5 Shocking Facts About Greylan James: The Country Star Who Writes Songs About His Exes (2025 Update)

Greylan James has cemented his status not just as a rising country artist, but as one of Nashville’s most compelling storytellers, a reputation that has exploded in the latter half of 2024 and continues into 2025. The singer-songwriter, who first found success writing chart-topping hits for others, has now fully stepped into the spotlight, gaining significant traction with fresh, highly personal singles that are capturing the industry's attention.

As of today, December 12, 2025, James is riding a wave of success fueled by his recent collaborations and a unique, somewhat controversial, approach to songwriting: turning his past relationships into viral hits. This deep dive uncovers the complete profile of the ACM Award-winning talent, his critical career milestones, and the latest updates on his music and personal life.

Greylan James: The Complete Biography and Profile

Greylan James's journey from a Knoxville, Tennessee native to an award-winning country music force is a testament to dedication, talent, and a little bit of controversy. His profile is rapidly evolving from a behind-the-scenes hitmaker to a major artist in his own right.

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• Full Name: Greylan James
• Date of Birth: June 18, 1996
• Age (as of 2025): 29 years old
• Place of Birth: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
• Genre: Country Music
• Primary Role: Singer-Songwriter, Artist
• Publishing Affiliation: Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG)
• Record Label (Artist): BMLG Records (Big Machine Label Group imprint)
• Notable Songwriting Credit: Co-writer of Jordan Davis's No. 1 hit "Next Thing You Know"
• Major Awards Won: ACM Award for Song of the Year, BMI Award
• Major Nominations: CMA Award nomination for Song of the Year (2023)
• Inspiration: Received his first guitar from his Papaw at the age of five
• Hobbies: Gardening

From Knoxville Kid to ACM-Winning Songwriter: The Career Trajectory

Greylan James’s musical foundation was laid early in his life, starting when his Papaw gifted him his first guitar at the tender age of five. This early start in Knoxville, Tennessee, instilled a lifelong passion that would eventually lead him to Nashville, the heart of country music.

The Nashville Struggle and Publishing Success

Like many aspiring artists, James's move to Music City was marked by a period of struggle, including living in a rundown East Nashville house. However, his talent quickly caught the attention of industry heavyweights. He was signed to Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a crucial step that launched his career as a professional songwriter.

His reputation as a gifted writer soared as he began penning tracks for major country stars. One of his most significant early placements was writing songs for the legendary Kenny Chesney. This success established him as a reliable and insightful voice in the country music community, setting the stage for his biggest achievement yet.

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The "Next Thing You Know" Breakthrough

The turning point in Greylan James's career arrived with the massive success of "Next Thing You Know," a song he co-wrote that was recorded by Jordan Davis. The track not only became a multi-week No. 1 hit but also earned James his first major industry accolades. He won the prestigious ACM Award for Song of the Year, a monumental achievement for any songwriter. This success was further validated by a BMI Award win and a 2023 CMA Award nomination for Song of the Year.

This period officially transitioned Greylan James from a promising newcomer to an ACM Award-winning entity, giving him the leverage and platform to focus on his own artistry.

The 2024 Breakout: New Music, Big Features, and Ex-Girlfriend Drama

While his songwriting credits brought him fame, 2024 was the year Greylan James truly broke out as a recording artist. He officially signed with BMLG Records, an imprint of the Big Machine Label Group, joining a roster that includes superstars like Lady A, Brett Young, Riley Green, and Chris Janson.

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High-Profile Collaborations and Singles

The new label partnership immediately yielded fresh, high-quality music. In 2024, James released several singles, showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. One notable release was "Things That I Can't Change," which featured a collaboration with multi-platinum star Cole Swindell. This feature significantly boosted his visibility and introduced his sound to a wider audience.

Other recent tracks, such as "Give Me A Second (the before)," released on October 31st, and the highly anticipated "Wait Til You Have Kids," have further solidified his place as a breakout artist.

The Song That Requires a Warning: "Water at a Wedding"

The most buzzworthy story surrounding Greylan James in 2024 is the release of his single, "Water at a Wedding." The song, which is deeply rooted in a real-life experience, has generated significant curiosity and discussion due to its extremely personal nature.

James has openly discussed that he often mines his memories of old relationships to inspire new songs. For "Water at a Wedding," he wrote about attending the wedding of an ex-girlfriend. The song's premise—a raw, honest look at watching a former love marry someone else—is inherently compelling.

The most shocking fact is that James actually warned his ex-girlfriend about the song's release. In an exclusive interview, he mentioned that he contacted her to say, "Just prepare yourself," ensuring she knew a song about her wedding was coming out. This candid approach to his art, turning personal drama into public, chart-ready music, has become a signature element of his brand, answering the curiosity of fans who wonder about the real-life stories behind the music.

The Future of Greylan James

Greylan James stands at a pivotal moment in his career. Having established himself as a premier songwriter with an ACM Award and a CMA nomination, he is now successfully navigating the transition to a full-fledged artist. His willingness to share deeply personal stories, even those involving ex-girlfriends who are now married, gives his music an authentic edge that resonates with modern country listeners.

With the backing of Big Machine Label Group, a strong catalog of new music, and a compelling personal narrative, Greylan James is poised to be one of the most talked-about artists in the coming years. Fans are eagerly anticipating a full-length album that will undoubtedly feature more of his characteristic raw honesty and chart-topping potential.