| ARLINGTON, Va. – Mississippi lyricist David Banner signs up with USO and prepares to fly to the Persian Gulf, where he will kick back with troops and unleash a host of hi-octane performances as part of a week-long USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. Known for his lyrical ability, roaring tracks and b-boy stance, Banner will visit multiple military posts, shake hands with hundreds of service members and extend America’s support.
Influenced by UGK, Sun-Ra and The Police, Banner was exposed to all kinds of music while growing up south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Blending old-school sensibility with new-school grooves, he has laid down tracks for some of today’s biggest stars like T.I. and Trick Daddy. A man of many talents and no shortage of compassion, Banner is also a fixture in the charitable community and was awarded the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ Visionary Award in ’06 for helping raise millions of dollars in relief funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“There’s nothing I enjoy more than giving back and expressing my thanks to those serving our nation,” said Banner. “I am honored to travel with the USO and feel privileged to do what I do everyday. Regardless of your political affiliation or viewpoint on the war, our soldiers work hard and have paved the way to where we are today.”
A former member of Mississippi’s Crooked Lettaz, Banner is part of the dirty south music revolution. Involved in the industry since ‘99, his past hits include “Like A Pimp” and “Play.” In July 2008, he released his fifth studio album “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” which yielded club-bangers’ “Get Like Me” with Young Joc and “Speaker” with Lil’ Wayne. Transitioning from the studio to the big screen, he also appeared in “Black Snake Moan” with Samuel Jackson, “This Christmas” starring Chris Brown and “Days of Wrath” featuring Laurence Fishburne.
The USO relies on the generosity of the American public and its volunteers to support its vital work around the globe. The most visible volunteers comprise celebrity entertainers, who render their time and talents to enhance the quality of life of service members and boost troop morale. Entertainers who recently participated on USO tours include Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler, Lewis Black, Zac Brown, Tichina Arnold, the Ying Yang Twins and Curt Schilling.
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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.
Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, Blackwater Worldwide, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Clear Channel Communications, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, S & K Sales Co., and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.
For a list of recent USO tours visit http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/entertainment. To find out how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.
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