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MUSIC PEOPLE
NEWS
MAY 2023 Volume 54 Number 5 Issue 639
Editor Duncan Warwick
Contributors David Allan , Janet Aspley , Donnie Ayers , Craig Baguley , Tony Byworth , Larry Delaney , Don Cusic , Julie Flaskett , Michael Hingston , Stan Hitchcock , Tony Ives , Sianna King , Spencer Leigh , John Lomax III , Bryce Martin , Adrian Peel , Paul Riley , Alex Rossi , Chris Smith , Tom Travis , Walt Trott , Jack Watkins New release consultant : Steve Tidbury
Assistant editor Kelly Gregory
Photographers Patricia Presley , Barry Dixon
Advertising Kelly Gregory - kelly . cmpcountry @ gmail . com
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A fter a country music career close to
a quarter of a century , Texas-based singer Granger Smith has announced he plans to quit country music to become a minister when his current Like A River Tour concludes later this year .
Posting on social media Smith said , “ This message is so difficult to post . The words for this caption are so hard to find . Not because I don ’ t believe in the truth of them , but because this marks the end of the longest era in my life ! Touring … 24 years of it .
“ This summer will be my last tour ,”
continued the singer who has also recorded as his alter-ego Earl Dribbles Jr . “ I am so encouraged and hopeful and excited and joyful about the next chapter , but to a large extent , I have no idea what it will look like . I just want to glorify God the best way that I can . I want to learn and grow and serve my local church and allow my pastors to equip and affirm those next steps . Lord willing , I want to be used to help people find their purpose .”
Smith ’ s tour is named after his 3-yearold son who perished in a drowning
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