Soldier Up

Singer/Songwriter and Soldier Darby Ledbetter is no stranger to taking chances. With five deployments to the Middle East, along with his recent return from his second combat tour in Iraq, Darby is ready to get back in the saddle and is more than ready to dig back into his second passion. Darby's passion for music and entertaining is only surpassed by his passion for serving his country. Darby, a Chief Warrant Officer in the Texas Army National Guard serves at Camp Mabry in Austin. Sponsored by the National Guard, a song written and performed by Darby, 'I Won't Let My Guard Down', was launch as a national advertising campaign for the National Guard and was featured in movie theaters across the country. He toured all over America in support of the National Guard Recruiting and Retention Program. The video recently was honored by winning the entertainment category at this years Emmy awards. Growing up in the west Texas town of Midland, Darby was surrounded by music. It seemed everyone he knew had a band, including Darby's brother, who now plays drums for Darby while touring. It was the Eagles and Elks Lodges where Darby cut his teeth playing Friday and Saturday nights while the crowd dance. Later it was on to the Texas night clubs running up and down the roads playing where ever he could.'There ain't nothing like a big ole' Texas dance floor and great music', Darby says. After high school, Darby joined the service and off he went to defend our nation any way he could and has done so with honor and pride. Darby is a man that believes in working hard. With a full touring schedule, working full time in the Texas National Guard, being a devoted father, raising money for his charity 'The Wounded Warrior Project', along with all everything else life can throw at someone, Darby somehow manages to balance it all out. With a high energy show and armed with a brand new record packed full of rocking' songs like 'Soldier Up' and 'Red, Hot, Smokin' & Country' and soulful songs like 'It's Alright to Run' and 'Follow Me Around', Darby's album is reviewed by critics to be 'A MUST HAVE'. ' Watch out for this kid' says long time friend and hit songwriter, Buddy Brock (Water Mellon Crawl, Ain't Nothing Wrong With The Radio), 'He is a American patriot and true talent'.