Stephen Cochran

Genre: Country/Americana
Hometown: Nashville, TN

Stephen Cochran is an American Country music singer and songwriter best known for the 2007 single "Friday Night Fireside." The video was a GAC number one fan voted video for five weeks. Stephen was raised in Nashville's songwriting and recording community. Country greats Bobby Bare and the late Dale Reeves are just a few of the characters that influenced Cochran's early music life. Cochran cultivated an interest in music beginning at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School in Nashville, TN. Later, he perfected his craft at Western Kentucky University with a development deal with Epic Records. He worked his way through college, while songwriting and playing guitar. After 9/11, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country as a combat Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a member of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion: 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Cochran was injured during a combat patrol, leaving the military without the use of his legs. Stephen was told he would never walk again. Surgeons at the Nashville VA Medical Center performed an experimental procedure called Kyphoplasty, and after extensive physical therapy, Cochran regained the use of his legs.

As part of his recovery, Cochran refocused his energy on Country Music. He teamed up with local Country music artists and began performing with John Rich and the Muzic Mafia at various Nashville venues. Stephen began writing with with some of his fellow musicians, including Vinney Hickerson. In 2007, Cochran participated in the Armed Forces Entertainment tours of the Middle East. Cochran performed at scores of benefit concerts on behalf of his fellow veterans and toured in support of his acclaimed, self-titled debut album. He performed in New York City's Times Square on New Years Eve 2007. In November of 2008, Cochran appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to promote the second annual "Salute to the Troops" benefit concert. In 2009, the VA asked Stephen to be the spokesman for VA Research and Development. Cochran wrote their new theme song, titled "Hope," and the VA used it it in their national campaign to help Veterans. The VA and Cochran collaborated to produce a music video to communicate with VA clients. Stephen is currently performing at a variety of venues and benefits around the country; while continuing to work on his second album.

Posted on 7/21/14