The country music community is stepping up.
It’s incredible to see how communities come together to help those in need during natural disasters. The country music community is one group that is constantly eager to help in any way.
During Hurricane Helene, we saw artists like Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, and countless more step up. They make donations to help those displaced by the hurricane, put together benefit concerts, or visit communities that are in need, providing hands-on help. Country music knows how to step up when needed- it’s the cowboy way of life that many country artists embody.
California is now in need of help. As the wildfires, and now potential fires started as an act of arson, blaze across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, thousands of families are losing their homes and keepsakes and are fleeing their beloved cities to seek safety.
I just left the hellscape formerly know as Pacific Palisades where I’ve lived for 26 years. I’m mad at what I saw. Our politicians have failed us. Unprepared, unimaginative, understaffed, now overwhelmed. Heads must roll for this disaster. I personally saw 100+ homes fully… pic.twitter.com/8txvSJEZXd
— Wes Nichols (@wesnichols) January 8, 2025
While it’s difficult to provide hands-on help as first responders work hard to contain the fires (with limited resources), a group of country music artists is stepping up to help them through fundraising efforts.
The Las Vegas-based organization The Wounded Blue has teamed up with country music stars to help those in need. The Wounded Blue’s mission is “to improve the lives of injured and disabled law enforcement officers through support, education, assistance, and legislation.”
In efforts to help the wounded first responders in California, numerous country artists have autographed Epiphone acoustic guitars for fundraising efforts.
Artists who took the time to sign guitars include Cody Johnson, Zach Top, Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn,) Travis Tritt, Craig Morgan, LeeAnn Womack, Tracy Lawrence, Riley Green, Martina McBride, Chris Young, Jon Pardi, Marty Stuart, Ernest, Lorrie Morgan, John Anderson, Neal McCoy, Steve Wariner, Crystal Gayle, Dustin Lynch, Larry Gatlin, Uncle Kracker, Aaron Lewis, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, Randy House, Trace Adkins, Deana Carter, Gabby Barrett, Billy Currington, Mark Wills, Mark Chesnutt, Drew Baldridge, Bryan White, Gary Morris, and more.
Each guitar can be purchased for $1,000, and the proceeds will support injured or disabled law enforcement from the California wildfires.
Neal McCoy spoke on the importance of supporting all first responders during this horrific time and expressed his honor to participate in this fundraising effort.
“These wildfires are horrible and everyone is in disbelief of the devastation. Not only are our firefighters in danger, but so our all of our first responders including law enforcement.
If signing guitars helps give those in need some comfort, it is the least that I can do. Our prayers are with all those affected by these wildfires.”
I know this fundraising effort is just the start of how the country music community will step up to help those affected by these horrific fires. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Los Angeles and its surrounding areas during this time.
We also thank police officers and all other first responders for risking their lives to contain the fires.