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News Archive: 2018

Gene Autry, First Country Star to Tour with the USO
Posted May 31, 2018

Country music artists have a long tradition of supporting the United States military by performing with the USO overseas. In a recent Memorial Day salute to the Troops by the Grand Ole Opry, there was a nice mention of Gene Autry as the first country artist to tour with the USO in support of United States military back in the 1940s.

Originally posted by Lauren Hoffman, Radio.com
WATCH: Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler, and More 'Salute the Troops' at the Grand Ole Opry
May 25, 2018

Trace Adkins, Kellie Pickler, and Darius Rucker hit the stage live from the Grand Ole Opry May 22 to 'Salute the Troops.' The all-star concert was held in support of the USO.

Two shows took place in Nashville Tuesday and a red carpet highlighting the soldiers being honored that night. Additional performers included Lee Greenwood, Craig Morgan, and more.

"There is no greater joy then performing for our servicemen and women. I've been so blessed to be a part of eight USO tours overseas and it's life changing," Pickler said.

According to the Grand Ole Opry website, "the USO's partnership with country music dates as far back as the early 1940's, when Gene Autry traveled to the Pacific and toured with a group of USO performers."

Watch below!


For additional information visit the Grand Ole Opry website here.


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