DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., – J Records singer-songwriter, Gavin DeGraw, whose latest album “Free” will be released March 31, will sing the National Anthem for the 51st annual Daytona 500 on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.
DeGraw’s debut album “Chariot” in 2003 reached platinum and produced three No. 1 hit singles – “I Don’t Want To Be,” “Follow Through” and the title-track “Chariot.” His self-titled second album was released in 2008 and produced hits such as “In Love With A Girl” and “Cheated On Me.”
Mercury Nashville recording artist and two-time Dancing With The Stars champion Julianne Hough, who was originally scheduled to sing the National Anthem for the Daytona 500, is unable due to illness.
“I am so disappointed that I’m missing the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Daytona 500,” Hough said. “I came down with a severe case of influenza and the doctor told me I could not fly. I look forward to making it up to every one soon.”
“We’re grateful to have Gavin DeGraw, who is also performing at the Daytona 500 Grand Marshal’s Dinner, step in at the last minute,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “With hundreds of thousands of race fans in attendance and millions more watching on television, we look forward to hearing Gavin’s rendition of the National Anthem prior to the start of ‘The Great American Race.’ ”
DeGraw will kick off his “Where It Began” Spring 2009 Tour on March 27 in Portland, OR.
For more information on Gavin DeGraw, visit www.gavindegraw.com. For tickets to the 51st annual Daytona 500 are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
