News Summary
Eric Blankenship, a tour bus company co-owner in Nashville, realized his dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. After years in the industry, he debuted alongside The Isaacs, showcasing his talent. Blankenship’s journey has been defined by dedication to country music, earning him recognition for both transportation and music.
Nashville, Tennessee – Eric Blankenship, co-owner of a tour bus company in Middle Tennessee, achieved a long-cherished ambition by performing at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. His debut took place on April 29, 2023, when he shared the stage with the popular group The Isaacs, showcasing his musical talent after years of dedication to the country music scene.
Blankenship, who moved to Nashville in 1992, initially sought to build a career as a musician. Just six months after relocating, he landed a job selling merchandise for renowned country artist Ricky Skaggs. This opportunity marked a pivotal moment, as it introduced him to life on the road with a major act, solidifying his desire to be involved in the music industry.
Recognizing his passion for tour buses, Blankenship obtained a license to drive them while also selling merchandise and providing transportation for various artists, including Tim McGraw and Lari White. Despite the challenges of balancing his ambitions in music and the demands of the tour bus industry, Blankenship continued to pursue his singing career diligently. He returned to Nashville to refocus on his music and took a position with Music City Coach, which specialized in providing transportation to artists.
In 2005, Blankenship partnered with Jim Borelli to create All Access Coach Leasing in Gallatin, Tennessee. The company specializes in tour transportation for country music artists and boasts a fleet of nearly 40 buses. The service caters to prominent artists and successful country tours, including stars like Luke Combs, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Allison Krauss, and George Strait.
To accommodate artists’ needs, Blankenship and Borelli purchase bus shells, starting with just the driver’s seat, and customize them to fit individual specifications. The cost of these customized band buses can reach up to approximately $1.2 million, while luxury buses for artists may range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, depending on the features requested.
Throughout the years, Blankenship has often interacted with various artists through his successful bus company. During one such encounter, he shared his dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry with Ben Isaacs of The Isaacs. This conversation culminated in an invitation for Blankenship to debuted at the revered venue where country music legends perform.
During his official performance, Blankenship sang “Statue of a Fool,” with The Isaacs providing backup vocals. The significance of the night was heightened by the presence of his father, who watched from the front row. Following his performance, Blankenship received a standing ovation from the audience, making it a moment he described as “the most incredible thing” he had ever experienced.
After his performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Blankenship received his first ASCAP royalty check for a song he wrote, marking a significant milestone in his songwriting journey. Recently, he has returned to his hometown of Bonham, Texas, to open for country music legend Gene Watson, and he is scheduled to perform as an opening act for the Oak Ridge Boys in October 2023.
While Blankenship initially set out to make music his primary focus, he acknowledges that his flourishing bus company now provides financial stability, allowing him the freedom to perform without the burdens of economic stress. His journey illustrates the intertwining paths of ambition and career in the highly competitive landscape of the country music industry.
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