Long recognized as one of Country music’s most well-rounded, deeply passionate and prolific artists, Wheelhouse Record’s chart-topper Granger Smith announced today one of his most personal projects to date: They Were There: A Hero’s Documentary. The self-produced documentary honors the lives of five fallen soldiers and seeks to pay tribute to their heroic sacrifices and infinite legacies.
Granger reflects on his inspiration for the project, “I’m lucky enough to have achieved a lot of different milestones and accolades in my career, but I realize that doesn’t come from merit alone. I discovered a long time ago that I am allowed to chase these dreams because of men and woman who volunteer to ensure my freedom.
I’ve taken entertainment tours to war zones in the Middle East. I’ve walked 400 miles in combat boots to raise money for returning soldiers. And somehow, none of that comes close to repaying my debt of gratitude. When a hero falls, their legacy must live on. Their sacrifice has sewn the fabric of our freedom, and their story must be retold.”
Over the course of five days, producer Granger Smith and director Paul De La Cerda embark on a journey to honor each soldier, one hero per day. Set against the Chihuahuan Desert near the Texas Rio Grande and Mexico border, Granger narrates the film, reading personal letters from the soldiers and meeting with family members and loved ones throughout the course of the film.
Through one-on-one interviews, viewers intimately get to know their stories, their families and the aftermath of losing a loved one for the price of freedom.
They Were There: A Hero’s Documentary arrives on Granger’s YouTube Channel on November 30th.
