Bucky Covington

Rock-influenced country singer Bucky Covington first gained widespread attention in 2006 after competing on the televised talent competition American Idol. Born on November 8th, 1977, in Rockingham, North Carolina, he spent his childhood there alongside his identical twin, Rocky. Exposure to blues guitarist Jeff Healey’s performance in the film Road House sparked his musical interest, prompting the recollection: “I remember...picturing myself on-stage with a pair of sunglasses on, playing guitar and singing, and thinking, that would be cool.” Shortly after finishing high school, Covington began playing guitar and soon joined Rocky in performing at nearby venues with an assortment of rock and country groups. While contemplating a relocation to Nashville to advance his career, he learned through Rocky’s wife that American Idol auditions were scheduled in Greensboro, North Carolina; the brothers decided to attend. Covington advanced from those tryouts and joined the 24 semifinalists flown to Los Angeles, ultimately finishing as an eighth-place finalist. His participation continued with the 2006 “American Idols Live” tour, which introduced him to arena-scale crowds. Shortly afterward he secured both a recording contract and management representation. When Nashville Star winner Buddy Jewell withdrew from the “GAC Country Music Christmas Tour” because of a wrist injury, Covington stepped in as replacement. Once the tour concluded, he entered the studio to record his self-titled debut album for Lyric Street/Hollywood Records under the guidance of producer Mark Miller, lead singer of Sawyer Brown; the project appeared in April 2007. Covington promoted the release through extensive road work and numerous television spots, with Rocky serving as the band’s drummer. Although he intended to issue a follow-up album in 2010 and had already released the preceding singles “I Want My Life Back,” a cover of Nickelback’s “Gotta Be Somebody,” and “A Father’s Love (The Only Way He Knew How),” Lyric Street ceased operations before the record could surface. After several years without a label, Covington signed with E1 Music in 2012, resulting in the fall release of Good Guys, which incorporated several tracks originally intended for the shelved 2010 project.