For many recording artists, success is measured by sales and awards, but for country recording artist Matt Snook, the opportunity "To perform for those in need, is the ultimate reward in what I do.”
Born and raised in Edgerton, Missouri, Snook’s musical abilities were apparent at an early age. He began singing in church at the age of three. At six years old, he entered the North Platte High School talent contest, singing “Let the Sunshine In”....and used the first place prize money to open a savings account. Through his early school years, he could be heard in recitals and shined as a hillbilly character known as "Lum" in a middle school play. Through these early years, Snook fondly remembers road trips with his parents traveling to Country Music Theaters across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. “My parents never pushed - just encouraged, which made it fun!"
Snook’s journey as a songwriter began at 13 after receiving his first Fender guitar. He wrote four of the songs on his first project. The project was Produced and Engineered by Kevin Jones (Member of the North Town Opry) with cousin Chasity Jones singing background vocals. The album sold 500 copies in its first three months Shortly thereafter, Snook formed his first band called "Silverado" and became a staple in the regional bar circuit as a teenager.
Despite a desire to pursue commercial goals in Nashville, Snook opted to stay local and play basketball for William Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri. He continued playing Country Music Theaters and Bars through college, honing skills in musicianship, performance, and writing. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, not sure whether to take the leap to Nashville and now engaged to his high school girlfriend Stephanie, Matt took a job in construction as a caulker/cleaner in the bricklayers union. At the mention of a high school classmate, Snook joined locally based Sprint as a Network Operation Specialist in 1997 and in 2001, became one of the first 20,000 Certified Project Management Professionals in the world.
Matt and Stephanie had their first son Austin, in September of 1999 and the discussion around how to best support the family and pursue passions, were a common topic at the dinner table. Matt was very proud of the family he was building and loved working for Sprint, but the pursuit of creating and performing music never left his heart. The decision was to remain in KC for now, but Snook made frequent weekend trips to Nashville cultivating relationships in writing and performance.
In 2004, Snook entered the Colgate Country Showdown as a solo artist and made it to the State Level. The next year, he entered the competition as a full band supported by the Dixie Cadillacs and performed again at the State Level in front of 26,000 strong at Trails West in St. Joseph, MO. Contests seemed to be a good way to gain exposure. In 2005, Snook entered Season 3 of Nashville Star. He made it to the final 24 contestants, but Snook was edged out in the final casting decision by the eventual 2nd place winner Jason Meadows.
In 2008, a simple message request received via MySpace changed Snook's career path forever. "I was asked to sing the National Anthem in McKinney, TX for America's Huey 091 Foundation sponsored by American Airlines." The afternoon's highlight was the donation of the first IBOT to Eric Jordan. Snook began discovering that his musical talents, calm demeanour, genuine empathy and honesty, were great trait matches in supporting those that support us all.
In 2009 after focusing on music full time for a couple years, Snook formed VandelSnook with fellow local musician Phil Vandel. Snook knew Phil from the Opry circuit and began sitting in with the Dixie Cadillacs after they helped support him in the Colgate Country Showdown. VandelSnook was invited by America’s Huey 091 and American Airlines to volunteer for an Easter Holiday overseas tour for the troops in Iraq where they performed at 3 FOB's (Forward Operating Bases) a day for 7 straight days. "I remember In Balad, we had power issues that jeopardized our performance, so we just said no problem and acoustically performed table to table at the outdoor DFAC (Dining Facility). Those memories are priceless and I am blessed to have those opportunities." It wasn't long after returning home that the duo found themselves with another opportunity to travel back to Iraq for Thanksgiving. Fan and professional golfer, Tom Watson introduced them to Rick Kell and The Troops First Foundation. Snook was back in Iraq performing for service men and women on stages throughout the desert. To top the year off, VandelSnook was asked by American Airlines to perform at Balboa's Medical Hospital in San Diego on Christmas Day for about a dozen service men and women who couldn't make it home. "I remember thinking, what an opportunity. And I married a woman that shares me with strangers on Christmas Day! I am a lucky guy."
At the urging of his ten year old son in August of 2010 in a car ride to football practice and a later conversation at the dinner table, The Snooks decided to move as a family to Nashville. "I remember hashing out scenarios where I might move by myself and get an apartment and travel back and forth, but we decided to if we were going to do it, we'd do it together. Austin was a rock star for handling the changes in scenery, making new friends at a new school and Westin gained a southern drawl that only Sam Elliott could appreciate. Another vivid memory I have, was how my heart leapt as I saw the ears on the batman building as we pulled into town." In Music City, Snook continued his work as a solo artist and continued aiding the troops and their families. Snook partnered with the Troops First Foundation and traveled to Afghanistan to perform for our men and women for Thanksgiving. Snook grew his military network of friends by volunteering during the holidays for Skyball and Snowball Express – raising money and volunteering for a 5-day event supporting the military’s gold star families.
Not long after moving to Nashville, Matt was offered a publishing deal with Ten Ten Music Group, but the company ceased due to a divorce at the helm. Later in 2012, Matt was offered another publishing deal with Flat Earth Music, but unfortunately the same result occurred without Matt ever getting to sign. While in Nashville, Matt volunteered for Musicians On Call, St. Judes, Salute to the Troops and many other purposes close to his heart. The Troops First Foundation remained a close partner and sponsored Matt to bring him to Walter Reed and many other events during the holidays. He was commonly asked to perform our National Anthem for his emotional and respectful delivery. Matt jokingly says when asked, "Heck yeah, I know all the words." He has performed America's song over 1,000 times and most notably for Snowball Express' Gold Star Families, Military Spouse of the Year Award, Golf's US OPEN and for Professional Sporting Events.
During his 5 year stint in Nashville, Snook recorded 3 EP's. The first project was recorded at the Sound Shop on Music Row with Garth Brook's Engineer (Mike Bradley) turning knobs and members of the supergroup Alabama (Teddy Gentry and Charles English) helping out as well. "It was so interesting watching Teddy listen to the rough track and then go play it in the studio. No charts, just ears." The latter two projects were recorded in Studio Red in Hendersonville, TN. "I was blessed to have so much support in Music City and will always cherish the talent I got to soak up there."
In 2017, NBC's The Voice reached out for a private audition. Matt joined Season 7, but did not get a chance to sing for the coaches. He thankfully got invited back for Season 8 and eventually landed a spot on Team Blake in 2015. Although Snook's Blind Audition was well received to a standing ovation in the studio audience, his performance was montaged and not seen by his fans. However, the exposure shifted when Matt's Battle round vs. Cody Wickline was viewed by over 12 million viewers as Snook's journey ended. "I was honored to watch my Battle Round after a day performing at Walter Reed with some of my Veteran friends in D.C. I'm very thankful for all the great people I met on the show. It was an awesome experience!"
After The Voice adventure, Matt moved back to Kansas City and continued to deliver high quality performances at a few local venues, regional festivals and national events - including a performance for Armed Forces Insurances' "Military Spouse of the Year Award" in Washington D.C. In September of 2021, Matt had 18 performances including at "The Pier" in the historic Jamestown Settlement in Virginia and Oakmont Country Club in Plum, Pennsylvania for the Troops First Foundation. After hearing Matt perform in Washington D.C, The Paralyzed Veterans of America had him perform at their Gala in April of 2022 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Jake Owen. Matt continues to remain in high demand and performs over 100 dates a year, supporting those that support us all.
Snook has performed with George Strait, Jake Owen, Tony Orlando, Little Big Town, Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie, Aaron Tippin, Michael Peterson, Dierks Bentley, The Lennon Sisters, Tracy Byrd, Sammy Kershaw, Ray Benson, Wade Bowen, Cody Johnson, Randy Rogers, Tracey Lawrence, Kacey Musgraves, Daryl Singletary, John Michael Montgomery, Lee Greenwood and many more.
Having made music his life's profession, Snook plans to enjoy each day and all the people he meets along the way. “My aim is consistent, to live in the moment and treat those as I would want to be treated. I enjoy a life of serving others and I have never been afraid to fail or succeed.”
ARLINGTON, VA (May 5, 2022) - Country Artist Matt Snook performed The National Anthem in support of The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse Of The Year celebration. Sarah Streyder, a Space Force spouse, was named the 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® for her outstanding commitment to the military community. Before announcing the overall 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®, the finalists from each branch of service were honored at the annual awards luncheon, which was hosted at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel and attended by military, elected, and civilian VIPs.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 4th, 2022) - Paralyzed Veterans of America Celebrated their 75th Anniversary Gala at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 7th, 2022. Snook entertained at the outdoor portion of the event with a trackside reception, then later kicked off main stage events by performing the National Anthem and entertained with a few songs during dinner. Awards were presented by the PVA Executive Team and Team Penske Nascar Drivers including Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric and NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano. Retired Marine and Actor/Comedian Rob Riggle was the events' emcee and Multi-Platinum Singer/Songwriter Jake Owen closed the show.
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EMPORIA, Ka. (August 1st, 2013) - No stranger to performing for a good cause, especially where U.S. troops and veterans stand to benefit, Missouri native and country recording artist Matt Snook's talents have been commissioned once again - this time to aide a smaller, much furrier kind of being. Scheduled to perform at the first ever WAHOO in the ZOO event at The David Traylor Zoo in Emporia on September 7th, all ticket sales will go toward building a permanent, year-round home for the lovable lemurs in the zoo's proposed Mission Madagascar Exhibit. The lemurs currently reside out of sight in a small building within their exhibit any time temperatures dip below 60 degress. The event, hosted by The Emporia Friends of the Zoo, will also include a BBQ dinner provided by Bobby D's. Beer and wine will be available for a cash donation.
"Being from this region, I understand what wonderful things The David Traylor Zoo has to offer for the people of Emporia and the surrounding areas," said Snook. "The event aims to provide some of the zoo's most treasured residents a year-round home - benefiting both the lemurs and zoo-goers. Any way I can contribute to the success of that I'm proud to be a part of."
"We are excited to have a rising country music star, Matt Snook, perform at our WAHOO in the ZOO event to help raise funds for Emporia's shining star, the David Traylor Zoo," adds Carolyn Davis, WAHOO in the ZOO Co-Chair.
Tickets for the event are $40 per person and can be purchased by calling Zoo Director Lisa Keith at (620) 341-4365. Attendants must be 21 years of age.
To learn more about the David Traylor Zoo, visit emporiazoo.org.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 13th, 2013) - A long-time supporter of U.S. troops, country recording artist Matt Snook performed as a show of that support on Friday, July 12th at the "Fore the Soldiers" Golf Tournament at Tiffany Greens golf course. The event - held to benefit the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction's (ReCHAI) Veterans and Shelter Dogs Initiative - kicked-off with Snook's rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner and, later, a performance of God Bless America as Tiffany Greens General Manager Mike Zadalis presented veterans with a commemorative souvenir for the occasion.
"It was great being back on my home golf course Tiffany Greens for such an incredible event," said Snook. "The pairing of homeless dogs with veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder that ReCHAI has commissioned is nothing short of honorable and a cause I'm thrilled to be a part of."
Snook is currently working on material for his new, yet-to-be-titled album - a follow up to his EP's Hero's Hwy, Perfect Sense, and Forget - all of which can be found on iTunes. He can next be seen live at downtown Platte City's Summer Outdoor Concert & Movie on Saturday, July 13th for 7-9pm on the courthouse lawn.
BETHESDA, Md. (June 27th, 2013) - It was another week of back-to-back appearances for country recording artist Matt Snook, complete with a performance of God Bless America, sponsored by Feherty's Troops First Foundation, at the AT&T National opening ceremonies on Wednesday, June 26th.
The day was a great end-cap to a week that also included opening for fellow country artist John Michael Montgomery at Night on the Kaw in De Soto, Kansas on June 22nd, as well as a performance of original tune Hero's Highway the Troops First IED of Golf Luncheon, also in Bethesda, for those military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"To be able to open for an incredible and well-respected entertainer like John Michael Montgomery, perform for those that have served our country, and sing at the opening ceremonies of the AT&T National all in the same week? It doesn't get much better than that," said Snook. "The wonderful thing about music is its ability to both entertain and heal... Being able to do what I do and experience that on a regular basis is such a blessing."
Next Snook heads to Pecan Island, Louisiana for the Gone Pecan Fishing Rodeo.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (June 14th, 2013) - After a busy week performing for the Old Shawnee Pizza Cars 4 Heroes event in Lenexa, Kansas and Camp Quality Northwest Missouri in Stewartsville, Missouri, country recording artist Matt Snook made an appearance on behalf of Feherty's Troops First Foundation, performing during the organization's after party event for the U.S. Open on Thursday, June 13th in Philadelphia.
Though rain delays kept Golf Channel funny man and Troops First co-founder David Feherty and swing expert Butch Harmon away, the party kicked off with a special trumpet performance of the national anthem by Jesse McGuire. Snook then performed originals "I Got Your Back" and "Hero's Highway" - a tribute to those injured in military service, several of whom were in attendance. The evening concluded with conversations between Troops First co-founder Rick Kell and four of the war fighters in attendance.
"As a long-time supporter of those serving our country, being a part of any event that supports the brave men and women in our military is always an honor," said Snook. "I love that Troops First is able to bring national attention to their cause through having a presence at an event like the U.S. Open."
Snook wraps up his whirlwind week with another performance on behalf of Cars 4 Heroes in Leavenworth, Kansas.
STEWARTSVILLE, Mo. (June 12th, 2013) - Fresh off of a performance for the Cars 4 Heroes event in Lenexa, Kansas on Saturday, Missouri native and country recording artist Matt Snook performed again on Sunday, June 9th - this time catering to a slightly younger crowd at Camp Quality Northwest Missouri's annual camp for children with cancer. Performing a mix of original tunes and covers, Snook kept the scene interactive, inviting several children up to sing along.
"The energy in the room was incredible," said Snook. "One's outlook on any given situation is so important. We addressed the confrontation of fear and how living outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities - then we sang. It was such a positive atmosphere."
Just after their conversation on fear, two camp-goers got up on stage to perform with Snook.
"Their peers erupted in applause and standing ovations after their performance. It was so fun to watch."
Snook now heads to Philadelphia to perform at the 2013 U.S. Open.
LENEXA, Kan. (June 10th, 2013) - Country recording artist Matt Snook was at it again, performing at the Cars 4 Heroes event at Old Shawnee Pizza on Saturday, June 8th. Sponsored by the venue and 101FM The Fox, the day saw another car given away - this time to deserving veteran David Jay (DJ) Vandewater II - as Snook performed a two-hour set of originals from all three of his albums, including new song "This Life Ain't For Everyone".
"It's always an honor to be part of an event that benefits someone that has served our country," said Snook. "It was fun fusing 101FM The Fox's classic rock music, my country music, and a great lunch provided by Old Shawnee Pizza to support an incredible cause."
The car was a long-needed break for Vandewater, who, after serving in the Navy for over five years, was honorably discharged do to a heart condition.
This is Snook's second performance for Cars 4 Heroes this year - the first in April at the 6th Annual Cars 4 Heroes Golf Tournament at Dubbs Dredd Golf Course in Kansas City. He'll next be performing this week at the 2013 U.S. Open in Philadelphia.
NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 27th, 2013) - Despite short notice, country recording artist and Missouri native Matt Snook found himself right where he was meant to be on Friday, April 26th - performing for the 2013 Workers' Memorial Day Event at The Builders’ Association Education and Training Center. Singing the Star Spangled Banner and originals Solid Ground and I Got Your Back, it quickly became apparent to Snook that this was no ordinary gig.
"I decided to sing Solid Ground in memory of those killed on the job, and I Got Your Back for hope and inspiration," said Snook. "After my performance, I talked to a gentleman that had lost his brother on the job. He told me hearing Solid Ground brought him peace... It's easy to forget the power music can have. Any time I get to experience the wonderful effect of music I feel blessed. It was an honor to be a part of this event."
The event also included speeches by The Builders' Association's President Don Greenwell, OSHA Region VII's Regional Administrator Chuck Adkins, and Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO's President Pat “Duke” Dujakovich.
Snook is gearing up for a rigorous summer tour schedule and recently released his latest studio album, Forget, which is now available on iTunes.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 19th, 2013) - Always eager to serve those that serve our country, recording artist Matt Snook lent his voice to the 6th Annual Cars 4 Heroes Golf Tournament at Dub's Dread Golf Club on Thursday, April 18th. The event, which raised money for veterans and their families, also gifted eight cars to needy military families. Snook kicked off the event by performing the Star Spangled Banner and, later, gave a post-tournament performance of new song I've Got Your Back.
"The idea that those that have so selflessly served our country could come home to hardship blows my mind," said Snook. "I'm always eager to help out both active military and our veterans any chance I get. What Cars 4 Heroes has done today is an incredible thing and I'm so proud to have been a part of it."
Snook recently released his latest studio album Forget, which is available for purchase on iTunes.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (March 26th, 2013) - Due to the success of his initial CD release party for album Forget in Blue Springs earlier this month, country recording artist and Missouri native Matt Snook has scheduled a second CD release party to be held Friday, April 5th at No Place in St. Joseph beginning at 6pm.
Snook held his initial CD release show at the Skylight Bar and Grill on March 9th with an overwhelming turnout of 325 people - putting the venue at capacity - despite performances by Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert just a few miles away.
"To see the turnout we did with Dierks and Miranda both being in town was incredible," said Snook. "I want to make sure everyone north of the river has the opportunity to join in the fun and I'm looking forward to doing it all over again on the 5th."
Forget was produced by Josh Mendez at Nashville's Studio Red and is already available on iTunes.
Doors open at 6pm and admission to the event is $5, with the first 50 attendees receiving a signed CD with the price of admission. CD's will also be available for purchase, as well as other merchandise. For more information regarding this event or No Place, please visit www.noplacestjoe.com.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (February 11th, 2013) - Country recording artist and Missouri native Matt Snook is set to celebrate the release of his latest studio effort, Forget, at the Skylight Restaurant & Bar on March 9th at 9pm. This will mark Snook's third album release since moving to Nashville in August 2010, having previously released a self-titled EP and Perfect Sense, released in 2012.
An Edgerton, Missouri-native, Snook tapped into his musical talents at a young age, winning his first talent competition at age six. His childhood consisted of trips across the United States to perform at Oprys and country theaters. "My parents were never pushy, but always supportive. The road trips were every bit as fun as the performances themselves," said Snook.
As an adult, he performed regularly in several bands in the Kansas City area before relocating with his wife Stephanie and two sons to Nashville. Despite a rigorous tour schedule, Snook spends much of his time working with the Troops First Foundation and the America’s Huey 091 Foundation - participating in five over seas tours over the past five years. With these platforms and a heart to serve, Snook continues his plight as a recording artist with the hopes of shining light on those that serve our country.
"I've been fortunate to meet so many talented people and create and record the music I have over the last few years. I'm excited to share everything Forget has to offer and am hoping it positively impacts my fans."
Forget was produced by Josh Mendez at Nashville's Studio Red and is already available on iTunes.
Doors open at 6pm and admission to the event is $5, with the first 50 attendees receiving a signed CD with the price of admission. CD's will also be available for purchase, as well as other merchandise. For more information regarding this event or Skylight Restaurant & Bar, please visit www.skylightmo.com.
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