Luke Bryan’s memories of working with his dad are “what makes him country”

Luke Bryan’s brand-new album, “What Makes You Country,” is out this week, and the title track includes some hometown memories of Luke working at his dad’s peanut mill in south Georgia. He really lived out those lyrics about working on the farm and inhaling peanut dust. Those memories are vivid to Luke, which is why this isn’t the first time he’s written about it so much over the years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=figjZHUnROQ

“Any time I get the chance to put peanut dust in a song, [I will],” Luke tells Rare Country. “I think it’s showed up several times.”

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Make no mistake, Luke’s life gets crazy as he goes from town to town performing sold-out shows, but it’s nothing compared to his former life on the peanut farm.

Says Luke, “People are like, all the time, they’re like, ‘How are you riding on your tour bus? Doing shows? Aren’t you just exhausted?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, not really. If you’d like to work for [my father] Tommy Bryan at the peanut mill for three months out of the year, a hundred hours a week, I can give you a crash course in exhaustion. Peanut dust in your ears and your nose and your throat.”

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Remembering how hard he worked at the peanut mill keeps Luke humble as he continues his reign as one of country music’s biggest stars.

He says, “When I get out there on the road, and I think I’m tired, I’m always like, ‘Hey, I could be breathing in peanut dust.’ So, that’s why I write it in songs just to remind me I could be back there any minute. ”

Luke’s latest album, “What Makes You Country,” also features his latest hit single, “Light It Up.” The video features NBA star Jimmy Butler in a starring role.

Once Luke wraps up all his TV appearances and shows promoting “What Makes You Country,” he’ll settle in with his family to celebrate the holidays.

In the new year, Luke will begin his big gig as a judge on ABC’s reboot of “American Idol.” He’ll be sitting beside fellow judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Look for that show to premiere March 11, 2018.

Before then, there’s still a little time left to vote for Luke in this year’s Rare Country Awards. He is nominated for Fan Moment, Tour and Male Artist of the Year, and it’s up to you to decide the winners. Vote now through Dec. 13 at RareCountryAwards.com. Winners will be revealed during a livestreamed concert event on Dec. 14 in Nashville.