Rhett Walker Strikes a Chord for Veterans in Aiken
In the quaint town of Aiken, South Carolina, the community recently gathered for a heartwarming evening filled with music and good vibes. Singer/songwriter Rhett Walker, a local favorite and a Grammy-nominated contemporary gospel artist, took the stage for a benefit concert at VFW Post 5877 on November 16. This free concert not only entertained the crowd but also aimed to support the veterans who have served the nation.
A Chance Discovery
The concert came to be in a rather charming way. It all started when Walker’s father, Rev. Mark Canipe, visited the VFW post and heard his son’s song playing on the jukebox. “He was sitting there and he said, ‘That’s my son playing,’” recounted Charley Ihloff, the commander of the post. Canipe excitedly proposed having Walker perform live, and Ihloff was more than thrilled at the prospect.
“I said, ‘You’re kidding me,’” Ihloff laughed, recalling the serendipitous moment. With a bit of planning, Walker jumped on the opportunity to perform for his hometown and support the veterans.
Community Spirit Shines
“Anytime I can support vets, I’m all about it,” said Walker, who now calls Evans, Georgia home. Even though he was on a break from his national tour, he felt compelled to give back to those who have sacrificed for the country. “I can take an hour out of my day to raise money, so why not? And I’ll be home before the Georgia football game starts, so life is good,” he chuckled.
The generosity didn’t go unnoticed—Canipe, who shepherds the community as a pastor at Heights Church, was proud of his son’s commitment to helping others.
All About the Music
Walker’s latest album, “Days That We Dreamed Of”, was released just last month through BEC Recordings. This is his fourth studio album, recorded in the vibrant heart of Nashville. With about 90 performances lined up each year, Walker is dedicated to sharing his uplifting music across the country.
As he spoke about his upcoming tour stops in Florida, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, he seemed genuinely excited to spread his message of hope. One of the standout tracks, ‘Man on the Middle Cross’, even earned a nomination for a esteemed Dove Award. Acknowledging his experiences, Walker joked, “I’ve been nominated for a lot of things, I’ve just lost every single one of them.” His humor and humility make him relatable and endearing to fans.
Family and Faith
Family holds a special place in Walker’s heart. He reflects on the joy of sharing the stage with his teenage children during performances at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. “You stand in that circle where so many greats have sung, the nerves don’t go away on that one,” he said, showcasing the blend of pride and passion he feels as a parent.
For Walker, his music transcends entertainment; it’s a ministry. He recalls how his church community stepped up during tough times, helping him and his wife, April, when they were young and just starting a family. This experience formed his desire to give back, as he noted, “I want to be this for other people.” Their journey through life, now as a family of six, represents resilience and hope.
A Heart for Helping Others
“I don’t know how people make it through this life without faith,” Walker shared. Through music, he endeavors to offer “an ounce of hope” to those struggling, aiming to raise spirits one song at a time.
Additionally, Walker’s support for emerging artists like the opening act Cline reflects his commitment to uplifting others, reminding him of his own journey when he was starting out.
Join the Journey
For fans eager to follow Walker on his musical path, more information about upcoming shows and new music can be found at rhettwalker.com. A night with Rhett Walker isn’t just a concert; it’s a community celebration wrapped in compassion and melody.
As the crowd at the VFW Post experienced a night to remember, the joy of coming together for a greater cause reverberated long after the final note was played. Here’s to more evenings filled with music, support, and heart!
