Country Music News

November 17th - 18th, 2008

Stephen Cochran spending Thanksgiving with recovering vets

Having spent the last year touring relentlessly in support of his self-titled hit debut album, you might expect rising country star Stephen Cochran to be heading back to his home in Nashville for a well-deserved holiday break. But for Cochran ­ a decorated Marine veteran of hard-fought campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan ­ rest and relaxation are just not in the cards. Instead, the Aria Records artist will spend all of Thanksgiving day with his fellow veterans at the VA inpatient facility in Palo Alto, California, doing what he does best, playing and singing real, heartfelt country music.

"These veterans have already given their all for our country and sacrificed so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms so many of us take for granted," Cochran says. "So, when I stop to think about the things I'm thankful for over the past year, these brave men and women are at the very top of my list.

"I've been forced to trade in my rifle for a guitar," Cochran says. "But I'm just as dedicated as ever to the cause of honoring and assisting my fellow veterans wherever and whenever I can. This is sure to be my most memorable Thanksgiving day."

Lee Greenwood appointed to National Arts Council

Lee Greenwood, known for writing and performing the most recognized patriotic song of our time – "God Bless the U.S.A." – will soon be garnering air miles to and from the nation's capitol. Greenwood has accepted a Presidential appointment to the National Endowment for the Arts council and will serve a six-year term.

Appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate, the Nashville-based country singer is scheduled to be sworn in today, Nov. 17, as one of the 14 regular members of the National Council on the Arts. Council members advise the NEA chairman, and their portfolio includes reviewing and making recommendations on applications for grants from the $145-million-a-year federal agency.

"My appointment to the council of the National Endowment of the Arts is a great opportunity for me to be involved in searching out the best in art in our American culture and to lend a hand to help develop talented artists and artistic programs that would otherwise go unnoticed,"adds Greenwood.

Greenwood, who grew up on a farm near Sacramento, is the lone council member appointed by Bush who will serve throughout the four years of the Obama term. The other 13 slots are occupied by Bush appointees but will come due during the next President's term.