Craig Campbell grew up in the small town of Lyons, Ga. Craig fell in love with classic country music early on and hard work eventually led him to tour with then-rising star Luke Bryan. Along the way, with a string of singles, two albums and a sound as distinctive as icons like Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and Travis Tritt, Craig became a regular on the Grand Ole Opry. Craig loves to show his patriotism and support of the constitution, military, law enforcement and first responders. The proof of his ideals can be heard in his heartfelt single “Outskirts of Heaven” as well as in the songs of his newest album “The Lost Files: Exhibit A.” NRA Country’s Lisa Supernaugh caught up with Craig at a recent event for veterans. Follow Craig on all social media and check out his latest album and tour dates at craigcampbell.tv. You won’t be disappointed!
LS: It was great seeing you supporting our veterans at the 3rd Annual CreatiVets Golf Tournament. Please tell me about your involvement and the shows you have done for the USO?
CC: I have done several things with the USO, but my most memorable was the Chairman Of The Joint Chief’s Christmas trip a while back. I was blown away at how we were treated overseas and how grateful they all were that we made the trip. I will never forget that experience.
LS: The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, and NRA Country, has been honored to have you perform for our members over the years; how important do you feel the Second Amendment is to our country today?
CC: I believe it is super important. There is a reason it is the second right, behind freedom of speech. It is also a big reason we are and have been for almost 250 years the greatest country that has ever existed.
LS: You’ve sung the National Anthem at a lot of major events on the Fourth of July and others all over the country. Your daughter, Preslee, has also been singing the National Anthem for a while; tell us about that?
CC: She loves singing and she loves America. She has a big heart and I am super proud to share that with her.
LS: You have one more singer in your household—your talented wife, Mindy. Any new duets with Mindy on the horizon?
CC: Mindy and I have a duet on my last record called “Church Clothes,” which came out back in February. I was excited to feature her.
LS: I know you love to shoot and you have shot sporting clays at several of our events. Besides your shotgun, do you have any other favorite firearm?
CC: I do love my AR-15 that has been customized to shoot golf balls. That thing is so cool and a lot of fun! I also carry a Glock 42.
LS: What was your first firearm? Was it handed down to you?
CC: My first firearm was a single-shot .410 shotgun my daddy bought me. I recently gave it to my oldest daughter, Preslee.
LS: If you weren’t singing and writing songs, what do you think you would be doing right now?
CC: Trying to sing and write songs! Honestly, ever since I met my wife, she has shown me what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, so if I didn’t have music, I would definitely be focused on building our Grindstone Cowboy empire.
NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. For more information visit nracountry.com, follow us on Facebook facebook.com/nracountry, Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram.
