Graham Trude was born on February 14, 1987, in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Music became a passion for him at a young age when he watched his oldest brother John play the acoustic guitar. Influenced by artists such as The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Tragically Hip, and George Strait, Graham's love for music only grew stronger.
Guided by his parents, Janet and John, who served as strong influences in his life, Graham followed in his brother Bill's footsteps and joined the Canadian Armed Forces after completing his college diploma in Police Foundations from Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. In 2007, Graham signed up to be an Armoured Corps soldier and underwent military training in St. Jean, Quebec, and Gagetown, New Brunswick. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 as part of Task Force 3/09 with the Lord Strathcona's Horse Tank Regiment (B Sqn) based in Edmonton, Alberta. Graham served as a frontline tank driver in Kandahar, Panjwai District, and other areas of operation attached to the Quick Reaction Force.
After completing his military service, Graham returned to Canada, where he met his wife Kimberley, a former figure skater. It was during this time that he turned to songwriting as a means of therapy to cope with his trauma and the loss of his comrades.
In 2011, while performing in Nipawin, Saskatchewan for Wounded Warriors Weekend, Graham had the opportunity to meet the legendary Country Music Hall of Fame group, The Good Brothers. They introduced him as "The Singing Soldier" before each of his performances, a nickname that would stick with him throughout his music career.
In 2014, Graham joined the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, patrolling the most remote northern fly-in Indigenous communities in Ontario, Canada. He later transferred to the Orangeville Police Service in late 2015 and retired from his policing career in 2020. Throughout his time in law enforcement, Graham received two nominations and one Chief of Police award for his lifesaving efforts while on duty.
In 2019, Graham faced his own battles, hitting rock bottom and struggling with addiction. With the support of the Edgewood Trauma and Addictions Program in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and his family, he was able to regain stability and continues to use the tools in his arsenal to help himself and others.
Using music as his medicine and daily songwriting as personal therapy, Graham has embarked on a full-time music journey. In 2021, he wrote and recorded his debut EP titled "PTSD" and founded Countrycore Records Inc., a record label focused on producing and managing modern and legacy Canadian talent. Graham is currently producing his next album, which is set to be released throughout 2024, along with The Good Brothers' 50th anniversary record.
Graham actively involves himself in the veteran and first responder wellness communities in the Georgian Bay, Ontario area, where he resides with his wife Kimberley and their son Weylen.
For booking or media inquiries, please refer to the contact section. Thank you.
Guest speaker and performance
W/ George Canyon