Josh Ward’s debut album, “Promises,” released in 2011, marked the beginning of his journey in the country-music scene, and several albums have followed. Ward has enjoyed having 16 singles hit the number one spot in the Texas Regional Radio Chart and has a reputation for true cowboy grit, thanks to his roots in outdoor recreation, oil-field work and rodeo.
NRAC: Why do Texans in particular love your music?
JW: Probably because it’s relatable. It’s heartfelt music—music with substance—and we have that early-‘90s vibe that’s almost comforting for a lot of people. But, heck, I don’t know. I’m just happy to get to do it.
NRAC: What was first, shooting guns and hunting, music or rodeoing?
JW: My great-uncle JL taught me how to hunt. He had me in the woods at a young age. And we were always fishing. I feel like I grew up on a creek bank. Then, when I was about 16, I started rodeoing and then came the guitar along with that. My old rodeo partners would say “Hey, I wish you’d learn how to play that thing,” and so I did.
NRAC: After a serious horse-riding accident in 2021, you made a strong comeback with your album “Same Ol’ Cowboy, Different Rodeo.” How did that impact your perspective?
JW: I was knocking on death’s door. The doctor told me I had 30 minutes. They opened me up and saved my life. It took me two months to get on my feet, but I started playing shows immediately because my road family needed to work. I’ve learned that what we can’t get done today, we can get done tomorrow; I’ve learned how to step back and take a breath … and live life.
NRAC: What guns are you going with?
JW: For a shotgun, I’m shooting an A400 Beretta, among others. My rifle would have to be my uncle’s Browning [A-Bolt] .25-’06. That gun is a part of me. Living in East Texas, my uncle hadn’t ever killed a big deer. So, a few years ago, I took him on a hunt with me to a buddy’s ranch where he killed a giant with that gun. We were sitting in the deer stand afterward and he said, “Son, I want you to take this gun home and put it in your safe,” but I told him no because we had a few more hunts left together. But, a few months later, when we buried my grandpa, he told me again: “Son, this rifle is yours and you are taking it.” And so, I did. Last year I took it back to the same ranch where he took that monster buck, and my son was also able to shoot a great buck with it. So, three generations have gotten to use that gun.”
NRAC: Assuming somebody has musical ability, what is your best advice for them in terms of making a career?
JW: The music business is business. Go hit every opportunity you can. Open for whomever you can to get in front of the masses. Don’t let anyone stray you from what you believe. Network. Build your crowd. And hone your craft every chance you get.
NRAC: Why should Americans be NRA members?
JW: It’s our right to own guns, but people are trying to take that away from us. The NRA is a voice for people like me.
Discover more about Josh Ward and his authentic country sound at joshwardmusic.com.
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