Ashley Brooks, aka the Georgia Gypsy, is an up-and-coming country powerhouse who grew up and still lives in the North Georgia countryside. And though her dad was in a band, music was not part of her life per se. When Brooks was younger, she was the Georgia State Champion in Karate.
As an adult, Brooks was in healthcare. She explained, "I'd be humming something over there while hooking up like an EKG machine or something. My patients were like, 'You should really be a singer or try out for American Idol.'"
Because her dad was in a band, they decided to give country music a chance. She picked up her guitar again and hit the road. With her soulful Southern twang, raw storytelling, and electrifying stage presence, she quickly carved out a name for herself in the country music scene. She has played more than 160 stages across the South and had the honor of opening for country legends like Confederate Railroad, Billy Droze, Gary Nichols, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Aaron Tippin.
Brooks is so dynamic that she won the Georgia Female Country Artist of the Year in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Brooks is a gifted songwriter. In 2022, she recorded the first song she ever wrote, "Getting Old." The words So love your mama/ Call your friends/ Be the best damn person you can be prove that girl knows about heartfelt lyrics. The second verse is about her dad.
"When I first sang it to him, he cried," she shared.
Now signed to Droptine Music, Brooks frequently travels to Nashville, where she collaborates with established and up-and-coming songwriters at Sony and Warner studios. Under the guidance of music executive Jim Catino, she continues to refine her artistry and build a career rooted in authenticity and passion.
She stated, "It was a whole new ball game for me to see how other people's brains work and their different styles. You learn from the people you write with, things that you hadn't thought of."
Earlier this year, Brooks released "Red Dirt, Green Grass, Blue Sky," which is a tribute to her home/farm in Ball Ground, Georgia, where she grew up.
"This is exactly what it looks like when I open my eyes, and I'm looking outside on my farm," she confirmed.
Her performance of this song is what made me want to interview her.
Now, Brooks has released "Leaving Side of You." She said of the song, "Some loves feel like home and heartbreak all at once. You keep going back, not because it's right, but because it's familiar. In this song, I tried to paint the picture of how I kept falling for a part of someone that never planned to stay, but they wouldn't let me go either."
Her evolution as a singer and songwriter is fun to watch, as Brooks keeps improving in every aspect as a performer and artist.
Whether she's playing a hometown crowd or hitting the road to Nashville, Ashley Brooks is constantly on the move—collaborating with fellow artists, writing new music, and chasing the dream with relentless passion. With her Southern flair and undeniable talent, she is a rising star you won't want to miss.
You can follow Ashley Brooks on her website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Ashley Brooks will be in Nashville for CMAFest. You can see her:
Thursday 6/5: The Green Light Bar (CMA FEST PODCAST) 7:00 PM CT
Friday 6/6: CMA FEST: MOTR Music Fan Club Party at AJ's Good Time Bar 12PM CT 421 Broadway, Nashville Tickets: $25 → MarshalsRevolution.com
Saturday 6/7: The Green Light Bar (Full Band) 12PM CT (exact timing to be announced)
