Episode Details

Wes Shipp is an emerging country music artist hailing from Citrus County, Florida, where he was born and raised in South Florida. He began his musical journey playing bass in metal bands during his youth, transitioning to guitar and singing around age 15. Shipp’s early life was marked by significant challenges, including years of traveling, busking on the streets, homelessness, and struggling with drug addiction. A pivotal moment came in 2022 when a video of him performing outside a Walmart in North Little Rock, Arkansas, during his active addiction went viral, drawing attention to his raw talent and voice, often compared to that of Kentucky country legend Keith Whitley.   

Overcoming his hardships, Shipp has since focused on his career as an independent outlaw country musician, known for his authentic storytelling and captivating live performances. He has released original songs such as “My Old Man,” “Back Here in Ocala,” and “Citrus County Jail,” which draw from personal experiences and resonate with audiences through relatable narratives.  His covers of Keith Whitley classics have gained recognition, even being shared by the Whitley family on social media.  

As a songwriter, Shipp has collaborated on tracks with notable figures in the genre, including Whey Jennings (grandson of Waylon Jennings), Jesse Keith Whitley, Creed Fisher, Jared Hill, and Cass Jones.  

Shipp has shared stages with artists like Billy Don Burns and Whey Jennings, building a dedicated following through his engaging shows and independent releases.   

Now based in Cincinnati, he continues to rise in the country music scene, with his story of redemption inspiring fans and peers alike.