FORT BENNING, Ga. (Aug. 20, 2014) -- Country singer-songwriter RaeLynn will be one of the special guest acts for the Benning Bash, a concert event featuring headliner Kool & The Gang Sept. 13 on York Field.
Since her appearance as a contestant on Season 2 of NBC's The Voice, the 20-year-old Baytown, Texas, native has been busy working on her debut album and just released her first single, "God Made Girls," which she co-wrote. RaeLynn said she is excited to be perform her original music and a few cover hits for the Fort Benning community.
"I was excited about it because my brother was in the military," she said. "I just want to say thank you for what you're doing and fighting for the freedom we have today. I'm really excited to perform and it really warms my heart."
With musical influences that range from gospel singers to Dolly Parton and Destiny's Child, RaeLynn said her album is the perfect reflection of her life.
"It's very real, there's not a song on my record that isn't me, and every song that I put on my record is about something I've been through - that's something I'm very proud of," she said. "I believe music heals and music gets you through things, whether it's hard times or good times."
Growing up in a musical blended family, RaeLynn started writing songs at 15 and by 17, she was off to Nashville, Tennessee, to write songs and follow her dream to become a musician. She later decided to audition for the The Voice and earned a spot as a contestant, where she was mentored by country music star Blake Shelton.
"It was great working with Blake and learning things about my voice I didn't know and working with choreographers on how to work the stage and the crowd," she said. "Media training was probably most important, and how to answer questions and be in front of cameras. The Voice was like a family. I'm still friends with a lot of the people and even some from other seasons."
RaeLynn is currently on a radio tour and opened for country music star Miranda Lambert in July. While her career continues to grow, she said keeping her life in balance with faith, family and close friends back home remains most important.
"I believe that all success comes from God; I grew up singing in church and that keeps me grounded," she said. "The best way to stay humble is to keep the people around you that have been with you your whole life. My friends at home wouldn't care if I wanted to be a waitress. If that's my dream they would love me no matter what."
The free concert starts at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. York Field is located in front of McGinnis-Wickam Hall on Eckel Avenue. For more information, visit www.benningmwr.com.
Editor's note: This is the first of a series of articles promoting the Benning Bash. Have a question for Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown or Kool & The Gang? Email the questions to aniesa.holmes@bayonetandsaber.com.
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