Hancock began writing songs at the age of 12, and at 18 won a talent contest called the "Wrangler County Showdown." Immediately after the contest, he was shipped to recruit training and served four years with the United States Marine Corps. In 1994 he performed in the musical Chippy. Hancock released his debut album in 1995, and has continued to tour and record albums since then. He lives in Austin, Texas.