News Summary
Eric Blankenship, co-owner of All Access Coach Leasing, achieved a lifelong dream by performing at the Grand Ole Opry, where he delivered a heartfelt rendition of ‘Statue of a Fool.’ His debut performance was made even more special with his father in attendance. Blankenship’s journey from selling merchandise for country artists to founding a leading transport company demonstrates his commitment to the music scene. His dual role as a business owner and musician allows him to pursue his passion while supporting his family’s legacy in Nashville’s vibrant entertainment industry.
Nashville – Eric Blankenship, co-owner of All Access Coach Leasing, celebrated a significant milestone by performing at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, marking a dream come true for the Nashville-based entrepreneur and musician. Blankenship held his debut performance at the Opry in April, where he captivated audiences with his rendition of the classic “Statue of a Fool,” supported by backup vocals from the Isaacs. The memorable occasion was particularly poignant for Blankenship as his father watched from the front row, providing a heartfelt backdrop to the experience.
Blankenship’s journey in the music industry began in 1992 when he moved to Nashville to pursue his passion for singing. He quickly immersed himself in the music scene, taking on a position selling merchandise for country artist Ricky Skaggs just six months after arriving in the city. This initial role introduced him to the exhilarating world of touring, providing him with his first experience of life on a tour bus. In his pursuit of a music career, he also assisted in selling merchandise for other prominent artists, including Tim McGraw and Lari White.
In the years that followed, Blankenship continued to build his career in the music industry. After performing alongside Lari White, he returned to Nashville to further focus on his ambitions as a singer. His work experience expanded as he joined Music City Coach, where he gained insight into the logistics of transporting entertainers. This knowledge ultimately spurred Blankenship to establish his own company.
In partnership with Jim Borelli, Blankenship founded All Access Coach Leasing after four years of experience in the field. Operating from Gallatin, Tennessee, the company has become one of the largest providers of transportation for entertainers in the area. Boasting a fleet of nearly 40 tour buses, All Access Coach Leasing caters primarily to country music artists. The company’s impressive roster of clients includes big names like Luke Combs, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Allison Krauss, and George Strait.
All Access Coach Leasing stands out with its impressive selection of customized buses, with band buses generally costing around $1.2 million. Star buses, which are outfitted with luxury amenities such as bedrooms, large refrigerators, and washers and dryers, range from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. The company operates in key cities including Nashville, Memphis, Lexington, Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Oklahoma City, providing essential services to a diverse array of artists.
As a successful bus company owner, Blankenship now finds himself in frequent contact with various artists and musicians, significantly enriching his experience in the industry. Earlier this year, he expressed a personal goal of performing at the Grand Ole Opry, ideally while his father, who is 84 years old, could witness the milestone. This goal came to fruition when he received an invitation from Ben Isaacs to debut at the prestigious venue.
Following his performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Blankenship celebrated not only the success of that night but also received his first ASCAP royalty check for a song he had written. He continues to gain visibility in the music scene, having recently opened for Gene Watson in his hometown of Bonham, Texas. Looking ahead, Blankenship has scheduled a performance as the opening act for the Oak Ridge Boys in October, further solidifying his presence in the industry.
Reflecting on his dual career as a bus company owner and aspiring musician, Blankenship acknowledges that owning All Access Coach Leasing provides him with financial security, allowing him the freedom to pursue his music without distractions. This blend of business savvy and artistic ambition positions him uniquely in Nashville’s vibrant music landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Middle TN Business Owner Featured in Forbes
- Forbes: Eric Blankenship’s Journey
- Nashville Guru: Nashville Party Bus Guide
- Newsfile: Signature Transportation Services Launch
- Wikipedia: Nashville
Author: HERE Nashville
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