The Professional Bull Riders Association has formed a new record label, PBR Music, and signed its first artist, singer/songwriter and U.S. Army Combat Veteran Ryan Weaver.
Weaver will record music for the league and perform at its events as the Official Patriotic Voice of the PBR’s Celebrate America campaign, an initiative throughout the PBR season that honors American heroes, inspires youth and brings together local communities.
Weaver will make his debut in the primetime performance slot at the PBR World Finals at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Nov. 4 and 5. The PBR World Finals (Nov. 1 – 5) is the biggest global stage in professional bull riding, a growing sport now available in more than 400 million homes worldwide. The PBR will officially launch Weaver during championship week and debut his new EP, Celebrate America. Through PBR Music and the publishing company, Down in the Well, the PBR is serving as Weaver’s label and will feature Weaver’s songs, written for the sport and its fans, in upcoming events, marketing, digital and social media, and television broadcasts as the combat vet tours with the PBR at various event dates in 2018.
“Music has always been at the heart of the PBR experience, and Ryan Weaver represents the latest incarnation of our music strategy as PBR Music’s first artist,” said Sean Gleason, CEO, PBR. “Ryan is the real deal: an authentic American warrior turning concepts of service, sacrifice, and love of country into patriotic, foot-stomping country rock. We are privileged to associate with Ryan, and we believe he’ll connect with PBR fans along every stop of our Celebrate America tour.”
The son of a Marine, Weaver is a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot who lost a brother and brother-in-law in service, making them a two-time Gold Star family. He will be dedicating his PBR performances to his brothers, including songs like “Never Forgotten,” a tribute to his brother, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver, who is now enshrined in the Infantry Hall of Fame along with his brother-in-law Randy Billings, one of four family Army Aviators.
The first two songs on Weaver’s EP are currently available on iTunes and the remaining tracks will be released during the World Finals. “Get Up” was penned last year as a call to stand during the National Anthem, and “That’s What American Means to Me” is also available now. Proceeds from the CD sales at PBR World Finals will benefit charities aiding the families of fallen heroes.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to partner with a sport whose message aligns with mine,” Weaver said. “I hope that fans hearing my story and songs will be further inspired to love their communities and each other.”
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
