Jamey Johnson served in the Marine Corps Reserve for eight years. He got his start in music there. Per Whiskey Riff, he was "often performing original song for his fellow soldiers." So you can imagine what it meant to Johnson when a Gold Star Mother named Patricia Lynn Hair approached him recently to say that her late son, Army Sergeant Brian John McLaren, loved his music.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to the outlet via Johnson's social media, McLaren served his country with honor in Germany and North Carolina. Sadly, he passed away on June 18, 2007, after a tragic pool-diving accident in California.
Patricia Lynn Hair Saw Johnson Perform Years Ago
Nine years later, Hair attended the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco. She wanted to see Kris Kristofferson perform. Another motivation for her presence was getting his autograph on her A Star Is Born album. Johnson was singing with Kristofferson, so Hair took a photo of them. She had no idea at the time how that this artist was actually her son's music idol.
In a video, Hair explained further. "This guy came up on stage and sang a couple songs with him [Kristofferson], and I took this picture. When I got home, I realized this is the guy my son [loves]. He used to play a CD and his guitar in his room before he went in the military. And I'm like, 'I didn't know who it was."
She Connected With Johnson in a Poignant Encounter
Hair, a resident of Ohio, learned that Johnson would be giving concerts there in July. Not only did Hair meet him. She also gave him the throwback photo she took years ago at that West Coast concert. "My son used to play your CD when he would be working out in his room. He was in ROTC. I got so tired of hearing 'In Color.' I was like, 'If you play that song one more time, I'm gonna break that CD.' Now that song reminds me of him because it's all I have left of him and his pictures."
Johnson, per the outlet, was deeply touched by her story. He brought her out on stage and sang "21 Guns." He compassionately dedicated it to her, her son, and their family.
The Singer Was Very Moved
This is what Johnson graciously wrote with his post. "Deepest thanks are extended to Patricia Lynn Hair for her son's service and sacrifice, for the strength and courage she continues to show in his memory, and for sharing the beautiful gift and photo that help keep his story alive."
