It’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly the driving force behind many of singer and songwriter Bridgette Tatum’s high profile career milestones.

In 2009, this native of Florence, South Carolina, co-wrote the most played song on Country radio stations across the United States.  “She’s Country,” recorded and released by Platinum-selling country superstar Jason Aldean, held the No. 1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks.

In 2010, Bridgette’s song, “Loud” was selected as the Official Theme Song for the ACC Football Conference’s 2010 Season.  This fast-paced anthem, captured in a raucous music video, resulted in exposure for Bridgette in over 27 million households.

In 2011, she toured with Heidi Newfield as part of the nationwide She’s Country Tour presented by Pendleton Whisky. In partnership with the Lano Company, Bridgette released a unique light-up lip gloss, helping to develop her signature color, “Hillbilly Rockstar.”

Add to these accomplishments Bridgette’s own album, Sex, Church, and Chicken released on Root 49 Records, and you have all of the elements needed to build a superstar career. 2012 continues Bridgette’s rise with producer credits for new sister-duo Jenny & Ashley, songwriting credits on albums by The Farm and Kristy Lee Cook, as well as endorsements by Wrangler clothing and Two Old Hippies’ Bedell Guitars.

“Music is what I was put on this earth to do,” she confidently declares. “I learned to feel music before I could hear it.”  Rooted in her earliest memories growing up in Florence, South Carolina, this firecracker brunette was raised on soul-shaking gospel music, swirling with the Holy Spirit and saturated with raw passion. Music coursed through her veins, seeping deep into her bones and manifesting itself into a soulful and powerful sound uniquely her own.

This clarity of purpose was born, amazingly, during two separate but equally life changing moments.  The first came when she was a teenager.  Her mom introduced her to a friend who, unbeknownst to him, would influence Bridgette more than any single encounter in her young life.  This man was a cowboy—a true cowboy with boots and all.  It was the first time that Bridgette ever rode a horse. And that same day she heard two pieces of music that would have a lasting effect on her and her relationship to music: Garth Brooks “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time.”  It made such an impression that she became obsessed with both the sound of those records and the cowboy life.

The second life-defining event was brought about by a violent and senseless attack. During Bridgette’s shift at a local South Carolina motel, a disgruntled customer took a razorblade to her face, forcing her into six months of recuperation and some serious soul searching. It was during this period that she recognized her true calling in music and knew that life was too short not to pursue her dream of being a professional singer and songwriter.

Soon after, Bridgette moved to Nashville and enrolled in the music program at Nashville State Community College. She studied music as dutifully as she studied the business of music, quietly observing the riggings and trappings of Music City.  Following her first outing at a Hall of Fame Lounge writer’s night, Bridgette continued to take in the lay of the land, working her way up to the honky-tonks on Broadway and a regular Friday night gig at the Star Café in White’s Creek.

It wasn’t until she found a kindred spirit in manager Carolyn Miller, however, that her career started to take shape.  It was through the encouragement of Carolyn that Bridgette collaborated musically with her future producer, Danny Myrick. Danny’s schooling in gospel made him a perfect match for Bridgette’s soulful sound. Their partnership proved as successful in songwriting, as well.  They co-wrote “She’s Country,” the No. 1 smash for Jason Aldean, as well as many of the songs on her self-titled release, including the single, “Hillbilly Rockstar.” “It’s an anthem for all the country people who like to get dressed up, go out to the clubs and have a big time,” Bridgette says. “I like to say it’s country with some couth.”

“If it’s real and you are making it honest, that’s what people want to hear.” With unfailing honesty and a penchant for risk-taking, Bridgette Tatum is storming the scene on her own terms and winning fans at every turn.