Today, on Veteran’s Day, multi-platinum-selling recording artist Josh Turner releases the official music video for “Soldier’s Gift,” the poignant lead single from his first-ever Christmas album, King Size Manger. The official video, featuring veterans from Wounded Warrior Project®, made its world premiere exclusively on Facebook via Turner’s official Facebook page today. Turner shares, “We worked closely with Wounded Warrior Project®. It was important to me that we didn’t cast actors for the main rolls. Both the director and I wanted this video to be authentic.”
The “Soldier’s Gift” video tells the coming home story of a soldier who thinks she is coming home from deployment during the holidays to an empty house, played by real-life National Guard Specialist, Stephanie Betancourt. But to her surprise, her fellow soldiers, played by real-life wounded warriors, decorate her house and welcome her home for the holidays in a most special and appreciative way.
Fans can watch the official video for “Soldier’s Gift” exclusively via Facebook here.
“This song shares a message that I think we need in our world today,” says Turner. “The video for ‘Soldier’s Gift’ was one of the coolest shoots I’ve ever been a part of. I was honored to have real life heroes featured in this video and telling this story. I made new friends that day in David, Samy, Yolanda and Bill, and I took with me an even greater appreciation for all those that serve our country. Thank you to all veterans for your service.”
To celebrate the release of King Size Manger, be sure to tune in to talkshoplive® on Monday, November 22 at 8pm ET/7pm CT for an exclusive livestream event. Hosted by Suzanne Alexander, Turner will be talking about the holiday project which features fresh interpretations of Christmas classics and introduces four originals, three of which were written or co-written by Turner. During the exclusive event, viewers can ask Turner questions about his first-ever Christmas album and purchase limited-edition autographed CDs (while supplies last), and unique Christmas merchandise bundles (all made in the USA). Fans can follow Josh’s exclusive channel on talkshoplive® to receive an alert to tune in to the special event and save the date here.
Additionally, Turner will host and be the featured guest artist for the 2021 “Christmas at Belmont” performance, which will be filmed for national broadcast. Produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), “Christmas at Belmont” will be taped live for the first time in the newly opened Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the University’s campus. The invitation-only concert performance features nearly 650 student musicians and School of Music faculty and will be broadcast nationally for the 19th consecutive year on PBS. This year’s show features an array of traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites in addition to selections from Turner’s new Christmas album. “Christmas at Belmont” premieres Monday, December 20th, at 8 pm on NPT and PBS stations across the country, with encore broadcasts on NPT Christmas night (Saturday, Dec. 25) at 9:30 p.m. Check local listings for additional broadcast times. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
In support of the album, Turner will embark on his first Christmas tour, Holiday & The Hits, an 18-city tour where the album will come to life alongside Turner’s most notable hits. Tickets available here.
Holiday & The Hits Tour Schedule:
11/18 Holland, MI – Holland Civic Center
11/19 Springfield, IL – University of Illinois PAC
11/20 Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
11/21 Rockford, IL – Coronado PAC
11/26 Panama City Beach, FL – Aaron Bessant Park
11/27 Memphis, TN – Soundstage at Graceland
11/28 Meridian, MS – MSU Riley Center
12/2 Prescott, AZ – Yavapai College PAC
12/3 Maricopa, AZ – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
12/4 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
12/9 Mt. Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
12/10 Riverside, IA – Riverside Casino
12/11 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
12/16 Midland, MI – Midland Center For The Arts
12/17 Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre
12/19 Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
12/20 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
12/21 Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium