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FORT HUACHUCA — Thanks to Spirit of America Tour, fans of country star Aaron Tippin were treated to a free concert Sunday night.
Tippin is no stranger to performing for the troops whether at home or abroad.
“I’ve been entertaining the troops for a long time with the Spirit of America Tour,” said the 50-year-old in a pre-show interview. “I feel it’s my duty to show my appreciation for the troops and what they do. I have never served in the military and that’s one of the reasons I feel I have to play for them. I’ve had a lifetime of freedom.”
His patriotism is evident in the songs he sings — “You’ve to Stand For Something” and “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Flies.”
 Country music artist Aaron Tippin talks before his performance at Barnes Field House on Sunday night. (Vera Davis-Herald/Review) |
It’s also evident by the killed-in-action bracelets he seldom takes off.
“These were given to me by mothers who lost their children,” he said somberly. “They give them to me after the shows. I wear them proudly.”
Many years ago, Tippin, who lived in Liberty, Tenn., was a student of the skies and became a pilot like his father. He has also been a heavy equipment operator and a pipe welder. In his early days on the farm, he did just about anything that was needed.
“I had no idea I could be making a living as an entertainer,” he added. “I was strictly a hobby player. I had no intentions of ever going past a honky-tonk player. I never saw it coming. Lo and behold, here we are.”
It all began with a performance on the television show “You Can Be a Star.” He watched it one night and thought he was as good as “the next guy.” So, he sent a tape and his picture, which led to an invitation to perform on the show in 1985.
Though he lost, country star Jeannie C. Riley, of “Harper Valley PTA” fame, told him he had a unique voice and should go to Nashville.
“I went home, packed a car and drove to Nashville,” he said.
The songs he has written have been recorded by some of country’s most famous artists such as Diamond Rio, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks and Charley Pride.
Even though he has made a name with his style of country music, has five gold records and one platinum, and has enjoyed the tours and concerts, he admitted he missed the time with his daughter as she grew from a baby to an adult. And after a divorce, his time was even more limited.
Even now while on the road when he calls home he feels the pull of family ties as his sons grow up. His wife gives him a rundown on the latest accomplishments and his heart aches.
“Other than that, it’s a wonderful life. I’m very blessed,” he said.
When asked what songs he was going to play Sunday night, he joked, “The good ones. I’m not going to do any bad ones.”
His list included “Big Boy Toys” and “The Closest I Get To Loving You.”
The singer thoroughly enjoys the smaller setting of the Barnes Field House, which holds 2,000 people.
“I like being close to the crowd,” he said. “It’s tough to telegraph the show from a distance. And these guys are the best audience.”
Singing will probably satisfy Tippin for a few more years at least. He’s planning on keeping the promise he made to his boys that he will join them in college and complete his bachelor’s degree in aeronautics.
Though this was his first concert at Fort Huachuca, he has been to Cochise County, performing in Tombstone and visiting the area.
He has a new album coming out next year devoted to some of the old trucking songs and the men and women behind the wheels of the big rigs, another of his former careers.
After the fort show, he and his band headed for the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma.
Herald/Review reporter Shar Porier can be reached at 515-4692 or by e-mail at shar.porier@bisbeereview.net.
