The 2013 Rock the South event changed Nathan Howard’s life — for the better, and, well, for the busy. After working with an event security company and also behind the scenes at local shows, he was given the opportunity to be groomed into a production assistant position for country music star Hank Williams, Jr.

The Cullman resident, Douglas High School and Wallace State graduate says he began working security in Birmingham for concerts for extra cash during his college years, and that he slowly became intrigued by all the details that went into making a show successful.

“A good friend of mine named Lensey Coker worked for Hank Williams, Jr. as a production assistant; I always bugged her for years to allow me to come help on the road,” Howard said.

“After eight years of asking, she finally said ‘yes.’ Little did I know, she was preparing me for her position because she had other opportunities within the music business. My first time to meet and work with Hank, the band and his crew was at Rock the South in 2013. I began touring with Hank in August of that year.”

Howard said he’s worked with many other artists over the last 14 years in Birmingham, Montgomery and other cities around the south.

“Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Dave Matthews Band, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Kid Rock, Elton John, Aaron Lewis and Lil’ Wayne are some to name,” Howard said. “They’ve all been memorable in different ways. It really has been a blessing and experience all the same.”

While Rock the South is well known in our own community, surrounding cities and even states have grown to support the concert series.

“Rock the South is vital for our community in multiple ways. It brings revenue to the city, and people from all walks of live from different places get to visit and experience the great people of Cullman and all that we have to offer,” Howard said.

“Also, Rock the South supports many local charities around our area. I look forward to working with the staff that organize and produce the event, I enjoy working with the local law enforcement departments and security staff. I love to see so many people come out to support an event in our town.”

Howard is not only connected to Cullman because of Rock the South and his college choice, but also through his full time career and a business venture.

“I have been fortunate over the years to have been able to reach every goal that I have set for myself,” he said. “For example, working with one of country music’s most iconic artists and owning my own business, HealthFit, I have realized that to achieve these goals you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands behind your back. It takes hard work and patience to realize your dreams.

“I grew up in Douglas, a town northeast of Cullman. I was in the Douglas High 1999 graduating class and then attended Wallace State, where I was fortunate enough to be a part of the 2004 national championship cheerleading squad under the guidance of Rob Metcalf. I’ve been blessed to have a full-time job that allows me to follow these dreams and goals. I have been with Walmart distribution for going on 18 years now.”

Although Howard’s traveling job started from a simple way to help pay for college, he says his investment and interest in the music industry have done nothing but grow over as time has passed.

“I’ve been doing this for the past 15 years. I always loved music and was interested in being a part of the action,” he said. “I bought a guitar was I was 21 years old and taught myself to play. Music is a huge part of who I am. It can lift you up when you are down and put you in a great mood. It’s always been there for me when I needed it the most.

“If I could work with any artist, in no particular order I’d choose Taylor Swift, because she is a superstar that will always be relevant to multiple generations of people. I also know that she takes good care of the people on her team. Also, 30 Seconds to Mars would be ideal, because I enjoy their music, they tour the world, and I’m a big fan. Sixx AM would also be a contender.”

You can catch Nathan Howard working with Hank Williams, Jr. during the 2018 Rock the South event at Heritage Park this Friday and Saturday.