| Stephen Cochran | |
|---|---|
Stephen Cochran in Nashville Tennessee, Jan. 2010 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Stephen Eugene Cochran II |
| Born | September 17, 1979 |
| Origin | Pikeville, KY, United States |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupations | Musician, singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, harpsichord |
| Years active | 2006 – present |
| Labels | Epic Records Aria Records Drive Music Nashville |
| Website | Official Web Site, StephenCochranProject.com |
Stephen Cochran (born September 17, 1979) is an American Country music singer and songwriter.[1][2] In 2009 Stephen was named as a spokesman for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Research and Development.[3] The VA and Cochran collaborated to produce a music video for Veterans who need help.[4][5]
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When Cochran was 4 years old, he began spending summers with his grandparents in Waterford, Michigan. Some of Stephens closest friends are from that time in his life and considers Michigan just as much a hometown as Kentucky and Tennessee. After moving from Pikeville, Kentucky to Tennessee he was raised in Nashville's songwriting and recording community. He watched his Dad, Steve Cochran, wrestle with the machinery of Music Row as a struggling songwriter and artist. Country greats Bobby Bare and the late Del Reeves are just a few of the characters that influenced Cochran's early music home life. Cochran cultivated an interest in music beginning at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School in Nashville, Tennessee. Later, he honed his craft in his college days at Western Kentucky University with a development deal with Epic Records. He worked his way through school writing and playing guitar. While at WKU he also played rugby and lacrosse. After September 2001 he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a part of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion; 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. While on combat patrol Sergeant Cochran was injured in combat leaving his back broken. His injuries left his legs paralyzed. Stephen was told he would never walk again and he was sent home to America. Once he arrived home the search for a solution began. Finally, after a long struggle, Cochran's ability to walk was restored. Doctors at the Nashville VA Medical Center performed an experimental procedure called kyphoplasty.[7] After an extensive rehabilitation Stephen was able to return to an active lifestyle. As part of his recovery Cochran refocused his energy on Country music.
He wrote with his friend from the band Trailer Choir Vinny Hickerson and eventually they started their own writers group. In 2007 he began Armed Forces Entertainment tours of the Middle East, scores of benefit appearances on behalf of his fellow veterans, and constant roadwork in support of his acclaimed, self-titled debut album. In November 2008 Cochran appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America to promote the second annual “Salute to the Troops" benefit concert.[8]
In 2009 the VA asked Stephen to be the face of their research and development. Cochran wrote their new theme song, titled "Hope." and the VA is using it in their national campaign to help Veterans. The VA hospitals and patients are the backdrop for the video.
"I'm one of the only combat vets from this era in country music, and I need to use that platform to help things change and give hope back,"—Stephen Cochran, News Channel 5 WTVF, 11th February 2010 [9]