Granger Smith ’02 is well-known for capturing the Spirit of Aggieland in writing and recording his serenade to Texas A&M University, “We Bleed Maroon.” Now the Austin, Texas, resident is serving as an embodiment of the Aggie Core Values to many individuals in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina who were severely affected by Hurricane Helene.
Working in conjunction with the non-profit organization HopeFound, Granger is bringing essential supplies and support — including Starlink communications kits, water filtration systems, chainsaw oil, propane, medical supplies and everyday essentials — to devastated areas. “We’re going into places where there is no infrastructure left,” he said. “We’re fully autonomous and will be searching for those most in need.”
HopeFound is a nonprofit organization that “helps people who seem stuck in hopeless situations” by collaborating with them and teaching them to recognize and utilize the resources that they have at their command.
Additionally, Granger — who stepped away from the music business in 2023 — released his final album, "Like A River - The Farewell Tour (Live),” on Oct. 18. Recorded during his final performance at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth in 2023, the album’s proceeds are dedicated to hurricane relief efforts through the River Kelly Fund. This fund, which honors Granger and his wife Amber Smith’s son River, who died in 2019 in a drowning accident, invests in numerous causes, such as first-responder and military assistance, children in need, wildlife preservation, and arts and education.
Changing Gears
Best known for his stellar 24-year country music career that resulted in multiple awards, platinum record sales and an engaged fan base that now numbers more than 12 million on social media, Granger decided to hang up his guitar in 2023 to embark on a new path: the ministry.
His new chapter builds upon his successful Granger Smith Podcast, started in 2017, in which he discusses the importance of faith, family, music and nature as well as his Christian worldview that is grounded in integrity, honor, truth and restoration. Granger’s decision also coincided with the 2023 publication of his book honoring his late son, “Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache,” which became a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller.
Granger, who is pursuing a master’s degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, told USA Today that he plans to use his ministry to serve his family’s local church and, along with Amber, assist other parents who are facing similar painful experiences. He also plans to continue authoring books and speaking at events such as The Hope Conference, held in College Station in October.
Finding A Historical Reference
Granger’s family has a rich and deep history in Aggieland. His maternal grandmother and uncles have called College Station home, while his father, the late Chris Smith ’74, studied at what was then called the College of Business.
Both Granger and his brother Parker ’16 followed in their father’s footsteps. While Parker studied agricultural economics, Granger opted to pursue a degree in history, following a passion that was first sparked by a history professor he had while he was a sophomore at Blinn College. Additionally, both brothers participated in Company E-2 of the Corps of Cadets.
Granger also launched his music career while he was a freshman at Texas A&M by recording an album. That first effort sold enough records to land Granger a songwriting deal with EMI Music Publishing in Nashville — a milestone moment that launched his music career.
As a result, Granger and Parker, along with their brother Tyler, have built a strong business model around Granger’s music career and his brand, which is focused on a deep commitment to faith, family and traditional American values. The brothers collaborated to create YeeYee Apparel in 2015, as well as the podcast, YouTube presence and book.
Thanks to my positive exposure to history at Texas A&M, history classes are still some of my favorites at seminary. There is nothing new under the sun. History always returns in repeating echoes, so no matter the arena of life, we learn history to better understand the present.
While Granger said his history degree didn’t necessarily inform his music career, he taps into his coursework to support these creative ventures. For example, he credits the intensive writing required as a history major for being instrumental in writing songs and authoring his book. “I’ve always been a better writer than a multiple-choice tester,” Smith said. “Writing essays in history classes was definitely grease to the wheel.”
He also remains fascinated by the Depression and World War II, which forged a generation of Aggies who proudly served the U.S. military and the world.
As this new chapter in his life takes shape, Smith relies on a love for history and its lessons to chart a path forward. “Thanks to my positive exposure to history at Texas A&M, history classes are still some of my favorites at seminary,” Smith said. “There is nothing new under the sun. History always returns in repeating echoes, so no matter the arena of life, we learn history to better understand the present. The Lord, without a doubt, cultivated in me an interest in history that started at Texas A&M and continues throughout my travels as I teach the Bible and share my Christian faith.”