PLATINUM selling #1 hit singer-songwriter Chayce Beckham returned to his hometown of Apple Valley, California yesterday, December 12, to visit the town’s local parks and recreation afterschool program at the Singh Center for the Arts. Partnering with Gibson Gives and FreeGuitars 4 Kids (FG4K), Beckham personally surprised 30 kids with brand-new guitars.
A cause near to his heart, the American Idol winner is passionate about giving back to his hometown. From his own experience growing up with music at the center, Beckham knows the positive impact music education can have on children and wants to continue to spotlight and support this mission within Apple Valley.
“Music has always been a big part of my life,” Beckham shared. “One of my most cherished memories is when my grandmother bought me my first guitar. Knowing the impact music can have on someone’s life, especially my own, I want to give these kids the same opportunity and encourage them to dream big. I’m so grateful we were able to make yesterday a reality. Seeing their faces and getting to spend time with them reminds me why giving back is so important.”
"When kids hold a guitar for the first time, you can see their eyes light up with possibility. It's more than an instrument — it's a doorway to confidence, creativity and self-expression. Partnering with artists like Chayce Beckham shows these kids that their dreams are within reach. Chayce's journey from Apple Valley to the world stage is living proof that music can change a life. We're honored to stand with him and Gibson Gives to spark that same hope in the next generation,” said Ben Dudley, Executive Director of Free Guitars 4 Kids.
Doug Robertson, Town Manager of Apple Valley, continued: "We're incredibly grateful to Chayce Beckham and FG4K for their unwavering support of the arts in Apple Valley. Their dedication to fostering creativity and giving back to our youth truly makes a difference in our community. Thank you for inspiring the next generation!"
Currently climbing the country radio charts, his latest single “Everything I Need” follows his history-making, autobiographical “23” hitting #1 - both are featured on his debut album, Bad For Me.
Photo Credit: Sarah Krieg
About Chayce Beckham:
Three years after becoming the only artist to win American Idol singing his own songs, 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville country artist Chayce Beckham is living proof of his belief that “You can’t tell someone how to write a song.” Scoring his first nomination at this year’s CMT Music Awards for his PLATINUM #1 hit single “23,” the fiery singer-songwriter laid out a course only he could follow, and today remains even more dedicated to his unique creative compass. A California native schooled on tough times and a mix of country, rock, hip hop and beyond, Beckham started a habit of heart-on-his-sleeve songwriting after some hard times when he felt he had nothing left. When combined with his warm vocal rasp on “23,” Chayce’s drive helped him charm the nation on Idol's 19th season in 2021. With more than 406 million streams and counting, the bluesy and brutally honest anthem debuted at #1 on both iTunes’ Country and All Genre singles charts, and now leads Beckham’s first album, Bad for Me – available now – as the emerging star finds his stride. Co-writing nine of 13 songs (three solo), the project shows Beckham opening his soul like most would never dare and embracing a timeless country-rock sound defined by fiddles, steel guitar, and plenty of against-the-grain attitude. With dusky shades of heroes like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, the set aims to reinforce next-big-thing and “artist to watch” predictions from CMT, Amazon Music, MusicRow and more. Headlining his own “Bad For Me” tour along with opening for Luke Bryan and Parker McCollum this year, Beckham’s latest single “Everything I Need” is climbing the country radio charts now.
About Free Guitars 4 Kids:
Free Guitars 4 Kids (FG4K) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children in underserved communities through the gift of a guitar. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and creative growth that comes from owning and learning to play a musical instrument.
Since our founding in June 2020, FG4K has placed over 2,000 guitars in the hands of children across 23 states and two foreign countries. But we don’t just give guitars — we give kids a pathway to growth. By partnering with schools, after-school programs, and community organizations, we ensure that each child receives the mentorship and support they need to thrive musically and personally. Our partners provide ongoing lessons and guidance, making our gift transformational, not transactional.
Through collaborations with renowned brands like Gibson, and support from artists like Chayce Beckham, FG4K is inspiring a new generation of musicians. We know that playing music builds creativity, cognitive skills, and mental focus, and it empowers kids to dream big. Our vision is to expand this impact globally, ensuring no child is denied the opportunity to explore their musical potential due to financial hardship.
Join us in our mission to change lives one guitar at a time. Learn more at FG4K.org and follow us on social media @freeguitars4kids.
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