Nashville – Whether it’s his exploding country music career or his undying commitment to honor and assist his fellow veterans, Aria recording artist Stephen Cochran is seemingly unstoppable. Just back from the Middle East, where he entertained and energized the troops with songs from his acclaimed, self-titled debut, Cochran will head to Washington, DC on February 25, where he will do an interview and performance for Voice of America radio, before heading over to the Pentagon Channel for another interview centering on his music and his message.
A decorated Marine veteran of campaigns in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Cochran overcame severe combat injuries to make his way back to the stage, quickly growing into one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. From the start, the singer/songwriter, despite a non-stop touring schedule, has made it his business to help his fellow veterans at every turn. Through his tireless work as a board member for the Independence Fund, Cochran has already helped purchase 17 costly i-Bot wheelchairs for injured veterans. Cochran also spends as much time as he can helping The Coalition to Salute Heroes, an organization that allows individuals, corporations and others to help severely wounded and disabled rebuild their lives.
“If we can pay a guy a million dollars to shoot a basketball, a man that shoots his rifle in defense of this country should make at least that much,” Cochran says. “Anything that I can do for these American heroes is something that I love doing.”
Following his Voice of America and Pentagon Channel interviews, Cochran will fly to Pensacola, Florida to perform a benefit show to raise funds for the upcoming EscaRosa Independence Weekend. Held from From May From 14-17, the event, which will combine a Bicycle Rally, a Motorcycle Ride, a 5k Walk, and, of course, a full-blown Stephen Cochran performance.
Somehow, between tour dates, benefit performances and personal appearances, Cochran has found the time to head into the studio to begin work on his highly anticipated sophomore release. Although the singer, who will co-produce this time out, promises to take more time recording his all-important followup CD, you can hear the excitement in his voice when he talks about the album’s debut single, “Wal-Mart Flowers,” which he’s already recorded.
“I really feel like this is my first top 10 single,” Cochran says. “Jay Turner, a program director out in California, recently told me, ‘Stephen, you’re only three minutes away from that next big hit, and when you find it, you’ll know it.’ And the first time I heard the finished version of ‘Wal-Mart Flowers,’ it hit me; this song is my three minutes.”
For up-to-the-minute news and concert information, visit www.stephencochran.com.
