Eric Church’s “Carolina” Becomes an Anthem

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury across the southeastern United States, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the devastation. The storm inflicted approximately $60 billion in damages within the state, resulting in the tragic loss of 104 lives and leaving 26 individuals unaccounted for.

Communities were left in ruins, facing the daunting task of rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Amidst this adversity, country music star Eric Church, a native of Granite Falls, North Carolina, emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for his home state.

Eric Church is not just a country superstar but a proud North Carolinian who has always maintained a strong connection to his roots.

From his early days growing up in a small town to his rise as one of his generation’s most successful country artists, Church has always spoken fondly of his home state. When disaster struck, he wasted no time in stepping up to help his fellow North Carolinians rebuild and recover.

Let’s look at how Eric Chuch’s song has become an anthem!

Eric Church’s Musical Tribute to North Carolina

In a heartfelt gesture to support recovery efforts, Eric Church donated his 2009 song “Carolina” to Asheville’s latest tourism campaign titled “Be Part of the Comeback.”

This campaign aims to revitalize the local economy by encouraging tourism and showcasing the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

The advertisement features stunning visuals of North Carolina’s landscapes and local businesses, all set to the backdrop of Church’s evocative melody. The lyrics of “Carolina” appear on-screen, inviting viewers to experience the state’s unique charm and contribute to its rebuilding efforts.

For many, “Carolina” is more than just a song—it’s an anthem of homecoming, nostalgia, and the deep sense of pride that comes with being from the Tar Heel State.

Church’s decision to lend the song to this initiative reflects his commitment to helping his home recover. The campaign is designed to inspire people to visit and support local businesses that have struggled in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“Be Part of the Comeback” Campaign

The “Be Part of the Comeback” advertisement is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Explore Asheville, the city’s tourism organization. The campaign seeks to attract visitors to Asheville and the broader Western North Carolina region, thereby injecting much-needed revenue into the local economy.

By featuring local businesses offering food, drinks, art, culture, and history, the ad paints a vivid picture of the vibrant community awaiting visitors. Eric Church’s “Carolina” serves as the perfect auditory accompaniment, encapsulating the spirit and resilience of the Tar Heel State.

Tourism plays a crucial role in North Carolina’s economy, and Hurricane Helene significantly disrupted the industry. Many small businesses that relied on travelers were left struggling to stay afloat.

The campaign, bolstered by the Church’s contribution, serves as a rallying cry for people to rediscover the beauty and hospitality of North Carolina.

Local officials have praised the Church’s involvement, acknowledging that having such a high-profile artist championing their cause will greatly increase the campaign’s reach and impact.

Eric Church’s Commitment to Rebuilding

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A post shared by Eric Church (@ericchurchmusic)

Beyond his musical contributions, Eric Church has demonstrated a profound commitment to the physical rebuilding of North Carolina. He has pledged to construct 100 homes in Avery County and surrounding areas, focusing on long-term community restoration.

This initiative, known as “Blueprint for the Blue Ridge,” aims to provide stable housing for those displaced by the hurricane. Additionally, Church is involved in rebuilding schools and supporting local businesses to ensure sustainable development and job creation, further solidifying his dedication to his home state.

Rebuilding efforts have been slow and challenging, with many families still struggling to find permanent housing months after the storm. Church’s initiative is designed to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for those affected.

The homes built under the “Blueprint for the Blue Ridge” initiative are designed to withstand future storms, incorporating hurricane-resistant materials and infrastructure improvements to ensure lasting security.

Musical Contributions to Relief Efforts

In addition to “Carolina,” Church released “Darkest Hour (Helene Edit)” to honor and support Hurricane Helene victims. Although not originally written for this purpose, he dedicated all publishing royalties from this song to flood relief initiatives through his Chief Cares Fund.

This act of generosity underscores his unwavering support for the affected communities and highlights the power of music in healing and uniting people during times of crisis.

Church has long used his platform to advocate for causes close to his heart, and this latest effort is no exception. “Darkest Hour” has resonated with fans not only for its powerful lyrics but also for the message of hope it conveys.

Many North Carolinians have found solace in the song, using it as a reminder that even in their darkest hour, they are not alone.

Collaborative Relief Initiatives

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A post shared by Eric Church (@ericchurchmusic)

Recognizing the strength in unity, Eric Church teamed up with fellow country artist Luke Combs to organize the “Concert for Carolina,” a one-night event held on October 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The concert successfully raised over $24 million for hurricane relief efforts, showcasing the power of community and music in times of need.

The funds were distributed between Combs’ designated charities and the Church’s Chief Cares Foundation, ensuring comprehensive support for various aspects of the recovery process.

The concert featured performances from some of the biggest names in country music, each taking the stage to express their solidarity with the people of North Carolina.

Fans traveled from across the country to attend, knowing that their ticket purchase would directly contribute to rebuilding efforts. The event was not just a fundraiser but also a celebration of resilience, reminding North Carolinians of the strength they possess as a community.

Through these endeavors, Eric Church exemplifies the profound impact of community solidarity and the arts in fostering recovery and hope.

His unwavering dedication to his home state serves as an inspiring testament to the power of compassion and collective action in the face of adversity.

Other Celebrities who contributed to Hurricane Helene Relief

Here is a table summarizing the celebrities who have donated to Hurricane Helene relief efforts:

Conclusion

• Eric Church’s song “Carolina” is now featured in Asheville’s “Be Part of the Comeback” tourism campaign, aiming to revitalize the local economy by attracting visitors.
• He has committed to building 100 homes in Avery County and nearby regions through the “Blueprint for the Blue Ridge” initiative, focusing on long-term community restoration.
• Church released “Darkest Hour (Helene Edit)” with all royalties going to hurricane relief, demonstrating the power of music in healing and uniting communities.
• The “Concert for Carolina,” co-organized with Luke Combs, raised over $24 million for relief efforts, showcasing the strength of community and collaboration in times of need.
• Both artists will receive the 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award for their contributions, underscoring their unwavering support for disaster-stricken communities.

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