Artist to Watch: Danny Gokey

American Idol alum turned country newcomer Danny Gokey followed some quality career advice when it came time for him to choose what musical path to take. It was the encouragement of Randy Travis, who served as a mentor during the eighth season of the popular reality show, that helped Danny decide. Now, Gokey is enjoying watching his debut single “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” climb the country charts and has a prime opening slot on super duo Sugarland’s Incredible Machine tour, but things have not always been so good for the singer. In fact, Danny has traveled a long road in his 30 years to just get to this point.

Long before Gokey experienced the bright lights and television cameras of Idol, he grew up the fifth of six children to parents who loved a diverse spectrum of music. Like many singers, Danny sang in church. He even worked in the music departments at two churches all the while logging long hours a driver of an eighteen-wheeler. It was Gokey’s wife Sophia who first inspired her husband to try out for a spot on American Idol, but before he could do so, Sophia passed away unexpectedly after heart surgery. Overwhelmed by grief Danny turned to music to help him heal from the pain of losing his longtime love and he moved forward with his Idol audition.

With his third place finish on American Idol behind him, Danny worked hard to make his debut album a project filled with songs that make a difference in people’s lives just like music has done for him. The result is My Best Days which was released in March. Gokey has also set up Sophia’s Heart, an organization that helps provide instruments and music education for kids, in his wife’s honor. Danny is off to a great start with “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” following in the footsteps of past American Idol contestants that have made their mark so far in country music.

Image courtesy of Sony Music Nashville

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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