Murphy – David Eli Grimes grew up in Jedberg, S.C., and loved music.
He was inspired as a youngster by the Hank Williams’ movie Your Cheatin’ Heart, and knew one day he would be a singer/songwriter. He received his first guitar when he was just 10 years old.
Today, Grimes lives in Murphy and has produced six CDs. Known as Eli Grimes in the musical world, he’s working on a new song due to be released in time for Memorial Day.
Grimes doesn’t just write, he writes with a passion. Each song tells a heartfelt story that he hopes will motivate listeners to do something.
The former electrical contractor spent time in Iraq helping keep service men and women safer by updating electrical systems and generators that were old and had become a hazard to use. He recalls seeing the dangers that the men and women serving were exposed to on a daily basis and remembers rockets exploding right around him.
Grimes has a special place in his heart for military personnel serving in the trenches.
“TV is not like the real life of serving in the military,” he said. “We take the price they pay for granted.”
More than 400,000 are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. As he sat among the seemingly endless rows of white headstones, he was so moved that he wrote a song titled “We Never Will Forget,” which is due to be released for Memorial Day. It is a tribute song to soldiers who have died.
Grimes was having trouble writing the third verse of the song, but it all came together on a visit he took to Chattanooga (Tenn.) National Cemetery as he looked upon the grave of Desmond T. Doss. He is known for the portrayal of his life in the movie Hacksaw Ridge, in which Doss’ bravery and compassion led him to save the lives of 75 men without ever firing a weapon during the battle of Okinawa in World War II.
Grimes knew then his song would be complete. The song is receiving a lot of attention, and doors are opening for Grimes even prior to its official debut.
Wreaths Across America place wreaths at the graves of every soldier in the United States. They will be interviewing Grimes on Memorial Day as the song is being released.
Carolyn Corlew – wife of David Corlew, manager of the Charlie Daniels Band – liked “We Never Will Forget” so much that she will be passing it along to Daniels. Among others who have listened to and loved the song include members of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Locally, Grimes’ new song will be playing during the Fourth of July Parade in Hayesville. He has also been asked to perform the song at Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews on Saturday, Sept. 24, during the annual event Welcome Home – A Tribute To All Who Serve.
He’s also written a new song titled “Ukraine I Can’t Even Imagine,” which is available on Apple and iTunes. All proceeds go toward helping save Ukraine.
For details, email Grimes at eligrimesmusic@gmail.com. “We Never Will Forget” is also available on Apple and iTunes.