Louisiana native James Dupré’s eclectic career path has taken him from being a paramedic to a YouTube star to a Nashville singer-songwriter.

Dupré spent six years as a paramedic, but always harbored a love of music and singing. His musical aspirations got an early boost when a producer for The Ellen DeGeneres Show saw videos of Dupré’s cover songs on YouTube, which led to a performance spot on the show.

“I was just getting experience playing in bars and clubs around that time,” recalls Dupré. “I hadn’t been on local television, much less national television. She wanted me to be on the show the next week. It was a lot of fun. I dove in headfirst and it turned out really well. Music wasn’t a hobby for me anymore after that.”

Like many artist careers, Dupré’s has been filled with stops and starts. He moved to Nashville in 2011 and saw a deal on Warner Bros. Records come and go. Television brought another career opportunity last year. During Season 9 of The Voice, Dupré got a four-chair turnaround from the judges and joined Team Adam [Levine]. He made it to the knockout rounds on the show before getting eliminated. Though he didn’t win the competition, he says the experience was invaluable.

“I had just left a deal on Warner Bros., and someone asked if I wanted to try out for the show,” he says. “I said yes, and the relationships I made on the show with the other contestants, and getting to meet the coaches, was priceless. A mentor for Team Adam was John Fogerty, so that was a highlight, getting to work with him.”

James Dupre with MusicRow staff.

Dupré co-wrote seven of the tracks on his latest independent album, Stoned To Death, along with writers including Jessi Alexander, Travis Meadows, Adam Wright, Jeff Hyde, Scooter Carusoe, and more.

Stoned To Death was produced by Jordan Lehning, son of producer Kyle Lehning (Randy Travis).

During a visit to the MusicRow office, Dupré previewed the project with a three-song performance, including “Green Light,” “Hurt Good,” and the title track.

“I first heard this song and was blown away by the lyrics,” said Dupré of “Stoned to Death.” “It reminded me of the hard-core country songs that I grew up listening to. I think Jordan did a phenomenal job on the production, and we liked it so much that we made it the title track. A title like that catches people’s attention and it’s a little dark for a title, but I kind of like it that way.”

In his review of the track, MusicRow‘s Robert K. Oermann wrote, “The title tune of Dupré’s upcoming album can be previewed on his website. And I urge you to do so. This is a singer who exudes charisma with every note. The song is stupendously well-written, boasting both perfectly executed turns of phrases and a beautifully swelling melody. Lehning’s slowly building production bonfire is magnificent. Sign me up for the fan club. Now.”

Trace Adkins. Photo: Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry has a special show set for May 24 to celebrate the USO’s 75th anniversary.

The lineup includes Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels Band, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more, including the MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band making its third appearance on the Opry stage.

Prior to the show, special guest U.S. veterans will be welcomed to the Opry House by artists and fans during a red carpet arrival parade. Participating veterans will represent service members who have served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror and have returned to support other service members as USO volunteers.

The public is invited to be a part of the red carpet arrivals outside the Opry House beginning at 5:45 p.m. The evening’s Opry performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

“All of us at the Opry are ever-thankful for the men and women we will be recognizing on May 24,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “It’s the perfect night to show in word and song our appreciation to those who have served our country, and in particular those who have returned to strengthen America’s military as USO volunteers.”

The USO’s partnership with the country music industry dates as far back as the early 1940’s, when Gene Autry traveled to the Pacific and toured with a group of USO performers. Following in his footsteps and beginning what is now a long-standing tradition, stars of the Grand Ole Opry began touring with the USO in 1949. Among some of the earliest faces to participate in USO tours were Red Foley, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Roy Rogers, among others.

MusiCorps is a music rehabilitation program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center that helps severely wounded warriors play music and recover their lives. The MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band’s Opry appearance is made possible by Humana, presenting sponsor of the Grand Ole Opry.

The USO (United Services Organization) is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Its programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of corporate partners and the dedication of volunteers and staff.

Charlie Daniels will be joined by friends Kid Rock and Larry the Cable Guy at his 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam on Nov. 30.

The concert will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Tickets go on sale Friday (May 13) at 10 a.m. Prices start at $25. Three additional performers will be announced in the coming months.

Daniels, a 2016 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, will turn 80 on Oct. 28.

“This year, I combined two milestones, my 80th birthday and the Volunteer Jam. It’s pretty amazing that we’re both alive and kicking and still going strong. Ain’t it good to be alive and be in Tennessee?” said Daniels.

A portion of the proceeds from the night will go to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager David Corlew to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam is produced by Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts in association with David Corlew & Associates and Webster & Associates.