Outlaw Country Artist Gallops Into Service: Danny Griego’s musical journey has taken him from western saloons and the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) circuit to Nashville songwriting sessions; recording with Hall of Fame legends such as Waylon Jennings. A Texas singer-songwriter whose music blends outlaw country, cowboy music, Americana and Latin influences, Griego spent years immersed in the close-knit cowboy community. While he owned Matt’s Saloon in Prescott, AZ, he paid his dues, performed and developed his music throughout the Southwest. His eventual move to Nashville opened doors to legendary songwriters including Hank Cochran and Max D. Barnes, while a chance encounter led to his recording relationship with Jennings. Griego’s demo of “At the Crossroads” reached Jennings through his producer Richie Albright, ultimately resulting in a recording featuring Jennings and members of his outlaw band. From there, he continued releasing music with studio cats from Jennings and Willie Nelson camps, most recently scoring top 10 Mediabase ranking with “Angelina” and currently, “Give It to Me Straight (Just Like Texas Whiskey).” Today, he says, “pretty much everything I do revolves around philanthropic efforts,” as he uses his growing musical visibility to benefit people in need.
A Cowboy’s Calling: Founded 2023 in Weatherford, TX, Griego’s Freedom Horse Ranch 501(c)(3) (FHR) nonprofit is dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, first responders, and others facing physical, cognitive and emotional challenges through equine-related activities. The singer’s pursuits as a horseman—including years of working with horses while learning from legendary cowboys—eventually converged with his music via a longtime commitment to the military community. Through its Horse Warrior️ program FHR uses highly trained horses to help participants develop trust, communication, confidence, emotional regulation and practical coping skills. Griego has witnessed veterans arriving with enormous emotional burdens, then leaving FHR standing taller, energized and equipped with skills they can continue using. “All the roads in my life converged at Freedom Horse Ranch,” he says, describing a place where the cowboy traditions that shaped him have become a powerful means of helping others heal.
Music With a Mission: Griego’s advocacy for veterans is deeply personal. The loss of his World War II veteran grandfather has strengthened his resolve and performing at military installations has helped him to cultivate relationships. His 2018 project “Twenty-Two” addresses the veteran suicide crisis; while more recent work such as “Freedom” and “Thangs,” co-written with Recon Marine Eddie Wright (about Wright’s post battle experiences losing limbs in Fallujah), continues that commitment. FHR strategically partners with veteran organizations serving adaptive communities, allowing its Horse Warrior program to complement services that may not otherwise include horses. Griego is deliberately using the momentum of his current chart activity to introduce more people to the FHR mission. For an artist who has spent decades moving between music, business, cowboy culture and horsemanship, the convergence is remarkably natural. The songs create the audience, the ranch gives that audience somewhere meaningful to go, and both are ultimately about helping people find their way.
Contact Danny Griego, freedomsranch@outlook.com
