“I do it for the love of my family, for the love of my friends,
for the love of my country, but mostly for the love of God. Without God,
I wouldn’t be here.”
If this doesn’t sum up the roots of a down-to-earth country boy like
Colton James, nothing will.
Colton’s country roots run deep, and were developed at a young age.
What started as a truck ride to the fishing hole became a lifestyle. In
the front seat of his father’s truck, Colton was treated to legends like
George Jones, Keith Whitley, George Strait, and Merle Haggard. Both of
his grandmothers played piano and organ, and his singing pipes come from
his mother. “She has a beautiful voice and always sang with happiness,
heart, and sincerity in church,” Colton recalls.
Over the years, Colton has perfected his songwriting and guitar
playing skills resulting in opening for Toby Keith, Mark Chestnut, Chris
Cagle, Joe Nichols, the Dixie Chicks, Lonestar, Keith Anderson, and
Trick Pony. His most memorable performance was when he opened for Jason
Aldean at Little Creek Amphibious Base, because it was here that 16,000
fans heard him play “Brave Men,” a powerful tribute to American troops.
Colton’s moving lyrics earned him a standing ovation that night. “These
men and women do something incredible for us. They deserve being
recognized for the sacrifice they make and this is my small way of
letting them know how much we appreciate them.”
Colton’s passion to help his country and community doesn’t stop with
the military. He also shows his support for families, and victims
battling cancer. Colton was given a flyer for a benefit put on by Kelly
McCann, the manager of Towne Bank, for a local resident named Diane
Stokle who was battling breast cancer. After hearing her story Colton
put himself in her family’s shoes and imagined what he would do if it
was his wife, mother, grandmother, or children battling the disease.
Being the family man and husband he is, Colton, “felt compelled to do
something about it.” Colton sat down with renowned songwriter and
founder of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) and
within an hour wrote “What Keeps Her Strong.” Colton says, “It was a
gift from God that I awakened that night with the idea of ‘What Keeps
Her Strong.’” Colton had the opportunity to sing the song to Diane
before she passed away in May 2009. He remembers her smiling and not
letting her battle keep her from living life to the fullest. Colton has
been blessed with the opportunity to sing “What Keeps Her Strong” during
The Race for the Cure, and for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Colton is currently working with producer Steve Sturm (best known for
working with Travis Tritt for 12 years) on his new album that will
feature “Brave Men” and “What Keeps Her Strong.” His motto of “101 Proof
Country,” is reflected in his country roots, strong sense of family, and
his infectious ability to make everyone around him have a good time.
