From delivering mail in small-town Ohio to delivering powerhouse vocals on some of country music’s biggest stages, Preston Cooper is living proof that big dreams are worth chasing. With a voice that hits like a freight train and lyrics that cut deep, the 22-year-old rising star is quickly making his mark. Fresh off an exclusive chat with Celeb Secrets during CRS 2025 in Nashville back in February, Preston opened up about his journey, his latest music, and why “Numbers On A Mailbox” might just be his most personal song yet.
If you haven’t heard Preston Cooper yet, get ready — his vocals demand attention. Growing up in Fredericktown, Ohio, Preston found his love for music by listening to Chris Stapleton, Bob Seger, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and John Mayer. But before he was on stage, he was on the streets — literally.
Cooper joined the US Postal Service after high school, and everyone knew him as was the singing mailman. He’d walk 14 miles a day, just singing his heart out. “It was a grind, but it got me here,” he reflected.
His big break came when hitmakers Brad and Brett Warren (known for working with Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Dierks Bentley) spotted him at a songwriter’s round in Toledo. Fast forward a few years, and Preston is now signed to The Valory Music Co., building momentum with every release.
Preston’s debut single “Weak” introduced fans to his raw, blues-infused country sound, packed with emotion and grit.
“When I wrote ‘Weak,’ it was the first song I ever wrote in Nashville,” he said. “It describes me best as an artist — musically and personally. I wanted people to feel every bit of it.”
He followed it up with “One More Place I’ve Never Been,” a haunting ballad about lost love and emotional distance. “It’s not just about geography,” Preston explained. “It’s about knowing you’ll never be in someone’s heart again. That hit hard for me.”
The song, co-written with Brad and Brett Warren, took some time to find its true form. “When we first wrote it, something wasn’t clicking. We set it aside for a while, then revisited it months later. That’s when it really came together,” Preston shared. The track showcases his ability to blend gritty roots-rock energy with emotional country storytelling, proving he’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. The song’s heavy-hitting drums and soaring guitar riffs add to its anthemic feel, solidifying Preston as one of country music’s most exciting rising stars.
While Preston’s first two songs showcased his vocal power, his latest single, “Numbers On A Mailbox,” is a deeply personal reflection on home, memory, and the places that shape us.
“When the Warren Brothers first played me this song, I knew immediately I had to record it,” Preston said. “It reminded me of all the homes I saw on my mail route—their porches, their decorations, the way each house had its own story. And it reminded me of my own home, too.”
Written by Brett Warren, Brad Warren, and Taylor Phillips, the song’s imagery captures the beauty of everyday life, wrapped in steel guitar and gentle percussion. Preston’s vocals bring out the emotional weight, making it a standout track in his growing discography.
Preston is hitting the road hard in 2025, supporting Kameron Marlowe on the Keepin’ The Lights On Tour and later joining Riley Green on select dates of the Damn Country Music Tour. One stop he’s particularly excited about? Red Rocks Amphitheater — a true bucket-list moment.
“It’s been one of my dreams to play @redrocksco ever since I started playing. Can’t believe it’s on the schedule. I’m so thankful for the opportunity and I hope to share this experience with you!” Preston shared on Instagram when the show was announced last November.
His connection with Marlowe came after an unforgettable performance at Whiskey Jam in Nashville. “I played a set there, and Kameron saw me perform. Right after, he came up to me and said, ‘I want Preston on every single show of my tour.’ That was such a surreal moment,” Preston recalled. “Getting that kind of support from someone I look up to means the world.”
“I went from playing in bars to amphitheaters to arenas. It’s insane,” he said. “I’m just taking it all in.”
Beyond that, Preston is set to play his first-ever arena show this year, marking yet another major milestone in his fast-growing career. Fans can expect high-energy performances filled with original songs, rock-infused country anthems, and even a few surprise covers. “It’s gonna be a full-throttle, rock-and-roll country show,” he teased.
And for fans wondering if a full album is on the way—Preston had to keep things under wraps. “I can’t say much yet,” he teased. “But I can say this — it’s the sound of Preston Cooper.”
Preston Cooper is just getting started, but one thing is clear—he’s here to stay. With a voice built for stadiums and a heart rooted in storytelling, he’s a name country music fans won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
For more on Preston’s music, make sure to watch our full interview below — and don’t forget to let us know what you think of “Numbers On A Mailbox” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
For more coverage from CRS 2025, click here. This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
