News & Events

NASHVILLE - June 11th, 2007 - Recording artist Daniel Smith spotlighted the Cincinnati-based Thank You Foundation and its honorees at the recently concluded CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The annual program of concerts, fan club gatherings and autograph sessions is the largest country music celebration in the world.

Smith has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Thank You Foundation—which honors America’s military — since the organization adopted his self-penned tribute to the American soldier, “Thank You,” as its theme song.

In addition to performing on several Festival stages, the 6-foot-5 Smith delighted hundreds of his fans by meeting them face-to-face for autographs and photos at his attractively decorated booth in the Nashville Convention Center. Other artists in booths nearby included Emerson Drive, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Aaron Tippin , and more.

A focal point of Smith’s booth was the prominently displayed Thank You Foundation banner. The singer and his band also handed out Thank You Foundation brochures throughout the Festival.

On opening day, June 7, Smith personally hosted Blue Star Mother Debora Nichols and Gold Star Mother Brooke Willis and provided them Festival passes to the various musical and autographing events. Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc a veteran service organization whose members are mothers who have a son or daughter who have or are serving in the US Armed Forces.

The following day, Smith was especially honored to meet and pose for pictures with a Special Forces soldier and country music enthusiast.

Later that same day, sponsors of the popular Greased Lightning booth invited Smith in to chat with fans and sign autographs.

Smith and his band began the final day of the Festival, June 10, with a rousing performance on the CMA Family Zone stage. Then it was on to another command appearance at the Great American Country booth. The Great American Country network was the first to feature Smith’s music video, “I’m Going Home.”

After that, Smith raced back to his own booth to preside over a drawing for a free Hohner acoustic guitar. The lucky winner, Jimmy Haley of Dyersburg, TN, is an actual guitar player who seemed overjoyed at his good fortune.

During the Festival’s four-day run, Smith autographed approximately 2,500 photos for his fans.

This was Smith’s first year to qualify for his own booth which is hotly competed for space at the Nashville Convention Center. Only artists who have been particularly active in performing and spreading the word about country music are eligible. In previous years, Smith appeared at booths sponsored by music-oriented organizations etc. including Great America Country and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and the Greased Lightning booths.

A native of Taylor Mill, KY, Smith records for Parlor Records. His current album is American Made. Smith is in the studio this summer recording his sophomore album set for a fall release.

More than 190,000 fans attended this year’s CMA Music Festival. ABC-TV will air a special about the event on July 23. The Festival is sponsored by the Country Music Association.

Daniel will be performing at the MidFirst Ohio Challenge in Middletown Ohio on Saturday July 21st as part of The Thank You Foundation/Team Fastrax Thank You Tour.

About The Foundation

The Thank You Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to expressing gratitude and showing appreciation for Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. The foundation does this through several programs and activities such as providing tickets to sporting and entertainment events, presenting foundation Thank You Cards and Certificates of Appreciation to those who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Related Links

Daniel and the guys (J.R., Garry, Mark, and B.J.) with "Soldier Bill"

Debbie Nichols, Brooke Willis and Daniel