Hometown/Origin: Cherokee Village, Arkansas
- Key Facts: Along with Jimi Westbrook, he often contributes to the band's rhythm guitar work. He is the youngest member of the quartet.
The Secret to Little Big Town's Unbreakable Harmony
The core of Little Big Town’s success is not a single superstar but the collective power of their four-part vocal harmonies. Unlike many country music groups where one member takes the dominant lead, all four members of LBT alternate as lead singers, a structure that gives them incredible versatility and depth.
This dynamic is evident across their discography, from the upbeat, swampy feel of "Pontoon" to the emotional complexity of "Girl Crush." The group's ability to blend their voices so seamlessly has been praised by critics and is a key reason for their sustained success over two decades.
Their journey began in 1998 in Nashville, Tennessee. Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman met in college and began singing together. They soon connected with Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet, solidifying the quartet. They initially signed with Monument Records, where they released a few singles, before moving to the independent label Equity Music Group (founded by Clint Black) for their breakthrough album, The Road to Here, in 2005.
They found their long-term home with Capitol Nashville in 2008, where they have released their most successful and critically acclaimed albums, including Tornado and The Breaker.
Little Big Town: Major Hits, Awards, and Latest Projects
Over their career, Little Big Town has amassed a significant collection of major hits and prestigious awards, cementing their status as country music royalty. Their catalog is a goldmine of influential songs that showcase their unique style.
Three Essential, Award-Winning Songs
- "Pontoon" (2012): This song became their first No. 1 single and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2013, launching them into a new level of stardom.
- "Girl Crush" (2014): A genre-defying smash that garnered critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2016. The song was co-written by The Love Junkies (Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Hillary Lindsey).
- "Better Man" (2016): Written by Taylor Swift, this track also hit No. 1 and earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2018, as well as CMA Song of the Year.
The Latest Music and 25th Anniversary Celebration
In 2022, Little Big Town released their tenth studio album, Mr. Sun, which demonstrated their continued evolution while maintaining their core sound. The album includes the popular single "Hell Yeah" and "Three Whiskeys And The Truth."
Further demonstrating their versatility, the group recently released the *Scattered* EP, a compilation of previously released renditions of classic songs across various genres, blending their signature harmonies with timeless tracks.
As they move through 2025, the focus is on their monumental 25th Anniversary. This celebration includes a headline UK Tour and the release of limited edition vinyls of their classic albums, ensuring that the legacy of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet continues to grow.
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