Kingsport native Austin Moody will perform a musical tribute to America’s servicemen and women during the Third Annual Veterans Homecoming, June 29-July 1, at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray.
Austin Moody, the grandson of a World War II veteran, was born and raised in Kingsport and has long held a sense of pride for his grandfather’s service.
Moody began playing the banjo when he was 8 and wrote his first song at 15, while attending Sullivan South High School.
“It was a cheesy love song that I wrote about this girl I had a crush on,” recalled Moody.
His music took a serious turn when he uncovered a box of love letter his grandparents exchanged while his grandfather was fighting in Europe.
“Reading those letters sparked some real inspiration, and that's when my songwriting took a turn,” Moody said.
That’s when Moody wrote “Heroes (Up Above),” to honor his grandfather and his service to the country.
“The song is based on my grandfather and him coming back home from being in World War II, but it speaks to all vets. I made it universal,” Moody said. “Some people don’t like to talk about the war, but he would always tell me about some experiences he had over there.”
Moody will perform at approximately 6:40 p.m., June 29 as part of Veterans Night at Johnson City’s Cardinal Park. He will perform “Heroes” during the homecoming celebration’s opening ceremonies at 1 p.m., June 30 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds, and again at 6 p.m., when he’ll share the stage with his band.
After graduating high school, Moody moved to Nashville to pursue his music career, which got an unexpected boost after Moody found himself renting a condominium from producer Jeff Bates.
“That was all pretty crazy,” Moody said. “I have always looked up to Jeff and his career, long before I even knew him personally. He is by far my favorite singer. You can just really believe what he's singing about. He's just got that quality about him.”
Bates decided to take Moody under his wing and help him produce his first EP, alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Kohrs.
“Everybody’s down here trying to make it. Everybody’s trying to get a record deal,” Moody said. “It takes a lot of hard work to get your name out there and sell yourself. They say Nashville’s kind of like a five-year town, meaning it takes about five years to get yourself established in the industry.”
Moody will hold a CD release party Friday, June 29 at The Ridgefields Club, 2320 Pendragon Road, Kingsport. Doors open at 7 p.m. Those who attend are asked to bring canned goods for Second Harvest Food Bank.
To find out more about Moody, follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AustinMoodyMusic.
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