Luke Combs (correctly) says Kentucky produces the best country music

Luke Combs is one of the biggest stars in country music, selling out NFL stadiums for two-night events and making history as the first country headliner at Bonnaroo. Recently, Combs appeared on “The Mostly Sports Podcast,” which is part of the Barstool Network, and you’ll love what the multi-platinum singer shared about his opinions and tastes in country music.

Combs was asked which state puts out the best country music, to which the hosts, Mark Titus and Brandon Walker, predicted Combs would say his home state of North Carolina. Eric Church, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, and many others also hail from North Carolina, along with Combs.

However, Combs went a different direction, naming Kentucky as the best state for country. “Truthfully, it’s Kentucky,” he answered. “You got Childers, Stapleton, Keith Whitley–to me, the talent in Kentucky is unmatched.”

“Kentucky is stacked. Kentucky is a stacked state, in my opinion.”

What state puts out the best country music?

Luke Combs:

“Truthfully, it’s Kentucky. You got Childers, Stapleton, Keith Whitley — to me, the talent in Kentucky is unmatched. Yeah dude, Kentucky’s stacked. It’s a stacked state in my opinion.” pic.twitter.com/T5PA2x2E4h

— Alex Weber (@alexhweber) July 29, 2025

A fun fact about Combs: his keyboardist is “one of us.” Korey Hunt from Caneyville, Kentucky, loves the Wildcats.

Luke Combs covers “Never Leave Harlan Alive”

Last weekend at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, Combs performed a Kentucky song when he covered “Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Patty Loveless, another Kentucky legend. You can hear a clip in the short TikTok from the festival below.

@lukecombshq You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive (@Brad Paisley cover) at @Newport Folk Fest ♬ original sound – Luke Combs HQ

I hope he’ll consider releasing a studio version like his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which won Song of the Year at the 2023 CMAs.

KSR goes country on Wednesday

Another country music legend from Kentucky, John Michael Montgomery, will be a guest on KSR’s morning show on Wednesday. Tune in for his reaction to Combs’ comment and lots more as he gets ready for his final show coming up in Rupp Arena.