Performers
Performers for the 1st Annual American Freedom Festival Arkansas and 7th Annual American Freedom Festival Washington DC
About Hank Williams Jr. With more than 70 albums to his credit, Williams has a fascinating career to reflect upon for a legend still in his prime. His discography chronicles a bold profile of growth from adored offspring of a legendary father, to titan of the modern country rock movement in his own right. For two decades, America has come to its collective feet each fall Monday night when this larger than life superman of a musician looks into the camera and unleashes the national anthem for viewers of Monday Night Football - ‘Are you ready for some football?' Those simple words have won Williams an entirely new generation of fans and given him the distinction of being the first country performer to ever win an Emmy. Williams has also been named Entertainer of the Year five-times, but most recently was the recipient of the 2009 Academy of Country Music “Pioneer Award”.
About Jamey Johnson Jamey Johnson is known within the music industry for his penmanship, and his forthcoming 2-CD-set only adds more proof of his talents. The CD package entitled The Guitar Song includes 25 tracks with over two hours of music and will be released on September 14th. Jamey’s songs have been recorded by Trace Adkins, George Jones, Joe Nichols, and he is the co-writer of the 2007 ACM and CMA Song of the Year “Give It Away,” recorded by George Strait. Johnson’s self-penned single “In Color” was named the 2009 ACM and CMA Song of the Year. His Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed album That Lonesome Song is certified Gold.
About Colt Ford Colt Ford first entered the country music scene when he wrote "Buck 'Em" for the Professional Bull Riders Association, and "Huntin' The World," the award-winning theme song of the popular Outdoor Channel show of the same name, in 2007. In Nov. 2008, Ford debuted his studio album, Ride Through The Country (Average Joes Entertainment) that has since sold over 200,000 copies. In 2010, Ford’s lifetime appreciation for country music's rich musical heritage was capped when he made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Just a few months later, Ford released his sophomore studio album, Chicken and Biscuits¸ to rave reviews with the Village Voice dubbing Ford a “road-dawg sensation” and New York Times noting Ford “brings hip-hop’s keen eye for class struggle to country.” For more information, please visit www.coltford.com.
About Josh Thompson Columbia Nashville recording artist Josh Thompson burst into the country music scene this year with his debut hit, “Beer On The Table,” a down-to-earth anthem about working hard to party hard. A native of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Josh began pouring concrete with his father at the age of 12, giving him first hand insight about the trials of hard-working people everywhere. His debut album, Way Out Here features ten songs written or co-written by Josh, and has drawn praise from countless critics, including NPR Fresh Air's Ken Tucker and Billboard's Wade Jessen as well as People Magazine, Country Weekly, AOL’s The Boot, CMT.com and others. Josh’s current single and the album’s title track “Way Out Here” is Top 25 and climbing.
About The Grascals Already among the most beloved and acclaimed of contemporary crossover groups, The Grascals spent two years on the road working with Dolly Parton as both her opening act and her backing band. They are 2-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year and Song of the Year winners. Their trademark blend of traditional bluegrass and classic country with more modern elements, delivered with vocal and instrumental intensity and virtuosity, also earned them two Grammy nominations for their first two critically acclaimed albums.
