Chase Rice

Born in Ormond Beach, Florida, Rice grew up on a farm in Asheville, North Carolina. He attended AC Reynolds High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

When he was at college, Chase Rice had his heart set on a Martin D18 guitar but didn't have the funds to buy it. He turned to his parents for help, but his father was initially hesitant. To convince his dad, Chase performed a mini-concert in their living room, singing one song each by Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Garth Brooks. It was the only time his father would see him perform live as he passed away when Rice was 22. Despite his imperfect guitar playing and singing, it was enough to persuade his dad, and he received the guitar he desired. This was a turning point in Rice's career. He now had a high-quality guitar that motivated him to improve, and he began to break out of his shell and sing more confidently.

Rice played college football at the University of North Carolina. He wore the number 44 and aspired to making it to the NFL, but a career-ending injury cut his football dreams short. After his injury, Rice turned his attention to music, which he had always been passionate about.