Cole Swindell Speaking Fee: $200,000 to $300,000

Cole Swindell, born Colden Rainey Swindell on June 30, 1983, in Bronwood, Georgia, grew up in the close-knit community of Dawson. Raised in a family that cherished country music, he developed a deep appreciation for artists like Alan Jackson and George Strait. His early years were marked by a passion for sports, particularly baseball, which he played throughout high school. After graduating from Terrell Academy, Swindell attended Georgia Southern University, where he majored in marketing and joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. It was during his college years that he began performing at local bars, igniting his passion for music. In 2007, Swindell moved to Nashville to pursue his dream of a career in country music. He initially worked as a merchandise seller for fellow Georgia Southern alumnus Luke Bryan, gaining firsthand experience in the music industry. During this time, he honed his songwriting skills, penning hits for artists like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Thomas Rhett. His breakthrough as a songwriter came with the co-writing of "Roller Coaster" for Luke Bryan, which became a major hit. Swindell's transition to a solo artist began with the release of his debut single, "Chillin' It," in 2013. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This success led to a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and the release of his self-titled debut album in 2014. The album produced several hit singles, including "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight" and "Ain't Worth the Whiskey." His follow-up albums, "You Should Be Here" (2016) and "All of It" (2018), continued his streak of success, with multiple No. 1 hits and critical acclaim. Throughout his career, Swindell has amassed numerous accolades, including ten No. 1 singles as an artist and eleven as a songwriter. His hit songs "You Should Be Here" and "Middle of a Memory" have been particularly well-received, with "You Should Be Here" achieving over 1 billion streams. In 2015, he was honored with the Academy of Country Music's New Artist of the Year award. His songwriting prowess has also earned him recognition, including the NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year award in 2016. Beyond his musical achievements, Swindell is known for his engaging live performances and strong connection with fans. He has headlined several successful tours, including the Reason to Drink Tour and the Down to Earth Tour. In 2024, he married Courtney Little, a former NBA dancer and Miss Teen North Carolina, in a ceremony in Sonoma, California. The couple announced in March 2025 that they are expecting their first child. Swindell continues to be a prominent figure in country music, celebrated for his authentic storytelling and dedication to his craft.