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TRACKS: Charlie Daniels to Headline Fourth of July Celebration at Martinsville

23 December 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

One of the most recognizable and talented entertainers in the country will headline The Third Annual Henry County and Martinsville Area July 4th Celebration at Martinsville Speedway.

Charlie Daniels, who has played for presidents and paupers and sold more than 18 million albums in his career, will be the centerpiece of this years Celebration.

This years Henry County and Martinsville Area July 4th Celebration is scheduled for July 3, and like the two previous events, admission will be free.

In addition to Charlie Daniels and the Charlie Daniels Band, the legendary beach music group, the Chairman of the Board, will perform.

"The committee working on this event has come up with a tremendous show this year," said Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell. "Charlie Daniels is a big, big name and we think he will appeal to an awful lot of people as will the Chairman of the Board."

Last years entertainers, Montgomery Gentry and the Drifters, drew a crowd of more than 30,000. That was about 2,000 more than the first year when the headline group was Confederate Railroad.

Charlie Daniels music defies labeling. Its part country, part rock with a strong dash of patriotism. His music isnt really about a style, but rather about the solid values Daniels believes in. He has always called his music "CDB music", music that is now sung around the fire at 4-H and scout camps, is hummed by housewives and construction workers and can be dialed up on radio stations from one end of the dial to the other.

"I used to say Im not an outlaw; Im an outcast," says Daniels. "When it gets down to the nitty gritty, Ive just tried to be who I am. Ive never followed trends or fads. I couldnt even if I tried. I cant be them; I can t be anybody but me."

Daniels has won every music award imaginable, including a pair of Grammys; single of the year (Devil Went Down To Georgia); instrumental group of the year twice; and touring band of the year twice. Hes also won the Academy of Country Music Awards Pioneer Award and the Living Legend Award, presented by the Music City News Awards.

"Im purely American music with something for everyone," he said. "At least thats what Ive hoped for in my 40-plus years in music."

In addition to an evening filled with music, the Third Annual Henry County and Martinsville Area July 4th Celebration will offer games for kids, food and drink vendors and a spectacular fireworks display to end the day.

"The first two years of this event were extremely well-received and we were thrilled to be a part of it," said Campbell. "We believe it is important to build on that success and make this years event even better. We think that s going to happen with Charlie Daniels and the Chairman of the Board."

Major sponsors for the event are still being lined up and will be announced later, along with additional entertainment and events.

Text Provided By Mike Smith

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.