Charles Wesley Godwin Reflects on Sharing Stages with Luke Combs and Artists Who Inspired Him

Country singer/songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin’s star is still rising. He caught the ears of independent country fans early in his career. Then, with recent releases like the full-length Family Ties and his most recent EP, Lonely Mountain Town, more listeners have flocked to him for his sound and authenticity. Additionally, he has opened for some of the biggest artists in country music and some that inspired him to chase the dream of being a full-time musician.

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Over the past few years, Godwin has opened shows for Luke Combs, the Avett Brothers, Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Isbell, and many more. Recently, he sat down with World Café to talk about his life, career, and the songs he sings. During the conversation, he revealed what he’s learned from the bands he has shared stages with.

[RELATED: Charles Wesley Godwin Shares an Unreleased Song He Wrote with Wyatt Flores and Aaron Raitiere]

Charles Wesley Godwin Discusses the Impact of Other Artists on His Career

“I’ve learned so much from watching the Avetts and Bruce Springsteen on how to perform live shows,” Charles Wesley Godwin said. “I’ve watched the 1979 No Nukes concert video probably 50 times. I study it,” he added.

“Getting to be out with Luke [Combs], him and his whole team, the whole production, everything is so first-class and so nice and relaxed at the same time,” Godwin recalled. “It taught me that no matter how big it gets, it can still be done a certain way. People can still be treated right. I learned a lot from Luke about how to run an organization and what kind of culture to have in it at every level,” he explained.

“Isbell is one of the best songwriters ever. Turnpike, I used to listen to Turnpike in the middle of the night coming home. Trying to drive home from some bar I played three hours away. Trying to stay awake and also trying to keep myself going because it would have been so easy to quit,” he recalled. “I was very self-aware the whole way with my career. I knew what things looked like in my early to mid-20s. It took a lot of willpower not to give up. Evan Felker’s songs and Turnpike helped me get through things like that.”

“It’s crazy,” he said of his career growth.

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