Kimberly Schlapman

Kimberly Schlapman was born on October 15, 1969 in Cornelia, Georgia, USA. She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with husband Stephen Schlapman, who she married in 2006. The couple has one biological daughter, Daisy Pearl, and they adopted another baby girl, Dolly Grace, in January 2017. Originally from Georgia, Kimberly was previously married to Steven Rhoades, who she lost to a heart attack in 2005. She met her current husband soon after the sad incident and found love again against all hopes. She looks forward to being a perfect role model for her daughters. Kimberly named her adopted baby daughter Dolly after famous singer Dolly Parton, who she claims is one of her inspirations.

Kimberly met Karen Fairchild at school in Samford University in Alabama, as part of the school’s reputed a Capella group. Post college, the two friends moved to Nashville, Tennessee, with the hope of building individual careers as vocalists. During that time Kimberly worked as a waitress between auditions for record labels. Kimberly and Karen started ‘Little Big Town’ as a duo in the late 90s. They were later joined by Jimi Westbrook and finally Philip Sweet who was the one to suggest the name of the Band.

Little Big Town signed their first major recording gig with Mercury records in 1999 but could not produce any single or albums during that time. They were eventually dropped by the label and in 2002 they signed on with Sony Music’s Monument Records. Soon they released their first album of which singles "Don't Waste My Time," and “Everything Changes,” climbed high on the music billboards. After a few more singles and music albums, the band gradually started to get the foothold that it aspired for. Kimberly lent her voice as the soprano for the harmony style singing that was signature of the band.

As part of the band, Kimberly has collaborated so far with other singing stalwarts like Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift. Her album ‘Pain Killer’ and the song ‘Girl Crush’ received nominations for best album and best song in the country music category in the 58thAnnual Grammy Awards, 2016. She, as part of the group, won the award for best country group song for ‘Girl Crush’. The group has previously won a Grammy back in 2013 with their single ‘Pontoon’.

Besides her super-successful music career, Kimberly is a huge cooking enthusiast and hosted her own show titled ‘Kimberly’s Simply Southern’ at the Great American Country channel during September, 2012. The show was a hit and viewers immediately fell for her southern charm. She finally published her first cookbook titled ‘OH GUSSIE! Cooking and Visiting in Kimberly’s Southern Kitchen’. Kimberly’s book was featured in various national TV shows like The Today’s Show and Dr. Oz.

Kimberly is the perfect blend of powerhouse talent, affable and friendly nature and girl-next-door looks. She is extremely loyal to her friends and family. Despite facing great personal tragedies, she has stayed strong and hopeful in the face of life. She had worked really hard for her music, and had persisted through various ups and downs until she found success. In times where music bands are made and broken every few seconds, ‘Little Big Town’ has stood the test of time. The credit for that feat goes somewhat to Kimberly.