Country singer-songwriter Cole Swindell began his career as many Nashville hopefuls do – by writing songs for other people. Under contract with Sony, he penned hits for heavyweights like Luke Bryan, Craig Campbell, Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery and Florida Georgia Line.

Now he gets to perform his own work for legions of fans, and he’ll be at the Clyde Theater Tuesday, August 21 at 8 p.m. as part of his All of It tour.

Swindell grew up in Bronwood, Georgia. He went to Georgia Southern University and met Luke Bryan, a GSU graduate, when he performed a show at their Sigma Chi fraternity. Bryan remembered Swindell and invited him to join him on the road, where Swindell sold merch for the star.

In 2013, Swindell wrote “Chillin’ It,” and the song got serious airplay on the Sirius satellite radio channel, The Highway. Its popularity led to a record deal and Swindell’s debut self-titled album. More hit singles followed, including “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey,” and “Let Me See Ya Girl.”

Swindell was named New Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 2015. A year later he released his sophomore album, You Should Be Here, whose title touches on his father’s early death. His next album, All of It, hits shelves August 17.

At 35, Swindell is one of country music’s young and hungry rising stars, but, given his past as a behind-the-scenes songwriter and merch seller, it’s clear he’s paid his dues. Adam Craig will open the show. (Deborah Kennedy)