John Benjamin Briley (born March 19, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter fromGallatin, Tennessee, who finished in 11th place on thethirteenth season ofAmerican Idol.^[1][2] During college, he joined agospel group called "25 Drive", with which he released an album. In 2014, he released thecountry music EPOutlier.

Briley was born inGallatin, Tennessee to John R. Briley and Tribby Graves.^[3][4] Briley has a large extended family – from his grandparents down, he has around one-hundred-and-twenty relatives.^[5] Music has been an important aspect of his family for several generations, especially on his mother's side: his great-grandmother, Kitty Cora Cline, was one of the first female members of theGrand Ole Opry; her daughter, Gladys Cline Graves, wrote songs and poetry, but did not pursue a career, as she had eleven children and chose to focus on raising them instead. From 1975 to 1985, Briley's mother sang and played guitar on a morning T.V. show hosted byRalph Emery. Several members of Briley's family on his father's side have played guitar,banjo,bass, andfiddle.^[6][7] Briley's father and grandfather, Wesley Briley, were both ministers, and Wesley also owned a farm. Growing up, Briley would often work on the farm with his grandfather, whom he greatly admired.^[6] Briley married his wife Courtney (who is a friend and former high school classmate ofAmerican Idolseason 12 fifth place finalistJanelle Arthur) in June 2013 and was inspired by her to try out forAmerican Idol.^[6][8]

Briley began singing at a very young age – his first performance was at a family Christmas party when he was only three years old. He won several talent shows during grade school, and when he was eleven years old, he performed the National Anthem at aVanderbilt University basketball game.^[4][6] In second grade, Briley was inspired by the devotion that he felt for his younger sister, Mary Meggan, to request that his school observe a special holiday for siblings. The school adopted his idea, and Brothers and Sisters Day spread throughout Tennessee. It was recognized by then-governorDon Sundquist and became an official holiday for the state.Al Gore, who was vice-president at the time, heard about it and told PresidentBill Clinton, who then designated the third week of November asNational Family Week. Later, PresidentGeorge W. Bush also responded to the idea and declared June 2, 2001, as National Child's Day.^[4][9]

Briley can play over twelve instruments, including the guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica, anddobro.^[4] His primary musical influence isJohnny Cash, and his style encompasses a wide variety of genres, includingcountry,gospel,bluegrass,southern rock,R&B, andblues.^[6][10][11] While attendingGallatin High School, Briley was electedstudent body president. He considered pursuing a career in politics.^[4][12] He joined a musical group called "The Performers" during high school, and sang with them at various school events, as well as for theTennessee General Assembly. Although he is a devoted fan of theUniversity of Tennessee'sTennessee Vols, Briley attendedMiddle Tennessee State University, where he served as ananchor for campus sports and received a degree in broadcasting, marketing, andpublic relations. He continued to pursue music during college, performing with multiple bands in coffee houses and joining a gospel group called "25 Drive". He released an album with this group and together, they participated in theNational Quartet Convention.^[4][6]

After his participation onAmerican Idol, Briley released an EP, titled,Outlier, in December 2014.^[13][14]Outlier received positive attention from theLebanon Democrat andThe York Dispatch.^[15][16] Holly Tong wrote in theLebanon Democrat thatOutlier "showcases [Briley's] individuality and versatility".^[15]

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• 1989 births
• American male guitarists
• American Idol participants
• Living people
• 21st-century American guitarists
• 21st-century American male singers
• 21st-century American singers

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