Nashville – Maybe it’s the momentum created by his critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album, or it could be the song’s undeniable and irresistible summertime hook, but “Wal-Mart Flowers,” the leadoff single from Aria/Quarterback recording artist Stephen Cochran’s upcoming sophomore release, is heating up quickly, creating a serious buzz on the charts and at radio. Since its April 13 release date, “Wal-Mart Flowers” has generated good chart action, moving this week from No. 53 to No. 49 on R&R’s Indicator Chart. With 19 stations adding the single to their tighter-than-ever playlists, the song is already becoming a familiar singalong anthem for country listeners nationwide.  

In addition, Stephen has been hand selected as an “Artist to Watch” on Clear Channel’s NEW!, the broadcast behemoth’s online new music showcase. “Wal-Mart Flowers” will be promoted prominently on over 900 Clear Channel station websites.   

“I knew I was listening to something very special the very first time I heard ‘Wal-Mart Flowers,’” Cochran says. “And now, with industry gatekeepers like R&R and Clear Channel embracing the new single, I know my instincts were right on the money.”  

Between his constant touring activities and his ongoing work on behalf of his fellow veterans (Cochran is a decorated Marine veteran of campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan) the singer found time recently to travel to Hammond, Louisiana, a region where he has a particularly strong fanbase, to film the video for “Wal-Mart Flowers.” Performing the song over and over for a packed house of rabid fans at Hammond’s Chevy’s Night Club, Cochran was able to capture both the magic of the song and incredible energy of his acclaimed live show. The video is completed and is currently being submitted to both CMT and GAC.  

For more information and up-to-the-minute tour dates, visit www.stephencochran.com. 

Country Star Stephen Cochran Rallies For Veterans In Pensacola

Nashville – With a new single, “Wal-Mart Flowers,” just hitting the country airwaves and his sophomore album nearly completed, rising country star Stephen Cochran is a busy man these days. But even with the relentless touring, constant radio station visits and studio work, Cochran is one artist that always finds time to lend support and encouragement to America’s returning veterans. The reason for that is simple. Cochran’s been there. A decorated Marine veteran, the singer survived two tours in the Middle East – one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan – returning from the battle with severe back injuries. After a long struggle, and with the help of his music, Cochran overcame those injuries to become one of country music’s fasting rising stars. But through it all, at every step, Cochran has gone beyond the call, weaving the plight of America’s returning heroes into the very fabric of his country music career. 

On Saturday, May 16, Cochran will be in Pensacola, Florida for the EscaRosa Independence Weekend. Severely wounded American heroes injured on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan will be “challenged, honored and cheered” during this special weekend of May 14-17. The Independence Fund, an organization that provides much-needed tools and therapies to returning vets, will bring 150 American heroes injured on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to Pensacola in the middle of Military Appreciation Month for a “Wounded Warrior Bicycle Rally” and a “Family-Fun 5K Walk/Run.” Following those activities, Cochran and his band, the New Country Outlaws, will take the stage at Pensacola’s Seville Quarter entertainment complex, capping off the day by doing what he does best, throwing down his one-of-a-kind brand of 100 proof country music.

“It is always my honor to serve and assist the heroic men and women who have given, and continue to give, so much to the cause of freedom and to this great country,” Cochran says. “I may not be able to carry a gun anymore, but I can carry a guitar and do what I do best, which is playing real country music. And to be able do that for the benefit my fellow veterans? It just doesn’t get any better that.”

This is not Cochran’s first performance in support of the Independence Fund. Over the past couple of years, the singer has played a number of benefits that have helped the Fund purchase iBot wheelchairs for several veterans. The iBot employs the same technology as the Segway Personal Transporter, giving wheelchair-bound veterans amazing mobility, allowing them to rise to a full standing position and to accomplish previously impossible everyday tasks like climbing stairs, freeing the user to live a more mobile, productive life. 

“Each of these chairs costs close to $30,000, and I’ve been blessed to be able to raise enough money to purchase 15 of them,” Cochran says. “We have guys who are going to college and live on the fifth floor of their dorm and don’t have an elevator. Now they don’t need one because they have this chair. We have one veteran who’s a chef, and he wasn’t able to take his career to the next level. Now he has his iBot wheelchair and he can reach anything and he’s making a living.”

Advance tickets for the Stephen Cochran concert are $20 and will be available for purchase at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St., Pensacola, Fla., and online at Rosies.com through Thursday, May 14. Tickets will be $25 at the door the day of the concert. Concertgoers must be 18 years of age or older.

For more information or for a complete schedule of events, go online to www.EscaRosaIndependenceWeekend.com. For up-to-the-minute information on Stephen Cochran, visit www.stephencochran.com.

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