Brantley Gilbert Headlines 'Chattanooga Unite: A Tribute On The River'

Brantley Gilbert Is #NoogaStrong

VALORY MUSIC CO. artist BRANTLEY GILBERT headlined YESTERDAY's (9/17) "CHATTANOOGA UNITE: A TRIBUTE ON THE RIVER" concert event benefiting the families of those who lost their lives in the shootings at a military recruiting center and NAVY-MARINE training center in CHATTANOOGA, TN in JULY (NET NEWS 7/20). Just days after the tragedy, GILBERT reached out to iHEARTMEDIA Country WUSY (US101)/CHATTANOOGA to begin plans for the benefit.

iHEARTMEDIA SVP/Programming GATOR HARRISON described the entire day as "Incredible and unforgettable. From SAMUEL L. JACKSON saying 'Wrong Town' to BRANTLEY's bold prayer to seeing all of CHATTANOOGA chanting 'U-S-A.' 'CHATTANOOGA UNITE' was lasting and important." HARRISON also told ALL ACCESS about a particular moment that touched him personally. "I had one of the family members [of the victims] grab my hand backstage, look deep into my eyes, and tell me, 'This is exactly what we needed, a celebration of their LIVES. Thank you,'" said HARRISON. "I just stood speechless and finally gave the thanks to BRANTLEY GILBERT and the glory to GOD." Check out images of the moving event here.

TRACE ADKINS, COLT FORD, and AARON LEWIS joined GILBERT at the event (NET NEWS 9/14), which grew from a small-town concept to a grand event with a reported 100,000-plus in attendance. The day of tribute included a parade, memorial service, church choir, BLUE ANGELS flyover, a special performance by HARRY CONNICK JR., and a fireworks display, all hosted by CHATTANOOGA-raised actor SAMUEL L. JACKSON. The highlight of the event for most in attendance was GILBERT's heartfelt version of his hit single, "One Hell Of An Amen," which he dedicated to those who lost their lives in the CHATTANOOGA tragedy.

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