Airman, local musician wins huge opportunity

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Staff Sgt. Brittnie Baxter, 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group knowledge operations manager, recently won a singing competition that will make her a headliner at Tootsie's Nashville Birthday bash in Nashville, Tenn.

Born in Mobile, Alabama into the Brazile family, Sergeant Baxter has always been surrounded by country music.

Her father, Michael Stuart Brazile, has been singing, producing, and been a DJ for more than 25 years. Her uncle, Donny Brazile is also a singer and songwriter in Nashville, Tenn.

Her family's background has been a huge influence in her music.

Her first attempt at music came when she was five years old.

"I got on stage and sang with Lisa Zanghi at the FloraBama," said Sergeant Baxter. "Since that day I knew what I wanted to do."

After enlisting in the Air Force in 2006, she completed basic training and technical school and made her way to Albuquerque, N.M., where she was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base.

She began singing lead voals for an 80's rock band named "Superkind." Sergeant Baxter was used to performing country music and she had to quickly adapt to a singing a variety of male and female music she had never heard.

"Your first band is always like your first love," said Sergeant Baxter. "I'll never forget those guys and I'm so thankful for everything they taught me. Hopefully we can reunite again soon."

While in New Mexico, Sergeant Baxter also gave birth to her son, Aidan.

"Being a singing mom trying to do all of these things is very difficult," said Sergeant Baxter. "When I made the decision to do the music thing and work full time I promised Aidan I would let him be a part of everything possible. Whenever I perform at all-ages events, band practice, or I am in the recording studio or band meetings, he's right there with me. I wouldn't have it any other way and he loves it."

Sergeant Baxter said he has it in his blood, also.

"He is extremely talented already at the age of three," said Sergeant Baxter. "He has been playing the drums since he was one and will get up and play for me and keep a beat for full songs. It blows my mind still to this day that he is so good at such a young age."

Following her first duty station, Sergeant Baxter was transferred to Tyndall Air Force Base.

Not long after arriving, she set up shop with another band, "Emerald County Line." Lucky for her, the band showcased her natural talent, country music.

"ECL was the time of my life," said Sergeant Baxter. "I never fully understood how much fun you could have on stage until I joined that band."

After a few years, Sergeant Baxter left ECL to work toward open-microphone shows, competitive singing, and furthering her music ability. Her trade paid off.

On March 1, Sergeant Baxter took the title in a local singing competition. Her prize is to open for a headliner at Tootsie's Nashville Birthday bash later this year. She and three of her friends will be flown to Nashville where she will open for a country headliner in the middle of Broadway Street.

However, her win has not slowed her motivation.

"In the meantime, I will head to Atlanta on March 17 to audition for NBC's 'The Voice,'" said Sergeant Baxter. "In June, I also plan to travel to Orlando, Fla., to audition for Fox's 'American Idol.'"

Sergeant Baxter hopes to eventually move to Nashville, Tenn., to further her dream of being a singer, songwriter and recording artist.

"It's not hard to see why Brittnie chose a career in country music," said Mrs. Pat Carter, a Panama City resident and fan. "She has an amazing voice and can work a crowd. It's written in the stars for this girl and the journey is just beginning for her."

Sergeant Baxter's passion for singing can be seen in her performances, but also in the way she describes them.

"Singing just feels like home to me," said Sergeant Baxter. "I love meeting all the people and local musicians. I'm embracing each moment because all of them have been so special to me."

Even though she has goals of making it big, she is also finds joy in being a local musician.

"If this is all that ever comes from this, I would be happy because no matter how big or small the venue I just want to sing for people," said Sergeant Baxter. "It's like a marriage for me. I made a commitment to music a long time ago and I don't ever see it fading away."