Luke Grimes from ‘Yellowstone’ discusses hiding outlaw country music from his pastor father.

Luke Grimes on His Musical Journey

Luke Grimes, known for his role as Casey Dutton in *Yellowstone*, has recently opened up about his childhood and relationship with country music. Growing up, his household had strict boundaries regarding music, especially when it came to “outlaw” Western songs.

In a conversation with *Taste of the Countryside*, Grimes reflected on how he navigated these restrictions. He shared that his father, a pastor, had quite specific rules about what music could be played at home. “My dad introduced me to country music during hunting trips. He loved the old outlaw country artists—Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson,” Grimes explained. However, at home, it was another story. “When my mom was around, I wasn’t really allowed to listen to it.” His father permitted only oldies and Elvis. “It seemed like the only time we could enjoy outlaw music was on those trips,” he said.

From a young age, Grimes developed a passion for music, picking up drums by 11. “Country music was everywhere in my life,” he noted. “I grew up in Dayton, Ohio, which had more rural stations than anywhere else. It was a significant part of my childhood.”

At 18, Grimes made the leap to New York City to chase his dreams in music and acting. He confessed that the greatest challenge is creating work that resonates with people. “You don’t necessarily need financial success; the connection is what matters,” he mentioned.

After his successful role in *Yellowstone*, he felt inspired to jump back into making music. “I thought, ‘Let’s give this a shot.’ If it flops, I might ruin my acting career too,” he joked, half-seriously.

He acknowledged that there’s a difference in how fans might perceive him switching lanes. “For me, acting and music are quite similar, but I know it may be tough for some to see me in a different light.” He emphasized the vulnerability that comes with performing, stating, “You have to share your thoughts and feelings. If people don’t accept it, it can sting.”