Stephen Cochran

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Stephen Cochran
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Stephen Cochran in Nashville Tennessee, January 2010
Background information
Birth name Stephen E. Cochran II
Born (1979-09-17) September 17, 1979 (age 44)
Origin Pikeville, KY, United States
Genres Country
Occupation(s) Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, harpsichord
Years active 2006 – present
Labels Epic Records
Aria Records
Drive Music Nashville
Website www.stephencochran.com

Stephen Cochran (born September 17, 1979) is an American country music singer and songwriter.[1][2] In 2009 Stephen was named as a spokesman for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Research and Development.[3][4] The VA and Cochran collaborated to produce a music video for veterans who need help.[5]

History and music career

File:Stephen Cochran at 2009 CMA Fanfare.jpg
Stephen Cochran at the CMA Music Fest / Fan Fair, June 2009

When Cochran was four years old, he began spending summers with his grandparents in Waterford, Michigan. Some of Stephens closest friends are from that time in his life and considers Michigan just as much a hometown as Kentucky and Tennessee. After moving from Pikeville, Kentucky to Tennessee he was raised in Nashville's songwriting and recording community. He watched his father, Steve Cochran, wrestle with the machinery of Music Row as a struggling songwriter and artist. He also has a cousin, Gary Cochran, who serves our country with pride. Country greats Bobby Bare and the late Del Reeves are just a few of the characters that influenced Cochran's early music home life. Cochran cultivated an interest in music beginning at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School in Nashville, Tennessee. Later, he honed his craft in his college days at Western Kentucky University with a development deal with Epic Records. He worked his way through school writing songs and playing guitar. While at WKU he also played rugby and lacrosse. After September 2001 he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a part of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion; 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. While on convoy security Sergeant Cochran was injured, leaving his back broken and his legs paralyzed. Stephen was told he would never walk again and he was sent home to the United States. Once he arrived home the search for a solution began. Finally, after a long struggle, Cochran's ability to walk was restored when doctors at the Nashville VA Medical Center performed an experimental procedure called kyphoplasty.[4] After an extensive rehabilitation Stephen was able to return to an active lifestyle. As part of his recovery Cochran refocused his energy on country music.

He teamed up with other country music artists and began performing with John Rich and the MuzikMafia around Nashville. He wrote with his friend from the band Trailer Choir Vinny Hickerson and eventually they started their own writers' group. In 2007 he began Armed Forces Entertainment tours of the Middle East, scores of benefit appearances on behalf of his fellow veterans, and constant roadwork in support of his acclaimed, self-titled debut album. In November 2008 Cochran appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to promote the second annual "Salute to the Troops" benefit concert.[6]

In 2009 the VA asked Stephen to be the face of their research and development. Cochran and Mark Melloan wrote "Hope," which the VA used as a theme song in its national campaign to help veterans. The VA hospitals and patients are the backdrop for the video.

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I'm one of the only combat vets from this era in country music, and I need to use that platform to help things change and give hope back.

— Stephen Cochran, News Channel 5 WTVF, February 11, 2010 [7]

In 2012, Cochran signed a production contract with New Voice Entertainment.

Stephen recently formed the live-music group titled "Stephen Cochran Project" including bandmates, Mark Erhardt (BGV/Steel Guitar/Mandolin/Acoustic/banjo/road Manager) Ryan "Smitty" Byrne (BGV/Bass)//

The Stephen Cochran Project will release their first self-titled album later this year.[when?] Currently shopping new brand to labels.(Stay Tuned)

Discography

Albums

  • Stephen Cochran (2007)
  • "Leaving Louisiana" (Walmart Flowers) (2010)
  • "Pieces" (2012)
  • "Stephen Cochran Project" (2014)

Singles

  • "Friday Night Fireside" (2007)
  • "Everything We Knew" (2008)
  • "Thinkin I'm Drinkin" (2008)
  • "Wal-Mart Flowers" (2009)
  • "Alone on Christmas" (2010)
  • "Hope" (2011)
  • "Pieces" (2012)
  • "Gasoline on a Goodbye" (2014)

Collaborations

References

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External links

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