Granger Smith Plays Studio 4

When Granger Smith was 14 years old, his grandmother gave him a guitar, which he taught himself to play using the booklet inside the case, placing fingers on the fret board where the little dots in the diagrams told him to. Just one year later, he was performing with his guitar at Oprys all across North Texas.

In a whirlwind career driven by an astounding work ethic and a boundless energy, Granger has accomplished more than most artists twice his age and shows no signs of letting up any time soon. With five top ten singles under his belt, three shows at the White House, and two performances for President Bush himself, the native Texan certainly has a lot to show for his efforts. But his impressive track record extends far beyond the music charts. In an inspiring show of patriotism, Granger has done three tours of Iraq and Kuwait to play for American soldiers, as well as two tours of European bases. His song "We Bleed Maroon" has become a modern-day anthem for football fans at his beloved alma mater, Texas A&M, where he was a former Corps of Cadets member and undergraduate History student. And his self-built production company has not only provided him with complete creative control over his music, but also allowed him to evolve as an artist by experimenting with different sounds, instruments, and arrangements.

"If music can touch someone enough to raise their spirit," says the artist, "I believe that it can become contagious and the gesture will be returned back into society." Based on the enthusiasm and loyalty of his fans, it's safe to say that Granger has