NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts / Webster PR) - Country music star
Chely Wright had a personal story to share and in an unexpected and inspiring response, radio, the media and fans are listening.
More than sixteen months ago, Chely Wright wrote the song 'Bumper of My SUV.' '...SUV' is the true story of an unfortunate exchange between Chely and female motorist who demonstrated her negative reaction to a Marine Corps sticker that appeared on the bumper of Chely's SUV. The incident drove Chely to write a song that clearly depicts our nation's need to support our troops regardless of political views.
During her recent visit to the Middle East, Chely performed 'Bumper of My SUV' for the very first time in front of thousands of military persons stationed in Kuwait and Iraq. After performing six shows, Chely received a poignant and impassioned pleas to record it and send it back to the AFN to allow them to hear it over and over again.
Chely made a promise and upon her return to Nashville, she recorded 'Bumper of My SUV' and immediately sent it to the AFN Radio - Iraq. Responses have been overwhelming. One Sergeant Major wrote in response to the song, 'Ms. Wright's moral courage and inner strength as reflected in her music has really helped put our fight into perspective.' A Marine Corps Wife wrote, 'I heard the song and I broke into tears. Finally a song that says do not judge me... I am proud to be an American and whether I support the war or not... I still support my military.' And today, some how, the single has unexpectedly returned to the states.
Making an unscheduled debut on some US radio stations, Wright's 'Bumper of My SUV' has recently appeared the charts. Stations across the country are playing the song to meet the explosive requests from listeners.
'We have not seen a reaction like the on from Chely's song in the 11 years we have been in San Diego.' - Tony & Kris, KUSS/ San Diego, CA
- 'This song is BLOWING up phone lines in Daytona!' – Jeff Davis/WGNE Daytona, FL
- 'Yes, we have played it... and every time we do get an absolutely incredible response. We're going to continue playing it' — Joel Burke, KYGO Denver, CO
'One spin, dozens of calls. Chely's writing is so dead-on with what's happening right now. This song is important.' — Brian Jennings, KZKX Lincoln, NE
USA Today picked up on the buzz surrounding '...SUV': "...the Internet is buzzing with political songs and get-out-the-vote pleas that span the political spectrum. Among the songs grabbing attention Rapper Eminem's Mosh & Country singer Chely Wright weighs in with the middle-of-the-road Bumper of My SUV."
The single has already garnered impressive pre-sale orders (via Chely's web site). In just five days, over 1,200 units have been sold and her web page has had more than 470,000 hits over the last week.
'I have been touring overseas in support of our troops since the beginning of my career. I recorded the song for the troops as part of my continued commitment to them and my intention was really to meet and respond to their request. It was recorded as a personal gesture, not as a commercial product. I am thrilled it made it from Nashville to Baghdad and back to the states and I'm pleased this song has touched so many,' says Wright.
In light of the reaction and demand, Wright will donate half of the proceeds from the sale of the single to Stars for Stripes, a non-profit organization that provides entertainment to deployed U.S. troops in remote areas. The organization recently sponsored a trip for Wright and her band to Iraq and Kuwait where she first performed 'Bumper of My SUV.'
The single will be available in stores such as Wal*Mart, Tower Records, Best Buy, Borders Books and Music, K-Mart, and other retail outlets beginning November 9. In addition the single can also be purchased online at www.bumperofmysuv.com.
In the coming weeks Wright is scheduled to perform for troops across the nation. In early November, she will perform at two Marine Corps Balls in Kansas City and San Diego. In December, Chely will perform at the 'Just a Phone Call Away' benefit concert in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. The concert is a benefit for troops in Iraq and their families.
To hear Chely Wright's personal story behind the song, visit www.chelysingle.com.
For More information visit www.chely.com or www.bumperofmysuv.com.
