OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Charles Wesley Godwin, a rising star in the country music scene, recently opened up about the valuable lessons he’s learned from some of the biggest names in the industry, including country powerhouse Luke Combs. In a recent interview with World Cafe, the West Virginia native reflected on his time as an opening act for several iconic artists and how these experiences have shaped his approach to both his music career and his understanding of what it takes to build a successful music empire.
As many artists do, Godwin has seen firsthand how established musicians give back to the community by lifting up deserving smaller acts. An example that comes to mind is Post Malone offering Muscadine Bloodline the opportunity to join him on the Fall 2024 leg of his F-1 Trillion Tour. These types of opportunities can be career-defining moments, providing smaller acts with the exposure they need to take the next step in their musical journey. For Godwin, who has now reached a level where he can offer such opportunities to up-and-coming artists on his own tours, he remembers the immense help he received from artists like Jason Isbell, the Turnpike Troubadours, The Avett Brothers, and of course, Luke Combs.
One of the most pivotal moments in Godwin’s career came during his time as an opener for Luke Combs on the country star’s 2024 Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old stadium tour. For Godwin, who played in front of massive crowds in some of the biggest venues around, the experience was transformative. But it wasn’t just the exposure that left a lasting impression on him—it was the professionalism and culture that Combs and his team embodied at every level of their operation.
“I’ve learned so much from watching The Avett Brothers and Bruce Springsteen on how to perform live shows. I’ve watched the 1979 No Nukes Concert video probably 50 times. I study it,” Godwin shared. “Then getting to be out with Luke Combs… him and his whole team, the whole production, everything is first class and so nice and relaxed at the same time.”
For Godwin, what stood out the most was how Combs managed to run such a large operation without losing sight of what truly matters—treating people with respect and creating a positive, supportive environment. “It taught me that no matter how big it gets, it can still be done a certain way, and people can still be treated right. I learned a lot from Luke with how to run an organization and what kind of culture to have in it at every level,” he explained.
In a world where success often leads to a certain level of arrogance or detachment, Luke Combs has proven that it is possible to reach the top while maintaining a grounded and humble approach. And for Godwin, who is still in the early stages of his own journey, this lesson has had a profound impact on his approach to building his own career.
But Godwin’s appreciation for mentorship doesn’t stop there. He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to the Turnpike Troubadours, who have had a significant influence on his country music career. “I used to listen to Turnpike in the middle of the night trying to drive home from some bar I had played three hours away. Trying to stay awake and also trying to just keep myself going because it would have been so easy to quit,” Godwin recalled. “I was very self-aware the whole way of what things looked like with my career there in my early to mid 20’s. It took a lot of willpower not to give up. And Evan Felker songs and Turnpike helped me get through nights like that.”
The impact of the Turnpike Troubadours on Godwin’s life and career is undeniable. The perseverance they instilled in him helped carry him through some of his toughest times and ultimately led him to where he is today. It’s safe to say that without the Turnpike Troubadours, Godwin may not have had the strength to keep pushing forward, and the country music world would have missed out on one of its most promising talents.
As Godwin continues to rise through the ranks of country music, there’s no doubt that he’ll be an inspiration to younger, up-and-coming artists for years to come. And who knows? Maybe in the future, it will be Charles Wesley Godwin offering guidance to the next generation, just as Luke Combs and others once did for him.
In the world of country music, there’s a special kind of camaraderie and mentorship that takes place behind the scenes. With artists like Luke Combs leading by example, it’s clear that the culture of support and respect is thriving—and Charles Wesley Godwin is a perfect example of the power of lifting others up.