Wes Shipp is making waves in the music world…

Wes Shipp isn’t just a country artist, he’s a survivor with a story that’s just as powerful as his voice.

Born in Crystal River and raised in Naples and Ocala, Florida, Wes grew up surrounded by music. But his path to the stage wasn’t straightforward. Like many who live life on the road and on the edge, Wes has walked through some dark seasons, including a battle with addiction that nearly derailed everything.

Today, Wes is a rising force in country music, winning over fans not just with his gritty vocals, but with honest, soul-baring songs that speak of heartbreak, redemption, and resilience. His voice is steeped in the tradition of legends like Keith Whitley, so much so that Whitley’s own family has shared Wes’s covers of his songs on social media, a testament to how deeply and authentically he channels that classic country spirit.

Wes also draws influence from artists like Don Williams, Hank Jr., Ronnie Van Zant, and Randy Travis, songwriters who weren’t afraid to speak their truth. “I was always into music,” he says. “My sister gave me a couple Pearl Jam CDs when I was a kid, and it just lit a fire. I picked up the guitar as a teenager and haven’t put it down since.”

That fire has taken Wes across the country, from playing small rooms and honky-tonks to opening for legendary acts like Shenandoah and touring in Alaska. He’s even hit the road with outlaw country standout Ward Davis.

“I just want to keep making a living doing this,” Wes says simply. “That’s the dream.”

Offstage, he’s full of surprises, a diehard hockey fan who played competitively growing up, a guy who listens to rap and metal just as much as country, and someone who doesn’t write his songs on paper. Every lyric and melody lives in his head until it’s ready to come out.

Wes Shipp may have taken the long road, but it’s made his voice deeper, his songs more meaningful, and his story more unforgettable. And for anyone listening, it’s clear, this is just the beginning.