Stephen Cochran

Cochran is a defiantly life-sized, superstar next door; a combat veteran with a penchant for delivering when the curtain goes up. His songs mellow familiar country genres into appealing current blends. In 2009, Stephen was a spokesperson for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Research and Development. The VA and Cochran collaborated to produce a music video for Veterans who need help. In 2010, Stephen was named a spokesperson for the national “Buy Veteran” campaign. This campa...

Cochran is a defiantly life-sized, superstar next door; a combat veteran with a penchant for delivering when the curtain goes up. His songs mellow familiar country genres into appealing current blends. In 2009, Stephen was a spokesperson for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Research and Development. The VA and Cochran collaborated to produce a music video for Veterans who need help. In 2010, Stephen was named a spokesperson for the national “Buy Veteran” campaign. This campaign is a rapidly growing nationwide movement to support veteran-owned businesses and promote veteran supplier diversity. He was raised in Nashville’s songwriting and recording community. His Dad, Steve Cochran, a songwriter and artist with regional success in the early 90’s helped fuel his passion to study the music of country greats such as Bobby Bare and the late Del Reeves who are just a few of Cochran’s early influences. Cochran focused on cultivating his interest in music with roots in Nashville, Tennessee. Later, he honed his craft during his college days at Western Kentucky University with an Epic Records development deal. He worked his way through school by writing and playing guitar. Stephen was deeply affected by the events on September 11th, 2001, and felt a strong desire to serve his country so he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. He quickly moved his way up the ranks and became a Sergeant for the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion; 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. His heroism during this time earned him two Purple Hearts. While on combat patrol, Sergeant Cochran was injured leaving his back broken and his legs paralyzed. Stephen was told he would never walk again and was sent home to America. Once he arrived back to the U.S. the search for a solution began. Finally, after a long struggle, Cochran’s ability to walk was restored. Doctors at the Nashville VA Medical Center performed an experimental procedure called kyphoplasty. After an extensive rehabilitation, Stephen was able to return to an active lifestyle. As part of his recovery Cochran refocused his energy on Country music. He teamed up with other Country music artists and began performing with John Rich and the MuzikMafia around Nashville. In 2007, he began Armed Forces Entertainment tours of the Middle East, scores of benefit appearances on behalf of his fellow veterans, and constant roadwork in support of his acclaimed, self-titled debut album. In November of 2008, Cochran appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America to promote the second annual ‘Salute to the Troops’ benefit concert. In 2009, the VA asked Stephen to be the face of their research and development efforts. Cochran wrote their theme song titled ‘Hope’, which is being used in the VA Hospital’s national campaign to help Veterans. The VA Hospitals and patients are the backdrop of the music video. In 2010, Stephen Cochran was named a spokesman for The Buy Veteran Movement. We trust veterans and want to thank them for bravely serving our country. Then let’s support the 3 million American businesses owned by military veterans. Buy Veteran. Give them your business. It’s a great way to thank them for defending our country. It’s simple. If you see the Buy Veteran Badge on a website, store front or business card, then say thanks by doing business with them. It’s focus is to bring attention to Veteran causes. The ‘Buy Veteran’ campaign is a national movement that lets everyday, Main Street, consumer-facing veteran-owned businesses in every city to capitalize on the trust and gratitude of the country they protected to help their businesses grow.