Many people leave their hometowns for Nashville with hopes of pursuing a career in country music. Few make it and return to their roots to help provide others a path to country music success.
As an inspirational country music artist and host of the upcoming show, “The Sound of Small Town America,” Owensboro native Steve Bridgmon is among those who are giving back.
Bridgmon’s love for country music started when he was young. That love, Bridgmon said, is something that Owensboro helped to foster.
“I grew up singing on Goldie’s Show, which is where Theatre Workshop is now,” Bridgmon said. “I just fell in love with country music.”
Bridgmon took that love to Nashville 10 years ago and within 6 months, he had a number one hit. Since then, he has had six number one songs and 12 top-five hits.
While his success has brought him many opportunities, such as singing the national anthem for the Los Angeles Lakers and Nashville Predators, a few months ago Bridgmon was approached with an opportunity he had never received before.
The Inspirational Country Music Association asked him to be the host of their new show “The Sound of Small Town America,” a talent search for upcoming Christian or inspirational country music artists.
The goal of the show is to raise awareness about the side of country music that focuses on positivity and uplifting people.
“The world needs positivity right now,” Bridgmon said. “This genre is not new, but is just now getting a resurgence and we’re really happy about that.”
Bridgmon said that in addition to uplifting people, the genre is helping artists such as himself break into the mainstream country stations.
“They’ll play me in their positive country hour,” Bridgmon said. “It sounds just like country music, you won’t know the difference, except it doesn’t have drinking and divorce.”
Instead of visiting large cities, the series visits small towns.
“We’re doing four cities across America and then the finale will be held at the Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville next March,” Bridgmon said.
The first stop took place in Owensboro at last week’s Friday After 5. With around 100 submissions, the ICMA chose the best 21 contestants to compete.
Bridgmon said that there are plans to visit three other cities across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas but that official details have not yet been released.
With a strong turnout in Owensboro, there is a tone of excitement for the upcoming stops.
“Owensboro really showed up,” Bridgmon said. “It made me proud to be from Owensboro seeing so many people support my Nashville friends.”
