Marine-Turned-Country-Star Plays for Army Birthday

American Forces Press Service ^ | Sgt. Sara Wood, USA

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2006 – Josh Gracin, the former Marine who won fame on the TV show "American Idol," performed at the Pentagon for the Army's 231st birthday celebration today.

Servicemembers and civilians at the Pentagon enjoy concert by country music star and former Marine Josh Gracin performs at the Army's 231st birthday celebration June 14. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA  

(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Gracin was a lance corporal in the Marine Corps when he participated in the second season of "American Idol." He finished fourth place overall, and went on to land a record deal and release a debut album in 2004.

Gracin's performance today was sponsored by the United Services Organization. This was his first USO concert, but he said he hopes there will be many more in the future.

"As soon as I got out of the Marine Corps, one of the first things I said to my manager was, 'Get me involved with USO,'" Gracin said. "It's been kind of hard getting on a tour because of scheduling, but I believe this was the first step today in a long relationship with the USO."

Gracin sang many of his hit songs, as well as several popular songs by other country artists. He said he was honored to be part of the Army's birthday celebration, even though he served in the Marine Corps.

"Anytime you can take part in something as big as this and something as meaningful as this, it doesn't matter what branch of service you are," he said. "We all work together, and we all have to be one unit to get the job done."

In addition to servicemembers from all branches of the military, civilians and family members, the audience included some wounded troops from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Gracin thanked them for their service and sacrifices, which have contributed to keeping this country free, he said. "They're already heroes no matter what they've done," he said. "They volunteered, which is something 90 percent of this population in this country wouldn't do."

Related Sites:

United Services Organization

America Supports You

Country music star and former Marine Josh Gracin signs an autograph for Julie Bechtel, 17, who took the oath of enlistment for the Army at the Army's 231st birthday celebration at the Pentagon June 14. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA   Download screen-resolution    Download high-resolution

Country music star and former Marine Josh Gracin gives a young fan his drumstick while performing at the Army's 231st birthday celebration at the Pentagon June 14. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA   Download screen-resolution    Download high-resolution

Country music star and former Marine Josh Gracin performs at the Army's 231st birthday celebration at the Pentagon June 14. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA   Download screen-resolution    Download high-resolution

Country music star and former Marine Josh Gracin performs at the Army's 231st birthday celebration at the Pentagon June 14. Photo by Sgt. Sara Wood, USA   Download screen-resolution    Download high-resolution

[SandRat]

Marine Puts Army in the Country Swing at Birthday Bash

[DoughtyOne]

Hey that's great. Glad Josh found a nitch. He seemed like a good guy.

[OldFriend]

Josh has had at least one #1 hit on the Country Music charts and I did read that he has another record on the way to the top.

[DoughtyOne]

That's nice to know. I wasn't a real big fan of his, but I'm glad to hear he's making it. I had hoped the best for him.

[OldFriend]

He was #4 on Idol because America wanted to show it's patriotism.

Mostly he annoyed Simon Cowell no end.

[DoughtyOne]

LOL. I know what you mean.

You put some of these kids into a studio where they can work on a song, and they can put out some material that would beat their live performances by a wide margin. I think Kelly Pickler will benefit from this type of approach. She's got a very good voice, but she doesn't have excellent control over it. I'd like to hear what she comes up with.

Thanks for the comments.

[wouldntbprudent]

His cd is good and he's had at least a couple of hits and video hits off it. He's a keeper in country music.

[DoughtyOne]

One of the other posters mentioned that he was have some pretty decent success. I'm glad to hear it.

[killjoy]

Will he sing Hadji Girl? Great tune... Dirka Dirka Mohammed Jihad....

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[OldFriend]

These kids will do much better if they stay FAR away from Clive Davis. His song choice, and the arrangements he used for the winners was totally uninspiring.

Kelly Clarkson did well to buy out her contract from 19.

[wouldntbprudent]

Yeah, Clive Davis is touted as such a genius, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. He's had his share of boneheaded music decisions that have tanked kids' careers.

[DoughtyOne]

The last songs this year were rather dismal to be sure. Surpisingly, I liked his individual choices very much on the night that he picked songs for each singer.

[OldFriend]

I just ordered Taylor Hicks new two song CD. It's to be delivered on Monday. I can't wait.

Both of those songs fit Taylor perfectly.

I have the Encore CD. Not bad but some of the arrangements could have been better.

Mandisa's voice is overshadowed by the musicians.

[DoughtyOne]

Hey, that Hicks' CD should be good. Well, most of the songs he did this season seemed to fit rather well. Only a few misses as far as I was concerned.

I noted that Mandisa had a great voice. I thought she picked some unfortunate songs or whould would have lasted longer.

There have been times when I've felt they kept the mic too low for the contestants. As some points the voices dropped out.

[OldFriend]

There was definitely some manipulation of the sound during the competition. Very annoying and very noticeable too.

The two songs on Taylor's CD are Do I Make You Proud and Take It To The Streets....

Both perfect songs for him.

Two songs with soul.

[DoughtyOne]

Good deal. Thanks for the info.