David Fanning, a Nashville artist with ties to Limestone County, announced this week he will be embarking on a tour of rural Southern schools to promote music education.

Fanning’s campaign, called “#musicFIRST,” will take him to 30 towns and dozens of middle and high schools. The Ardmore native embarks on the tour next week, but will be coming to Limestone County in April and May.

“I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes when kids connect and get inspired by music,” said Fanning. “Most of the schools we visit are in rural areas with little to no access to live music. Bringing music to these small towns, to the kids who need it most, is something I believe in because I was that kid. And I’ve seen the power of music to inspire confidence and empower students to achieve great things.”

In each school, Fanning will meet with music teachers and school administrators to talk about the importance of supporting music education programs. He will also perform for students with a state-of-the-art stage system he uses in his current live shows.

After moving to Nashville several years ago, Fanning produced famous acts such as Thompson Square, Parmalee, and guitar-slinger Lindsay Ell with New Voice production team — including three No. 1 hits. Fanning’s own songwriting credits include cuts by such artists as those mentioned plus Tyler Farr, Tracy Lawrence, Scotty McCreery, Dylan Scott, Bonnie Tyler and a No. 1 hit for the Wolfe Brothers of Australia.

Fanning first garnered national attention as an artist with his country version of a Justin Timberlake song, which was endorsed by the Timberlake himself. Fanning released his debut MV2 Entertainment EP FIRST in September, which was co-produced with Ben Stennis.

Fanning co-wrote every song, including the title track, which was written with Cary Barlowe and Radney Foster.

For more information, visit www.davidfanningmusic.com.

David Fanning’s “#musicFIRST” tour will stop in Limestone County on the following dates (locations and dates subject to change):

April

21 West Limestone High School

May

4 Ardmore High School

5 Elkmont High School

10 Clements High School

12 Tanner High School