Roots & Boots Tour - live concert @ Walla Walla County Fairgrounds

Aaron Tippin, who marks his 27th year as a recording artist, admits that he looks at his career longevity with a little bit of amazement.Prior to his RCA deal in 1990, he had almost given up hope success as a vocalist, concentrating instead on his career as a songwriter, with cuts from the likes of The Kingsmen, Mark Collie and Charlie Pride.Then Mary Martin from RCA heard him singing…and wanted to meet him.That was the start of his career with his first single, “You’ve Got to Stand For Something”, hit the billboard country chart peaking at #6.From this single, Tippin received a call from Bob Hope’s daughter, Linda, asking if he’d be interested in playing for the troops.Tippin didn’t hesitate – never dreaming he would be on the Bob Hope show!” The hits continued to pile up -” There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong With The Radio,” “My Blue Angel,” and “Workin’ Mans PhD” among them.His 1995 smash “That’s As Close As I’ll Get To Loving You” showcased a more dramatic side to his vocal approach, something that continued into his next label affiliation – as the flagship artist for Lyric Street Records. Not one to let success go to this head, Tippin celebrated 20 years with his wife, Thea.Family is the center of his universe, with 3 kids of their own and a granddaughter. As the new millennium dawned, Tippin returned to the top of the charts with “Where The Stars And Stripes And Eagle Fly”, a song that became a part of the American Soundtrack during the aftermath of 9/11. He has continued to tour and create new music to share with his fans, who he thinks of as family.“They have been so great to me over the years, and they’re still coming out to the shows.That’s why I still sign autographs every night. I just want to get out there and shake their hands – just to say thank you.”

Sammy Kershaw, since his debut on the music scene in the early 90’s, Kershaw has remained one of the most consistent power hitters in country music – both with a chain of major hit records and sell-out touring schedules. “Country music is not a formula…it’s a music with its own soul…and I’m all about saving that soul!” says Kershaw in a recent national interview about his current album “Honkytonk Boots”. Often referred to as the “heir apparent” to the legendary “voice” himself – George Jones, Sammy Kershaw helped make the 90’s a shining decade for country music.It’s a comparison not lost on Sammy, who grew up in the Cajun country of Louisiana on a diet of crawfish and country music.The oldest of four children, the tragic loss of his father, matured him faster that the clubs and honky tonks he was performing in at 12 years old. He speaks openly today of years spent battling substance abuse and addictions. “It’s not a period of my life I’m proud of but I do talk about it to encourage kids not to follow in my footsteps.”Helping others is a subject close to the heart that beats within what might often appear to be a tough, macho exterior.Sammy is, in fact, a softie when the subject turns to kids.In his hometown of Kaplan, Louisiana, he established the Sammy Kershaw Foundation whose outreach has extended through donations, so far of more than 2 million dollars in aid to children and child related charities.With projects that extend from granting wishes through “Make A Wish Foundation” to establishing camps for disabled children, the foundation exists to fulfill Sammy’s simple goal of improving the lives of children.His contributions have been made to more than the just the charts.His platinum albums were propelled into the record books by hits such as “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “I Can’t Reach Her Anymore,” “National Working Woman’s Holiday,” “Love Of My Life,” “Cadillac Style,” “Don’t Go Near The Water,” “Haunted Heart” ……and many other milestones!

Collin Ray is one of the true hit makers of the 90’s! He continues to crank out soulfoul, heartfelt material with the honesty and richness that is signature to his vocals alone.With 24 top ten records, 16 #1 hits and a 10-time male vocalist of the year nominee (5 CMA/5 ACM), this truly electrifying performer remains one of the great voices of our time! Collin shot to fame with “Love, Me,” in 91.When “Little Rock,” and anthem for those struggling with addiction recovery, hit the charts in 94, its video led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from folks seeking help in their addictions.“Not That Different” was a song that pleaded for tolerance.“In This Life” became a wedding favorite and “I Think About You” won awards for its song and video which exposed the exploitation of women of children.He has also blazed through such vivid rockers as “My Kind Of Girl,” That’s My Story,” “I Can Still Feel You” and “I Want You Bad.” Collin consistently uses his stardom to advance social causes, among those he has supported are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals, The Life and Hope Network and Make a Difference Day….so it came as no surprise when in 2001 at the Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Collin with the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of Collin’s issue-orientated music and his tireless charity work. Collin’s new outreach is very personal.In 2010, after the loss of his precious 10-year granddaughter, Haley, Collin and his daughter Brittany established The Haley Bell Blessed Chair Foundation to honor her memory.The Foundation supports and assists families of the cognitively and physically disabled with a primary emphasis on supplying wheel chairs and other necessary medical equipment. The man who topped the charts with such great songs as “On the Verge,” “One Boy, One Girl,” “What The Heart Wants,” “Every Second,” “That Was A River,” “Anyone Else,” and “If I Were You”, continues to touch hearts across the globe in both traditional and new ways. Collin wrote a very special song for Haley, “She’s With Me,” which carries a powerful message for families of special needs children.Additionally, in 2011, Collin released his 1st inspirational album, “His Love Remains,” which shot to #1 on Amazon for religious and inspirational music.

For tickets, visit https://www.wallawallafairgrounds.com/events/2018/roots--boots-tour-