Craig Morgan: The Country Star Serving His Country and Soundtracking America
Craig Morgan isn’t your typical country music star. While his voice has filled stadiums and his songs have topped charts, his life has been equally defined by service in a different uniform. A multi-faceted artist and dedicated soldier, Morgan’s story is one of profound personal loss, unwavering patriotism, and a career that continues to resonate with authenticity. As he releases new music and advances his military career, Craig Morgan remains one of the most compelling figures in American music today.
In 2024 and 2025, Morgan has been at a unique crossroads, celebrating major milestones in both of his callings. He delivered a rousing National Anthem at the NFL Pro Bowl, released a deeply personal new EP, and achieved a significant promotion within the U.S. Army Reserve. This dual life isn’t a side note—it’s the core of who he is, informing the straight-talk honesty that defines his music and his public persona.
A Soldier’s Promotion and a Patriot’s Stage
Craig Morgan’s commitment to the military is a lifelong journey. After ten years of active duty, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve as his music career flourished. His dedication was formally recognized in early 2024 with a prestigious promotion.
| Event | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sworn in as Warrant Officer 1 | February 2024 | Achieved a high-level technical and tactical leadership rank in the Army Reserve. |
| National Anthem at NFL Pro Bowl | February 2024 | Performed for a national audience, blending his service and artistry. |
| Performance at CMA Fest | June 6, 2024 | Took the stage at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium during country music’s biggest party. |
This promotion to Warrant Officer is a testament to his nearly two decades of combined service with elite units like the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. In interviews, Morgan has shared that his reasons for re-enlisting are twofold: a deep love for his country and a desire to inspire others to serve, noting a meaningful jump in enlistments beginning in late 2024.
The Music: From Heartache to “American Soundtrack”
Morgan’s music has always drawn from the well of real life. In 2019, he released the heartbreaking single “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost,” written to process the grief of losing his son, Jerry. The song’s raw vulnerability created a powerful connection with fans who had experienced similar loss.
This authenticity carries into his latest project. On February 28, 2025, Morgan released a new EP titled American Soundtrack on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The project promises six songs infused with the genuine, everyman spirit he’s known for.
“You know, of course, knowing the heartache…” Morgan shared in a preview, hinting at the emotional depth fans can expect, while the title suggests a collection of songs that speak to the broader American experience.
Craig Morgan: The Essential Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Country Music Artist & U.S. Army Reserve Warrant Officer |
| Key Release | EP: “American Soundtrack” (Released Feb. 28, 2025) |
| Notable Single | “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” (2019) |
| Military Service | ~20 years total (Active Duty & Reserve), 101st & 82nd Airborne, Fire Support Specialist |
| Recent Honor | Promoted to Warrant Officer 1, U.S. Army Reserve (2024) |
Whether he’s playing a festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, or training with his unit, Morgan is described as “the real deal.” He sings about themes often co-opted for mere commercial appeal, but from a place of lived truth. His ability to balance the demands of a touring musician with the discipline of a soldier sets him apart in the entertainment industry.
Common Questions
What is Craig Morgan’s new EP called and when was it released?
Craig Morgan’s new EP is titled American Soundtrack. It was released on February 28, 2025, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The EP features six new songs.
What military rank does Craig Morgan currently hold?
As of February 2024, Craig Morgan was sworn in as a Warrant Officer 1 in the U.S. Army Reserve. Prior to this promotion, he served as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist.
Why did Craig Morgan re-enlist in the Army?
Morgan has cited two primary reasons for re-enlisting: a profound love for the United States and a desire to inspire others to serve. He has expressed pride in seeing an increase in enlistments, which he has helped encourage through his public platform.
What is Craig Morgan’s most personal song?
His 2019 single, “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost,” is widely considered his most personal and emotionally raw work. He wrote it about the grief following the death of his son, Jerry, and it has resonated deeply with fans who have experienced similar loss.