Country Stars Celebrate Nation’s Pride
By Deborah Evans Price, senior editor, gmclife.com
When it comes to patriotism and musical expression, country music artists have long been known for combining the two into some of American culture’s best-loved songs. More than any other musical genre, country has provided a rich catalog of hits that celebrate our great nation, among them Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America,” Aaron Tippin’s “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” Charlie Daniels’ “In America,” Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”
“I think country music has more patriotic songs per capita than any other music,” Charlie Daniels tells gmclife.com. “It’s where you find people who are not ashamed to say ‘I am a patriot. I love this country!’ I’m a country music artist and I’m going to let the world know about it in my own way.”
Daniels will be sharing his patriotism in several ways over the July 4th weekend, including acting as host for America's Opry Weekend Star-Spangled Special. The show will be heard on more than 200 country radio stations across America. During the show, Daniels will share some of country music’s recent hits, live cuts from the Grand Ole Opry stage, and musical tributes to the red, white and blue. The radio special will include Carrie Underwood’s "All American Girl," Brad Paisley’s "Water," Lady Antebellum’s "American Honey," Josh Turner’s “Firecracker,” and the Charlie Daniels Band's "In America" and "Devil Went Down to Georgia."
“I was very honored,” Daniels says of hosting the Opry special. “Anytime my name is associated with the Grand Ole Opry or someone says ‘Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels,’ it’s a big thrill to me. It means an awful lot.”
More Patriot Songs
Daniels has a patriotic album, Land That I Love, releasing August 10. The project includes two new cuts – "Iraq Blues" and "What This World Needs...Is a Few More Rednecks" – which will be available for digital download on July 4th.
“We’ve done so many patriotic songs through the years that it's a no-brainer to do an album of patriotic tunes,” says Daniels, “and right now, with everything that’s going on, I think people need a little encouragement. They need to say ‘hey, we’re still the United States of America. We’re still the greatest country on the face of the earth. This country is worth fighting for. It’s worth working for, worth voting for. It’s worth being a good citizen. So here’s some encouraging music for you. Here’s how I feel about it. Here’s my America!’”
Daniels has long been known for entertaining America’s troops as they’ve served our country around the world. “Iraq Blues” was inspired by his visits.
