Country Singers to Play Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan Rallies

Posted Oct 3rd 2012 9:30AM by Erin Duvall
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J. Scott Applewhite, AP

Various country singers are crossing party lines to support former Gov. Mitt Romney and Congressman Paul Ryan on their road to the White House. The Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins, Collin Raye, Jo Dee Messina, Lee Greenwood and Lorrie Morgan have all signed on to perform at events and rallies supporting the presidential and vice presidential hopefuls.

"We have been performing for Presidents since Ronald Reagan was in office," says the Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen. "When we were in Tampa last month for the RNC, we performed for our people and we will continue to do so as long as we are asked."

"I am honored to be able to perform before Gov. Romney," Collin adds. "I haven't delved into politics much in the past, but I felt it was time to help speak out and support the GOP during this campaign."

Lorrie Morgan performed today (Oct. 2) at an evening rally in Denver, Colo., before Romney addressed the crowd, while Jamie O'Neal took the stage at a daytime event in Henderson, Nev., prior to Mrs. Romney's speaking engagement. Additionally, Trace Adkins will appear at a rally in Virginia on Oct. 4.

The "Tough People Do" singer, who was hit at last month's Republican National Convention, doesn't mind if his song is used by the opposing party. "If a liberal politician is OK with the line, 'Tough people pull themselves up by the bootstraps when they hit hard luck / And they stay strong and keep fighting like they don't know how to lose,' -- if he believes that, then by all means, play the song!" Trace told USA Today.

Information about additional appearances is forthcoming.

See the Oak Ridge Boys Perform at the RNC