Nate Smith rises from the ashes to country music success

Seemingly rising from the ashes, Nate Smith’s music career was rejuvenated after his song “One of These Days” went viral following the wildfires that devastated his hometown of Paradise, California, in 2018.

Smith wrote the song to help cope with the losses and tragedy that he, his family and neighbors suffered as a result of the worst wildfire in American history. He borrowed a guitar to co-write “One of These Days.”

Recording the song and posting it online, simply to help himself heal, the song became a viral hit with more than 115,000 views on Facebook.

Smith left his hometown about 10 years earlier with plans to become a musician. After striking out, he headed home to Paradise. That decision would lead to a career rebirth, giving him the impetus to succeed.

In 2020, Smith signed a recording contract with SONY Music in Nashville. He’s enjoyed a steady career since then.

Private concert

About 150 Omaha-area fans were treated to a special performance by Smith at Bushwhackers at the Granary in Ralston Wednesday night. The private show was hosted as part of a series of small venue concerts sponsored by Busch Light beer.

During a 60-minute set, Smith performed hit songs such as “Wildfire,” “Whiskey on You” and “Wish I Never Felt,” as well as “One of These Days.”

Smith is known for blending country grit, backwoods soul and smooth vocals to entertain crowds, whether in an intimate setting or a stadium concert.

Named as “New Male Artist of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music, Billboard’s 2024 “Country Power Players Rookie of the Year” and “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” by Amazon Music, Smith is the opening act as part of Jason Aldean’s “Full Throttle Tour.” They performed in Lincoln on Thursday.

Smith, who turned 40, on Friday was serenaded by fans singing “Happy Birthday.”

Based on the crowd’s reaction to Smith’s show, it may not be much longer before he’s headlining his own tour.