You probably know the songs even if you don't think you know the man. Think about it. That infectious summer anthem "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" that Jake Owen rode to the top of the charts? That was Eric Paslay. The heart-wrenching, gritty "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" by the Eli Young Band? Also him.
Honestly, Eric Paslay is kinda like the ghost in the Nashville machine. He's this 6'4" redhead with a voice that sounds like velvet dragged over gravel, yet for a long time, his biggest hits lived in other people's voices. But if you stop there, you’re missing the actual story of one of the most resilient, technically gifted artists in the game today.
The Songwriter Who Couldn't Be Ignored
Eric didn't just stumble into Nashville. He grew up in Temple, Texas, influenced by his grandfather’s band, Arnold Schiller & the Moonlight Serenaders. You can hear that old-school musicality in everything he touches. By the time he was 15, he was already deep into the guitar.
Most people don't realize he actually wanted to be a pediatric endocrinologist. Why? Because he’s lived with Type 1 Diabetes since he was 10. He wanted to help kids. But then the songs started coming, and they wouldn't stop.
The "Big Three" songs he wrote for others—Jake Owen’s "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," Eli Young Band’s "Even If It Breaks Your Heart," and Love and Theft’s "Angel Eyes"—all hit number one. That’s a hat trick most writers never see in a lifetime.
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But Eric Paslay wasn't content staying behind the scenes.
Breaking Out as an Artist
When he finally released his self-titled debut in 2014, it felt like a dam breaking. "Friday Night" was everywhere. It was originally recorded by Lady A (then Lady Antebellum), but Eric’s version had this specific, driving energy that made it a Top 5 hit.
Then came "She Don't Love You."
If you want to understand why Eric Paslay is a "musician's musician," listen to that track. It’s a brutal, sparse ballad about a woman who’s too broken to love anyone back. No big drums. No flashy production. Just that voice. It proved he wasn't just the "uptempo summer guy."
Managing the Highs and Lows (Literally)
Living as a touring musician is hard. Living as a touring musician with Type 1 Diabetes is a whole different level of "challenging."
Eric has been incredibly open about this. He uses a Dexcom CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) and an insulin pump, and get this—his tour manager actually monitors his blood sugar levels from the side of the stage. If Eric is performing and his sugar starts to tank, the manager will literally tell him through his in-ear monitors to grab some orange juice.
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He’s turned this struggle into a mission. He’s done podcasts like Level with Me and worked with organizations like Beyond Type 1 to show kids that a chronic illness doesn't have to kill your dreams. He’s basically saying, "Yeah, I have to carry a juice box, but I’m still playing the Grand Ole Opry."
What's Eric Paslay Doing Now?
The industry has changed a lot since 2014. Eric parted ways with EMI Nashville years ago, which might seem like a setback, but it actually opened up a new chapter of creative freedom.
In June 2025, Eric signed a new publishing deal with Liz Rose Music and Sheltered Music Publishing. For those not in the know, Liz Rose is a songwriting legend (she wrote many of Taylor Swift's early hits). This move signals that Eric is doubling down on his greatest strength: the craft of the song.
Recent Releases and 2026 Plans
He hasn't been quiet. Lately, he’s been dropping interesting collaborations and singles:
- "I Dream You" (2025) with Faith Schueler.
- "California Mourning" (2025) with Lani Ray.
- The "Perfect Stranger" EP, which dropped recently and showed a more experimental side of his sound.
He’s also back on the road. In early 2026, he’s scheduled for shows like the benefit concert at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple, Texas (Feb 21, 2026) and appearances at the LaMar Performance Cinema.
The Misconception About "Failure"
Some folks look at his chart history and think, "Oh, he had that one big album and then disappeared."
That's just wrong.
In the modern music world, success isn't always a Top 40 radio hit. Eric has built a massive international following, particularly in the UK and Germany (his Live in Glasgow album is a fan favorite). He’s a "working artist." He writes for Keith Urban, he performs at the Opry, and he runs his own farm.
He’s choosing the life he wants rather than chasing the "High Class" lifestyle he sang about in 2015.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you’ve only ever heard "Friday Night" on a 2010s country playlist, you’re only getting 10% of the picture. Here is how to actually dive into his catalog:
- Listen to "The Work Tapes": This 2017 EP is Eric at his most raw. It’s basically just him and a guitar, showing how these massive hits started.
- Check the Credits: Go through your favorite country albums from the last decade. You’ll be shocked how often his name pops up in the liner notes for artists like Rascal Flatts or Dierks Bentley.
- Catch a Live Show: Eric is a different beast live. His stories between songs are often as good as the songs themselves. Keep an eye on his 2026 tour dates, especially in smaller, intimate venues where his vocals can really breathe.
- Follow his Advocacy: If you or someone you know is dealing with T1D, his interviews on the subject are genuinely helpful and lack that "preachy" tone most celebrity advocates have.
Eric Paslay is proof that you can be a "star" without needing to be on every magazine cover. He’s a songwriter first, a performer second, and a human being who happens to be great at both.