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Craig Morgan is a country music recording artist who is easily described by the title of his latest album, God, Family, Country. He is a man of faith, a father and husband, and an Army veteran. He’s been signing country music for twenty years and is known for hits such as, “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and “Redneck Yacht Club.” The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts will welcome Craig Morgan to its stage on Friday, September 17, at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $30 each with priority seating available.
Morgan served on active duty for the U. S. Army for nine years as a member of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He remained in the reserves for another six years. When he returned home from service, Morgan worked various jobs to support his family before landing a job in Nashville singing demos for songwriters and publishing companies. That job eventually led to his first album. Morgan has released ten albums over the years and has produced several charted hits, including “Almost Home,” “Little Bit of Life,” and “International Harvester.” He has written with many artists such as Brad Paisley and has toured with country music greats such as Keith Urban. Morgan is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has been described as a classic country singer with a strong, warm voice.
After taking a four-year break, Morgan has returned to the studio with an unquenchable spirit and joy for life, even though he and his family recently experienced great loss when his 19-year-old son passed away after a lake accident. Morgan said that unimaginable tragedy led him to writing his most stunning song and personal ballad to date, “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost.” Morgan said, "It's a very tough song to sing, and sometimes I can't even look at people when I perform it, but it's amazing to know what God has done, and how He has used something so traumatic in my life for good."
Another surprise on Morgan’s most recent album is, “Sippin’ on the Simple Life.” He was approached by a pair of active-duty Army Airborne Rangers for an impromptu writing session after a show in Washington, D.C., just before they deployed to Afghanistan. They came up to him and asked to write a song with him and were very excited when they found out Morgan was going to include, “Sippin’ on the Simple Life,” on his album.
A frequent performer at military bases both in the U.S. and abroad, Morgan said, “Because I have been there, I can appreciate that and have the ability to communicate with them a little differently.” He also has been active in raising money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, an organization that helps provide scholarships to surviving children of fallen soldiers. Morgan was awarded a USO Merit Award for his tireless support of U.S. soldiers and their families. Morgan has also founded and supported a home for children in Tennessee known as Billy’s Place. This home provides housing and services to children who have been displaced from their home.
Craig Morgan is a man of service with a passion for his God, his family, his country, and his music. His devotion is shown in a big way both in his everyday life and at his concerts. His current tour is taking him across the country, and the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is honored to be one of his tour stops. To purchase tickets to see Craig Morgan in concert and experience his passion and talent in person, visit SmokyMountainArts.com or call (866) 273-4615.