Father and Son: Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II

Father and Son: Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II

Once in a while, a father-son duo will enter the ministry field together to touch the lives of thousands of people across many boundaries. Tommy Brandt and his son Tommy Brandt II are one of a select group of father and son teams that are active in the ministry field of Inspirational Country Music today. The Brandts share faith, family, and God in quite unique venues not common to your average group or soloists. They perform over 200 dates per year across the United States in such venues as stadiums, churches, barns and rodeo arenas. Their unique style of Country, Southern Rock, and Gospel cause them to have great inroads to audiences of all age groups and various walks of life.

Tommy Brandt grew up in Indiana where his father was a carpenter as well as a bar owner. Tommy grew up listening to songs on the jukebox as a child and his favorite one was Charlie Rich’s, “ When We Get Behind Closed Doors.” After Tommy was older his family moved to Florida where his teenage years brought a more rowdy musical influence, and his favorites included the music of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Jr. and others.

Tommy moved away from home when he was only sixteen-years-old and began a cowboy lifestyle by working on a large cattle ranch. It was at this time in his life that he joined a local Country band. Tommy began to write songs and play the guitar for the band, but his real break came when the lead singer relocated to another state and Tommy filled in. He was such a natural fit for the lead singer that the band grew, developing a huge fan base for their group, New South Band.

It would seem that this lead singer would find fame in the Country music industry except for one encounter that changed his direction. Tommy Brandt met a beautiful preacher’s daughter named Michelle who introduced him to a new way of life. The two began attending church together and Tommy found that he liked having this sort of influence in his life. He soon left the Country band and turned his focus toward a life with Michelle that included serving God.

Tommy married Michelle in 1998 and began to focus his music on songs that would inspire others to live a clean, family- and God-centered lifestyle. For those who love the wonderful blends of Country and Soft Rock, but often find that the influences in mainstream Country and Rock collide with clean living, Tommy Brandt and Tommy Brandt II offer a faith-friendly option.

Tommy Brandt II is only 13-years-old, but at almost six feet tall looks much older. This young man has accomplished many things since the age of three when he first appeared on stage. He has now performed over 1500 times to crowds as large as 160,000. He is a very talented guitar player and has played on stage with such artists as Eric Church, Jake Owens, and Little Big Town. He is the only teenager to be nominated in the Top Five Instrumentalists of the Year, along with legends Ricky Skaggs and Dennis Agajanian.

Brandt senior says, “It is almost an indescribable feeling watching my son next to me on stage. I can see a little of me when he performs and communicates with the audience. I can hardly hold it together sometimes.” Brandt senior is sure his son will “…supersede our current ministry and go on to be a great tool for God.” He adds, “I used to joke with him when he was little that I would be his bus driver when he got older. He answered me by saying, ‘God’s going to give me a jet airplane for my ministry!’ He has always been full of faith, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his jet.”

“Our son has a special anointing on his life,” continues Tommy. “At 13, he is the youngest artist endorsed by Guitar Center. He is already preaching, singing, playing, and ministering at youth events across the country and is sold out on serving Christ for the rest of his life.” When I asked Tommy Brandt II or “Brandt” as he prefers to be called, what it is it like to perform with his dad, Brandt replied, “It’s a real blessing. I am so glad I have a father who would let me have a shot at the gun so to speak.” He continues, “The way you see him on stage is exactly the way he is off stage.”

The heart of ministry for this father and son lies in reaching those who may not attend a traditional church service and who love Country or Southern Rock music. “Our focus is to be encouragers through the teaching of faith in God and use this teaching for youths, marriages, finances, and life in general.” This ministry is also focused on helping the spread of Inspirational Country Music across the nation and strives to see multiple tours across the country increasing the ministry they have now.

Even when taking a break from the road, the Brandts remain focused on their ministry, spending their down time working on bookings, preparing for upcoming events, and of course maintaining the bus. As much as I am sure Tommy Brandt II likes washing the bus, he says, “For fun, I like mudding, four wheeling, dirtbike riding, swimming, surfing and hanging out with friends at a bonfire; but most of all I like playing the guitar.” Tommy’s true love is the guitar but his father says, “He plays anything with strings on it as well as a little on the piano.”

The future of the Brandts and Inspirational Country is very exciting as more artists are incorporating that Country and Soft Rock sound with clean encouraging lyrics. This movement is centered in faith in God and it is no surprise that God moves in these events with salvation, hope, and restoration. Young Brandt has experienced God’s healing and restoration in his life. “I cracked my head open when I was four and they said I would die; but the next morning when they performed a CT scan they said there was a literal white halo around my head that was keeping the pressure on my brain.” His father states that, “God always shows up, sometimes at the last minute in a way we didn’t expect, but He is always on time and never lets us down.”

Both of these great artists aim to grow musically and spiritually while they continue spreading the good news of Christ. It is worth noting that Tommy Brandt has had over 16 number-one songs and has received many, many awards through the years, and the latest ones include the ICGMA 2014 Living Legend Award, the CCMA/ICM       2013 Male Vocalist of the Year, and the ICGMA 2012 Evangelist of the Year.

In an exciting side note, these artists have been cast in a television series called Big Sky. This series has a feel much like Bonanza or Gunsmoke, and will portray life in the 1860’s Wild West. Filming will begin late this summer and Tommy, Michelle, and Brandt will be cast as the Millhouse Family. You may contact Tommy Brandt at www.tommybrandt.org and Tommy Brandt II at www.tommybrandt2.com.

By Tina Wakefield

Christian Country Expo – Salute To Our Heroes, is pleased to announce that Christian Country artist, Tommy Brandt, will be appearing at the Expo next week. SGN Scoops is one of the sponsors bringing the four-day music festival to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center from August 24 through the 27th, with Country stars Marty Raybon headlining on Monday night, and T Graham Brown appearing on Wednesday night. Other events include an evening at the Dixie Stampede, daily music showcases and a special exciting announcement during the Expo.

Along with Tommy Brandt, the CCE is happy to present Chuck Day, Chris Golden, Jim Sheldon, Tommy Brandt, Jan Harbuck, Ava Kasich, Tina Wakefield, Jerry Branscom, and many more.The Christian Country Expo will open at the Smoky Mountain Resorts on Monday, August 24. Doors open at the Center at 5:00 pm on Monday night and again on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am for music showcases. The main theme of the event is: “Salute To Our Heroes,” and CCE invites all servicemen and first responders to come out and be recognized.For more information on lodging or tickets, please email Rob Patz of Coastal Media at rob@sgnscoops.com or call 360 933 0741.

Article first published by SGN Scoops in June 2015. For current SGN Scoops magazines, information and news, click on the SGN Scoops mainpage and see them on Facebook.

For more information on the Christian Country Expo, visit their Facebook page.