Country music star Luke Combs shared a sentimental look back at a defining moment in his life when he received his first guitar as a child. The throwback post has resonated with fans because it juxtaposes the innocence of youth with the trajectory of one of country’s biggest modern artists.
Combs posted photos from Christmas morning in 1999 when he was just nine years old and unwraps the guitar that would eventually lead him down the path to music stardom.
In the Instagram post Combs explained that while his parents gave him the guitar that morning, he did not immediately take to it.
He wrote that though he received it at that age he actually had “no interest at all in that guitar” for many years after it was given to him. The photos show a young Combs with the instrument beside him and underscore how early experiences can plant seeds that grow later in life.
The Christmas photos reminded fans that even stars who now dominate arenas and charts like Combs often start with humble beginnings. The moment is particularly meaningful given how integral the guitar has become to his music and identity. It also dovetails with reflections shared elsewhere about his musical journey. In interviews Combs has discussed teaching himself guitar in his early twenties after dropping out of Appalachian State University following advice from his mother. She pointed out that fellow country artists Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw had also started playing later in life which encouraged him to begin developing his skills.
The throwback post arrived as Combs and his fans look ahead to 2026 which promises to be a busy year. He recently launched new music including the emotional “Giving Her Away” a wedding-themed ballad that connects deeply with listeners. He also released “Back in the Saddle” a single from his forthcoming album that taps into themes of returning to roots and continuing the journey with renewed energy.
Combs will also be headlining his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” in 2026 with several major names including Dierks Bentley The Script Thomas Rhett and more joining select dates. That tour will take his music on the road across North America in a celebration of his recent work and fan favorite hits.
Fans responded to Combs’ photo share with warmth and nostalgia. On social media many pointed out the contrast between the young boy in the snapshot and the global star he has become. Some longtime followers noted that seeing the early instrument evokes memories of their own first encounters with music and why the guitar remains central to country and rock culture alike.
The throwback moment also highlights an artist willing to revisit his origins openly. In a career that has brought him multiple chart toppers and awards nominations Combs’ reflection on something as simple as a first guitar reveals a grounded perspective. It invites listeners to consider the personal histories that often precede big success.
Beyond this nostalgic glimpse into his past Combs is widely recognized for his ability to connect personal experiences with his music in ways that feel intimate yet universal. Whether in heartfelt ballads or high-energy anthems his storytelling has helped him build a bridge between his roots and his broader audience. This Christmas morning throwback adds another layer to that narrative inviting fans to see not just the artist he is but the life that shaped him.
