There is no one like him. Craig Morgan's resume is one of the most varied and impressive on earth--soldier, sheriff's deputy, EMT, adventurer, TV host, motocross racer, outdoorsman, farmer, family man. And then there is the career that ties it all together.
"Music is like a center for all those things," says the man known as one of country's best singers and songwriters since "Almost Home" put him on the map in 2002. "It's the outlet for me to express everything I am. When I'm riding my dirt bike, you may not know about my music, and when I'm in a military environment, it's not the center point. But my music career allows me to talk about and be a part of all of those other energies in my life. When I'm on stage, I get to express all of it."
So it's no surprise that his new Black River Entertainment CD The Journey (Livin' Hits), which includes eight of his top hits and four powerful new tracks, is as much autobiography as musical statement.
The Journey (Livin' Hits) finds Craig again working with longtime friend and collaborator Phil O'Donnell, along with some of Nashville's best musicians to introduce fans to four new songs that serve as windows on Craig's past, present and future. He says, "You want to give people songs that have a hint of what they've come to expect from you, while at the same time allowing you to grow musically, and I think that's what these new songs do, more so than anything I've ever recorded."
Craig performs frequently for military audiences, both here and abroad (he has earned the U.S.O Merit Award), and is a frequent guest at the Grand Ole Opry. In fact, the two came together when he was invited to join the hallowed institution in 2008 during an appearance at Ft. Bragg, one of the places he'd been stationed during his military career.
All parts of his life come together on his television show, "Craig Morgan's All Access Outdoors," which is in its fourth season on the Outdoor Channel.
Ever the optimist, ever the achiever, he is as forward-looking as ever.
"I do believe this next chapter in my life is going to be the best yet," he says. "I started working toward this new direction with my last album, 'This Ole Boy.' That album hinted at the direction we're taking now. This will take everything to the next level.’
With his latest release, he is proving just that to the world.