Singing the national anthem before Game 1 of the Yankees-Phillies World Series Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 (AP Photo/David J. Phillip).
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WE REACHED NUMBER 5 ON THE SEPT 25th CHART!
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Influences
We started the HERO FUND to raise awareness of SOWF and the importance of supporting our military and their families. It all started with the song HERO which I wrote as a tribute to a buddy who died in the fighting in Somalia. You may know of the battle from the book and movie "Blackhawk Down" . For those of us who make it out of something like that, you spend the rest of your life thanking the men on your left and your right. By the grace of God, they are the reason I am here today.
When you buy the CD "Flags of Our Fathers- A Soldier's Story" a portion of your money goes to the HERO FUND which donates those funds entirely to the SOWF.
These songs are for anyone who has ever put on the uniform and stepped into battle in defense of our nation. Your sense of duty and self sacrifice will always be appreciated.
Sounds Like
"Southern Fried Country" We strive to be country music's answer to John Cougar, Petty and the Heartbreakers. You, however, may think it sounds more like the Eagles and Skynard. Well we're fine with that too.
"Use the gifts you have been given. Do what feeds your spirit, because when you do, the world around you becomes a better place. And you have made a difference." You can see it in his eyes, you can hear it in his music; Keni Thomas can't hide his passion for living,and his mission in life is crystal clear.
Whether standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry or entertaining the troops in Iraq, the southern country-rocker is indeed using his God-given gifts to deliver a message through his words and his music. His undeniable charisma and tremendous talent as a singer, songwriter and performer have firmly established him as one of country music's brightest new stars.
"Thomas is an engaging vocalist and insightful songwriter with tons of personality onstage and off." commented Billboard Magazine
A dynamic live performer, Keni and his band, Cornbread, tour steadily both nationally and abroad opening for top artists like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Trace Atkins, Montgomery Gentry and Wynonna. They have traveled for years to the Middle East, volunteering their time as part of the USO's "Hope and Freedom" holiday show. Keni and Cornbread even made the jump to Hollywood as the featured band in the Disney/Touchstone blockbuster, "Sweet Home Alabama".
As a songwriter, Thomas is quickly gaining recognition nationwide for his talent. His southern fried scorcher, "Alabama Home" was chosen as the official theme song for Talladega Superspeedway and was used in all national TV spots for the 2007 season. And there's more in store. Like the haunting title track Keni wrote for the upcoming feature film "Circle on the Cross" premiering in 2009. Music Row will tell you that as a songwriter, "Thomas weaves a powerful spell with understated elegance".
Thomas is very proud of his appointment as the national spokesman for the Hero Fund (www.HeroFund.com) and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides college educations to the children of our special ops personnel killed in combat or training. A portion of all proceeds from Gunslinger will benefit the Hero Fund. Since its inception, the Hero Fund has helped provide for the educational needs of over 700 children.
The title of Keni's new album is really a statement of his mission; "I'm not so much a Gunslinger in the Wild West sort of way; but rather I've come to town to do something good. Instead of an M-4 rifle, I get to carry a Gibson now. Music is a powerful weapon. And that's how I'm making a difference."
When you buy this record, a portion of your money goes to the Hero Fund.
The New CD is now available NOW!
AS PROMiSED BY KENi:
Click below for your free download of "Not Me"....
JUST WANTED TO STOP BY AND SAY THANKS FOR MAKING "21 GUNS (FALLEN SOLDIER SONG)" THE # 1 SONG IN THE US ON IHEARTRADIO'S TOP 20 ON DEMAND CHART. I DO APPRECIATE IT. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVEN'T HEARD IT, CHECK IT OUT AT WWW.IHEARTRADIO.COM/NEW2/ARTISTS/BOBBYBILLINGS. THANKS AGAIN (ESPECIALLY TO ALL MY SOLDIER FRIENDS). BOBBY B
My Dear Keni, I want to apologize for not stopping in to wish you a Happy Veterans Day yesterday. I was sick in bed all day and never even turned my computer on. I would like to take the opportunity now to let you know that I deeply appreciate what you have done, and are doing, for our country. I can feel the love in your heart for our country every time I listen to my "Flags Of Our Father's" CD. So, I am a day late, but Happy Veterans Day to you my friend!
I just wanted to wish you a Happy Veteran's Day, and to say thank you for your service to our country. My simple "thank you" seems very inadequate to me, but it comes from my heart.
You did a beautiful job on the National Anthem. It was a very moving experience to listen to it being sung with such heart and conviction ... especially today ... especially from a soldier. It was an honor.
Keni, I can't know how it feels to have survived a battle like you and so many other of our brave soldiers have done, but I do know that we wouldn't have what we do if it weren't for you guys having those scars. You know we'd all love ya, Keni, even if you weren't a Vet; but from the bottom of my heart, to you and ALL the others: THANK YOU.
Happy Veterans Day Keni! Words cant sufficiently express my gratitude and admiration for you as well as every other man and woman who has ever put on a uniform and risked it all for our country! Thank You!
Happy Veteran's Day, Keni...words cannot express the gratitude we all feel for all you and others have done...and still do...for this country and for our freedoms.
Thank you...from the bottom of this blessed heart.
Great to hear from you Keni and it's fantastic to see the Yanks as world champs of baseball again.It was an incredible series that all started with your incredible national anthem.Have a tremendous week,Take care and God bless from William.
A long way from a small bar in Tampa...Sandy said it and I believed him...now its true...YOU ARE A "RAWK" star. hope to see you when you do your USO tour. (Taji Iraq) Enjoy the moment. You have been blessed with so many of them. Awesome job.
Keni, wow thanks so much for your comment back to me , means a lot to have you reach out to me too and u r my new rock star :) hope u play in nyc one day soon! xoxo
I saw this story and it reminded me of a similar situation with my youngins.
Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer. " "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman;
With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."
I am playing your video to all my friends who missed it on game day - you were amazing - thanks for singing so sweetly at Game 1 from your new fan in NYC :)
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