Ella Langley is having a moment. With her second No. 1 hit on country radio, “Weren’t for the Wind,” she stopped by The Bobby Bones Show to share how she got here — and what her dad really thinks about all the rumors floating around online.
From Piano Lessons to Nashville Dreams
Ella’s musical roots go way back. Her grandmother first put her in piano lessons as a kid, but she preferred playing by ear over reading sheet music. Her teacher said she was too young to learn that way — so she was pulled out. Today, Ella says dropping piano is still one of her biggest regrets.
But music kept calling. Around 13, she started strumming her grandfather’s guitar after he passed away. Singing in church and even at her cousin’s dentist office (yes, really) became early stages of a lifelong passion.
From Alabama Bars to Music City
After high school, Ella joined a band and started performing in bars across Alabama while studying at Auburn University. Two years in, she dropped out, packed her bags, and moved to Nashville — into a house with three guys from Alabama. It was, in her words, “basically a frat house,” and her dad? Let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled.
Music quickly became her full-time job — the only one she’s really ever had besides a short gig at a trampoline park. Covers in bars helped pay the bills, with Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party” becoming one of her go-to crowd-pleasers.
The Live Show Philosophy: Keep It Real
Ella isn’t one for perfection — and that’s the point. Unlike some artists who use live auto-tune, she prefers the rawness of a real show. “I’m supposed to sound a little out of breath or off-key sometimes — that’s the magic of being human on stage,” she said.
She learned a lot touring with Randy Houser and continues to look up to Miranda Lambert, calling her a guiding light for how to stay true to yourself in the music industry.
The Fan Fiction and Her Dad’s Facebook Fights
When asked about all the online rumors, Ella didn’t dodge it. “About 90% of it is fan fiction,” she laughed. “But yeah, that 10%? My dad definitely saw it — and he wasn’t thrilled.”
Apparently, her dad has even called her to rant about things he’s read on Facebook, and she’s had to talk him down more than once. Tattoos have also been a point of tension — especially the treble clef she got at 18. “I still can’t read music,” she joked. “But I thought I was about to get a butt-whooping when he saw it.”
Writing with Heart
Ella’s songwriting is personal and vulnerable — and it shows. She’s been writing less lately due to her busy schedule but stays inspired by imagining her songs as music videos or movie scenes. One track, “Girl You’re Taking Home,” didn’t hit her emotionally at first — but now it cuts deep when she performs it.
She says that honesty is why fans connect with her music. “They can feel that it’s real.”
Fame Feels Surreal
Her parents are still wrapping their heads around her success. They’ve always supported her dream, but even they’ve been surprised at how far it’s gone. Ella now has the chance to treat them — and her friends — to special things, and she doesn’t take that for granted.
As for the next chapter? Expect Ella Langley to keep telling it like it is — tattoos, rumors, raw vocals, and all.
