Key Takeaways
- Mae Estes rose from small-town Hope, Arkansas, to Nashville with her parents, Johnny and Darlene Estes’ constant support.
- Her mother sparked her love for classic country, while both parents enabled her early performances.
- Mae’s success includes a Grand Ole Opry debut and Arkansas Female Vocalist award, but she stays rooted in her hometown values.
Mae Estes, the rising country music sensation from Hope, Arkansas, has captivated audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice.
While her journey from a small-town girl to a Grand Ole Opry performer is a story of determination and talent, Mae often credits her parents, Johnny and Darlene Estes, as the cornerstone of her success.
A Family Rooted In Music
Mae Estes’ passion for music began early, influenced by her mother’s deep love for classic country.
Darlene, though not a musician herself, introduced Mae to legends like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Vince Gill.
Mae shared in an interview, emphasizing how her upbringing shaped her sound and storytelling,
“Music was medicine in our household”
Via arktimes
Johnny and Darlene weren’t just passive supporters but active participants in Mae’s dreams.
From buying her first guitar at Billy’s House of Guitars in Glenwood to driving her to countless performances across the Ark-La-Tex region, her parents were always by her side.
Mae fondly recalls performing at nursing homes, rodeos, and even an AM radio show, all arranged with her family’s encouragement.
Early Days In Hope, Arkansas
Mae’s first public performance at age seven—singing the national anthem at a 4-H rodeo—was a defining moment.
Her mother, who was managing the event, allowed Mae to perform live, sparking a lifelong love for the stage.
That performance, Mae said, was when she discovered her calling:
“It’s the only peace I’ve ever found, and it always feels like I’m doing exactly what I was created to do when I’m singing.”
Via arktimes
In her hometown of Hope, Mae found a strong community of supporters, including family friend and mentor Tee Powers.
Powers encouraged Mae to pursue music professionally and often invited her to perform with his band, The Bear Creek Boys.
His guidance and belief in her potential played a crucial role in her decision to chase her dreams in Nashville.
The Road To Nashville
Determined to build a career in country music, Mae set her sights on Nashville from a young age.
However, her parents insisted she first complete her education.
Mae graduated college in just three years, working multiple jobs to support herself, before making the move to Music City in 2015.
Johnny and Darlene’s support didn’t end with Mae’s move to Nashville.
They continued to cheer her on, attending performances at the Grand Ole Opry and celebrating her milestones.
Mae’s heartfelt gratitude shines through when she speaks about her parents:
“Anything I could dream up, they made me believe I could achieve it. I wouldn’t be here today if my parents hadn’t believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Via SwarkToday
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2021, Mae Estes won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Arkansas Country Music Awards.
- Her first public performance was when she sang the national anthem before the rodeo at the Fair Park Coliseum in Hope, Arkansas.
- She has racked up more than 3 million views on YouTube.
