Chris Stapleton and Ram Trucks, in conjunction with ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music, today announced a partnership that will see the two-time Grammy Award winner return to Johnson Central High School, his alma mater, located in Stapleton’s hometown of Paintsville, Kentucky. During the visit, Ram Nation volunteers (a grassroots team of Ram truck owners) and students from the Johnson Central High School carpentry program will dedicate an outdoor performance space, The Golden Eagle Stage Powered By RAM Trucks, for the school’s use. It will be located on the grounds of Johnson Central High School, and was constructed by JCHS carpentry students in conjunction with Ram Nation volunteers.
In addition, Stapleton will perform a closed afternoon concert for students, educators and administrators at the Johnson Central High School Gymnasium. Later that evening, Stapleton will return to the same stage for his sold-out ‘Ram Trucks Hometown Concert’ for the Paintsville community.
“While the story of Chris Stapleton may not be widely known, it’s one of pride, dedication and perseverance, all values important to our Ram truck owners,” said Marissa Hunter, Director of Brand Advertising, FCA US. “It’s a great opportunity and honor for us to go back to Paintsville with Chris to document his return to the place that built his character and work-ethic. Ram will be creating videos from this experience to show millions of people the very special town and moments that made Chris the man he is today.”
About Ram Trucks
The Ram Truck brand is sponsoring the March 24 Paintsville activities as part of its ongoing relationship with Stapleton. In conjunction with his 2015 Traveller album, the brand first partnered with the award-winning and critically acclaimed artist, who is a Ram truck owner himself, for a series of episodic videos telling stories of Stapleton and real Ram truck owners’ experiences travelling in their trucks. The videos can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/ramtrucks along with a“Waltz Across Texas” videofeaturing Stapleton’s powerful vocals (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJQVOlnleuk).
Ram Nation is a grassroots volunteer corps of Ram owners and like-minded people willing and ready to lend a helping hand in their communities when an opportunity arises. Truck owners interested in answering future calls to help, whether its mobilizing volunteers to assist in disaster relief efforts or proactive community outreach initiatives, can sign up for Ram Nation at RamTrucks.com/RamNation.
About ACM Lifting Lives®
ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Through generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities and supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
