Josh Turner Takes Fans Behind the Scenes of His ‘Soldier’s Gift’ Video
The baritone-singing star learns more about the spirit of the season than he ever imagined.
With his new video for the stirring holiday single, “Soldier’s Gift,” multi-Platinum country star Josh Turner salutes the priceless present each soldier gives his or her country at Christmastime — a peaceful night’s rest. Teaming with the Wounded Warrior Project and starring some real life American heroes, he does that by inspiring others to return the favor … and in a new behind the scenes video premiering on Sounds Like Nashville today (November 19), he explains why that mission is so important.
Turner’s “Soldier’s Gift” video features real-life National Guard Specialist, Stephanie Betancourt, and Wounded Warrior Project veterans David, Samy, Yolanda and Bill (as well as Turner’s son, Colby). It finds a community coming together to give one returning soldier a small token of thanks, and ultimately goes hand in hand with the mood-brightening, classic-country ballad, as patriotic pride mixes with deep gratitude. And clearly, it has struck a chord with fans.
The clip garnered 4.7 million views in just one week upon release, with nearly half a million fans engaging in the video by commenting and sharing across their social media feeds, and Turner says it’s now one of the best experiences of the baritone-singing gospel-country star’s career.
“Any time I’ve done a video, you never know how it’s gonna turn out until it’s all put together, Turner says. “I think it’s a message that we need in our world today, that really hit home with me today when I saw y’all doing the shots of where you all came together at the front porch and started decorating this house.”
Showing how Turner and director Peter Zavadil made the video happen, the all-access clip was shot over a long day and night in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and also finds Turner spending some time getting to know the Wounded Warrior Project veterans. The whole group become almost like family by the end, and what Turner learns is worthy of sharing. It seems the sentiment of this powerful song is even more meaningful to those who serve.
“Everybody has their own unique story. The stories of the ones that are here today, it’s a real thing, and when you hear each of their individual story, it helps you understand the reality of that, the heaviness of that,” Turner explains. “I think you learn from that … you learn that the Wounded Warrior Project is not just about somebody who lost a leg, or somebody who lost an arm. It goes well beyond that.”
“Soldier’s Gift” is the lead single off Josh Turner’s first Christmas album, King Size Manger, which is out now. Yesterday (November 18), the “Your Man” singer kicked off his Holiday & The Hits Tour, visiting more than 15 markets from Michigan to Arizona and more through December 21.
Remaining Holiday & The Hits Tour Schedule:
11/19 Springfield, IL – University of Illinois PAC
11/20 Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
11/21 Rockford, IL – Coronado PAC
11/26 Panama City Beach, FL – Aaron Bessant Park
11/27 Memphis, TN – Soundstage at Graceland
11/28 Meridian, MS – MSU Riley Center
12/2 Prescott, AZ – Yavapai College PAC
12/3 Maricopa, AZ – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
12/4 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
12/9 Mt. Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
12/10 Riverside, IA – Riverside Casino
12/11 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
12/16 Midland, MI – Midland Center For The Arts
12/17 Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre
12/19 Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
12/20 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
12/21 Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
To purchase tickets to Holiday & The Hits Tour click HERE.
