Sadly, the heat index reaching near 100 degrees proved to be a fatality for one Rock Solid, Inc. security guard. Fred Stapleton succumbed to the heat on Friday, June 11, collapsing during his night shift. Stapleton was 33. A trust has been set for the family at Suntrust Bank in his daughter’s name.
The CMA Artists For Fred Stapleton Memorial Concert has also been organized and will be held tomorrow, Thursday, July 1 at Mercy Lounge. Stephen is one of several artists who are confirmed to play this benefit. Other artists on the bill include Katie Armiger, The Harters, Amy Acklyn, Kenny Duncan, Cold Truth, Red Stone, as well as a few special guests!
Stapleton had been part of the Rock Solid Security family since 2003 and was proud to be part of the CMA Music Festival event that revived a city after the historic flood that tore through middle Tennessee on May 1 and 2. He will be dearly missed. Fans are invited to come out to Mercy Lounge to join this celebration for life and to help the daughter Stapleton left behind.
Doors to open 6 PM, with the concert beginning at 7 PM. To purchase tickets for the benefit OR to inquire about sending donations, please call 615.254.4357.
All funds raised during the event will be placed in the Lindsay A. Stapleton trust.
For all the latest updates on Stephen, please visit his NEW official artist website at www.stephencochranmusic.com!
Please send all booking requests for STEPHEN COCHRAN to NCO Booking at booking@stephencochranmusic.com.
Please forward all media inquiries for STEPHEN COCHRAN to Estella at info@starcountrymedia.com.
About Stephen Cochran:
With a Music Row pedigree, a soldier’s sense of purpose and a lifetime’s worth of stories, Stephen Cochran exploded onto the country music scene in 2007 with his critically-acclaimed, self-titled debut album that captured the hearts of fans, critics and a lot of everyday heroes. Following the debut release, “Friday Night Fireside,” subsequent singles included “Thinkin’ I’m Drinkin’” and most recently, “Walmart Flowers.”
Though his music career achievements have been great, the fact that this singer/songwriter conquered the many challenges new artists often face with 4 pounds of cement in his back is most admirable. A proud member of the Marine Corps., Stephen came home from a 2004 back injury acquire while fighting for our country in the war against Iraq and Afghanistan. Like most war veterans, Cochran also suffers from far more than physical injuries. He has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor’s guilt. Anyone who has seen combat or suffered a terrifying physical or emotional event is most likely to have PTSD. The disorder causes the person who survived these events to have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories, or flashbacks, of the ordeal.
Bed-stricken for nine months, Cochran passed each day by writing songs as he recovered from his injuries. In spite of his injuries, Cochran maintains an utmost respect for the Marine Corps. “I love the Marine Corps. Everything they did for me structured my life and gave me the drive to know that I can do anything I want to do.”
Every step along the way to building one of country music’s most promising careers and living the nonstop touring life of an entertainer, Cochran has always taken time to leverage his newfound celebrity status to benefit his fellow veterans. Working closely with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is only one of the ways Stephen continues to keep veterans informed of innovative tools and therapy. “The way I was raised was to be thankful to this country for being able to do our dream, and my dream is music. My Military brothers and sisters and their families have sacrificed so much for this great country, and it’s an honor and a privilege to do whatever I can whenever I can to salute them and to help them.”













