Billy Ray Cyrus’ ‘I’m American’ Album Inspired by Afghan Tour

Billy Ray Cyrus’ 12th studio album I’m American, which hit store shelves just yesterday, was apparently inspired by his USO trip to Afghanistan back in December of 2009. During one of his performances during the tour, bombs could be heard going off in the background, prompting the country singer to stop. A soldier in attendance at the performance shouted out, “Keep going, Mr. Cyrus! We’re used to it.”

It was at that moment, Cyrus claimed, that he knew he would record the tribute album.

“I was going to come back and record ‘Some Gave All’ and start an entire album on a concept that was based solely on taking my hat off and saluting our troops,” he said. He continued, saying, “I felt like maybe my part to play is to let them know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.”

Cyrus will be continuing his patriotic streak with Surprise Homecoming, premiering June 11 on TLC. The show documents the surprise return of troops deployed overseas, with Cyrus himself hosting. The show’s theme song is reported to be Runway Lights, the first track off of I’m American.

via USA Today