So I kicked around a few ideas of
what or who I should write about for my first real blog entry. One person really stood out to me. There is so much talent and passion in this
guy it’s tough to figure out where to begin. For starters, he is an amazing
artist. His website says he has had 7 top 10 singles in Texas Radio (I think its more since then but who's counting). He is an
avid supporter of the military and has played in Iraq and Kuwait for the
troops. Shoot, the guy has even played at the White House, more than once. Not to mention, he
puts out some of the funniest YouTube videos you may ever see. But many of you may have never heard of the guy. Well allow me to introduce you to Granger
Smith.
Granger Smith is a guy that has a story
pretty common in the Texas music scene. He had a passion for music from an early age. He taught himself to play guitar and began writing songs in his
early teens. At 19 he did a stint in Nashville, got a record deal, and put
out a few albums before coming back home to Texas. His music had always included
songs about Texas but getting back to his Texas roots gave his music a real
Texas feel. A handful of singles that have reached the top 10 in Texas Radio and a knack for connecting with his fans are a statement to that. Whether it be the unique kinda
quirky sounds of an Irish jig in one of his latest singles “I’m Wearing Black” to get you tapping your feet, or a heartfelt sentimental ballad like “5 More Minutes”, a song anyone who has
lost a loved one can relate to, his music is sure to have something for everyone. "5 More Minutes" is a song that holds a special place with me personally for sure. Granger allowed my family to use the “5 More Minutes” video at my mothers memorial service after she passed away last year after she lost her battle with breast cancer. I dare you to watch the video for that song and
not get teary eyed. He appreciates his fans and
wants to give back and wants them to know that.
His fans are not the only people that he gives back
to in a big way however. He is also a proud supporter of the men and women in the military. Granger
is a major contributor of The Boot Campaign. The Boot Campaign is an
organization that sells combat boots with the help of celebrity endorsements to raise funds
for a variety of charities that support military personnel and their families. Last year Granger did something pretty
remarkable. They say that you can never know a man until you have walked a mile
in his shoes; well Granger took that just a step farther, or miles farther…
Over a 5 day stretch last April he walked 100 miles from south Austin to Fort
Hood in Killeen. A walk that he did in combat boots and at the end he performed a
free concert for the troops. Said Granger, “I wanted to show there are other
ways than to write a check.” and added, “I wanted to get out and make a
physical sacrifice on my body and to prove a point to raise awareness, raise
moral and raise patriotism.” And from what I hear, there is a chance he may be repeating his 100 mile walk again this year. Oh, and by the way, he has also been overseas 3
times to play for troops in Iraq and Kuwait (I think I mentioned that). But he isn't always so serious…
Granger Smith 100 mile Walk "Sleeping on the Interstate"
The one thing that you can take from all of this is that Granger is a man of passion. Whether it is his music, or his
support of the military, or giving his fans a show that rivals anything out
there, he always gives you everything he has.
I have seen him perform in front of hundreds of fans, and I’ve seen him perform
for 50 or so. It didn’t matter to Granger. He gave his all no matter how big the crowd. He stays after
every show to meet and talk to every fan that wants to meet him. And knowing Granger, if you meet him more than once, odds are he remembers you. Because that's the kind of guy he is. He truly is an
artist; a master of his craft. He loves music and he loves his fans. Thank you Granger
for doing what you do and sharing it with us. I consider myself lucky to be a fan. See ya down the road.
* videos are property of Granger Smith
Find Granger Smith here
Official Website: http://www.grangersmith.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GrangerSmith
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GrangerSmith
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GrangerSmith
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/GSBAND
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