Brothers Osborne is an American country music duo consisting of brothers T.J. Osborne (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and John Osborne (lead guitar, background vocals). Born in Deale, Maryland, the duo signed a recording contract with EMI Records Nashville in 2012 and began releasing music the following year. Their 2015 song "Stay a Little Longer" became a top five hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, and their success led to the release of their debut studio album titled Pawn Shop the same year. Since then, Brothers Osborne have released the albums Port Saint Joe (2018) and Skeletons (2020).
The duo have since had further hits with "It Ain't My Fault" (2017), "Shoot Me Straight" (2018), and "All Night" (2019), and as featured artists on Dierks Bentley's "Burning Man" (2019). Along with their own songwriting, their musical success is credited to producer Jay Joyce. Artists with whom they have worked include David Nail, Lee Ann Womack, and Lucie Silvas (the latter of whom is John's wife). Their musical style takes influence from Southern rock, and outlaw country, with particular emphasis on the styles of T.J.'s lead vocals and John's guitar playing. The duo attracted further media attention in February 2021 when T.J. came out as gay, making him the first openly gay artist on a major country music label.
History and formation
Brothers John Osborne (born 1982) and T.J. Osborne (born 1984) were two of five children raised in Deale, Maryland, a rural fishing community located along the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to their parents, who both wrote and played music regularly, their uncles and cousins also pursued musical hobbies. The family often gathered to perform music, inspiring the brothers' earliest musical aspirations. "Naturally, John and I wanted to participate and play with the family because it was fun. And that was where we cut our teeth," said T.J. Osborne in 2014. The brothers then started performing regularly with their father, John Osborne Sr. Together, they played in a band called Deuces and a Quarter, while also helping their father with his day job as a plumber. When not performing, the brothers practiced music in their family's backyard shed.
The duo continued performing more consistently through high school. They later represented their high school in the Anne Arundel County "Battle of the Bands" in 2000. Upon graduation, John attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. T.J. soon followed his brother to the city after finishing high school. They first attempted to have separate careers. John began playing gigs as a sideman, while T.J. played upright bass and composed material for other artists. T.J. also made several demonstration records. Yet his own voice was considered "not generic enough" for many industry professionals. It was after this that the brothers started working together. For several years, the duo performed in clubs, bars and other small music venues. In 2011, they signed a publishing contract with Warner-Chappell. In 2012, the siblings secured a recording contract with EMI Nashville, a subdivision of Capitol Records and Nashville's Universal Music Group.
Career
2013–2016: Career rise and Pawn Shop
In 2013, Brothers Osborne released their debut single titled "Let's Go There." The uptempo song became a minor hit, reaching the top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Its limited radio success enforced their record label's decision to not release an album. The song was followed in 2014 by the single "Rum." It reached a similar Billboard chart position, which continued to halt an official album release from EMI. Instead, the label released a self-titled extended play later that year. The EP reached the top 25 of the Billboard Top Country Albums list and contained five tracks (including their 2014 single). Following its release, several music journalists named the pair on new artists lists, such as "Best of What's Next" or "Ones to Watch." Hannah Smith of Vinyl magazine praised the project and anticipated future success for the pair: "Brothers Osborne is a duo who are redefining the lines and following in the footsteps of trailblazers who have launched a revolution with their distinct music."