Tracy Lawrence: A Country Music Legacy Continues to Shine, On and Off the Stage
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Country music veteran Tracy Lawrence continues to prove why he remains an enduring force in the genre, captivating audiences and giving back to the community with unwavering dedication. His recent activities, highlighted by a sold-out return to the hallowed Ryman Auditorium and the success of his fifth annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament, paint a vivid picture of an artist whose influence extends far beyond the stage.
Ryman Return: A Night of Hits and Heartfelt Tributes
On Sunday night, May 18th, the historic Ryman Auditorium once again played host to Tracy Lawrence, marking his second consecutive sold-out performance at the iconic venue. The atmosphere was electric, with a lively crowd enthusiastically singing along to his vast catalog of hits. Fan favorites like “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” “Time Marches On,” and “Paint Me A Birmingham” resonated throughout the Mother Church of Country Music, showcasing the timeless appeal of Lawrence’s music.
A particularly poignant moment came with a medley dedicated to the country stars lost during the pandemic. Lawrence paid heartfelt tribute to their legacies, including a powerful rendition of Joe Diffie’s “John Deere Green” and the Charlie Daniels Band’s classic “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.” These moments underscored Lawrence’s deep respect for his peers and the rich history of country music. The evening also featured a delightful surprise for the audience when special guest Marcus King joined Lawrence on stage for two compelling collaborations: “Swinging Doors” and “Honky Tonk Hell,” adding an unexpected blues-rock edge to the country affair.
Mission:Possible: Golfing for a Cause
The very next day, on May 19th, Lawrence seamlessly transitioned from performer to philanthropist, hosting his fifth annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament. Held at the Old Hickory Country Club outside Nashville, the event drew an impressive roster of artists, athletes, and celebrities, all rallying for a noble cause. The star-studded lineup included names like John Daly, Kid Rock, Vince Gill, Jordan Davis, Gavin Adcock, Zach Top, Lily Rose, Warren Zeiders, Priscilla Block, Charles Esten, Gary Allan, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Meghan Patrick, among many others.
This year’s tournament was a resounding success, raising over $200,000 for Lawrence’s Mission:Possible charity. The organization is a testament to Lawrence’s commitment to addressing homelessness, raising crucial funds and awareness for homeless organizations in Middle Tennessee and beyond. From its humble beginnings, cooking Thanksgiving dinners for the Nashville Rescue Mission, Mission:Possible has grown exponentially, frying over 10,000 turkeys to date and raising more than $1 million for those in need. Lawrence’s dedication to this cause has not gone unnoticed, earning him the prestigious 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award.
A Road Warrior’s Legacy: Touring and Beyond
The Ryman concert and golf tournament were just recent highlights in what has been a massively successful and busy period for Tracy Lawrence. 2024 saw him embark on an extensive touring schedule, headlining countless shows across the country. He even hosted his own “Tracy Lawrence and Friends” show during CMA Fest at Ascend Amphitheater, a testament to his continued influence and popularity. Lawrence also joined fellow artists Riley Green on the road and shared the stage with Luke Bryan for his Wrigley Field tour stop. He wrapped up the year playing alongside Lainey Wilson in Las Vegas during NFR weekend, demonstrating his continued relevance and appeal across different generations of country fans. Fans can anticipate more of the same tireless touring this year, with additional headline shows expected to be announced.
With an astounding 13 million albums sold and 18 No. 1 singles, Tracy Lawrence has firmly cemented his status as a cornerstone of country music for over three decades. Even as he continues to release new music and maintain a rigorous touring schedule, the CMA and ACM award winner has expanded his ambitions into various media and charity projects. His keen interest in collaborating with younger artists and exploring diverse topics led to the creation of the “TL’s Road House” podcast. This successful venture has featured an impressive lineup of guests, including HARDY, Jelly Roll, and Lainey Wilson, providing a platform for engaging conversations and showcasing Lawrence’s role as a mentor and connector within the industry.
Evolving Career, Unwavering Commitment
Over three decades into his decorated career, Tracy Lawrence’s legacy continues to evolve and deepen. He has revisited his acclaimed catalog with the Hindsight 2020 Vol 1, 2 and 3 and Live at Billy Bob’s Texas albums, offering fans a fresh perspective on his classic material. More recently, Lawrence released his Out Here In It EP, available everywhere, demonstrating his continued creative output and artistic vitality.
Beyond the music, Lawrence remains steadfast in his commitment to helping those in need, particularly through his Mission:Possible non-profit. His philanthropic endeavors are a powerful testament to his character and desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
In conclusion, Tracy Lawrence is more than just a country music icon; he is a testament to enduring talent, an unwavering commitment to his craft, and a profound dedication to philanthropy. His recent activities at the Ryman Auditorium and the success of Mission:Possible underscore a legacy that continues to resonate powerfully, both within the music industry and in the communities he serves.
Photo credit: Caylee Robillard