From Music to Giving Back: Andrew Wooten’s Journey and Healing HeARTS Initiative

Andrew Wooten’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a regional musical success is nothing short of inspiring. Fueled by a passion for music that began in his youth and strengthened through life’s challenges, Wooten is not only building a career as a musician but also giving back to his community in meaningful ways.

A Musical Dream Turned Reality

“From the earliest accounts of my memories, I always knew music would play a huge part in my life,” Wooten said. His grandmother gifted him his first guitar at 14, a pivotal moment in his life that followed a broken leg from skateboarding. With that injury ended one dream, but another was born. He began to play and learn from friends like Cody Holmes, Taylor Alexander, and Scott Freeman, who became integral to his growth as a musician.

Though Wooten’s path to music wasn’t always clear, a turning point came in 2021. While working full-time at Chick-fil-A in Laurens and some navigating difficult times, he began taking his songwriting seriously. What started as “pure luck and hard work” quickly turned into a flourishing career. “I began accruing more and more gigs to the point that I had to leave CFA and pursue this dream of music,” he said.

Since then, Wooten has shared the stage with notable artists such as Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Josh Morningstar, among others. With plans already in place for 2025, including performances in 12 states and the release of 10 songs, Wooten’s musical journey shows no signs of slowing down. “We have a lot of big things in store for 2025 and cannot wait to see where the music takes me,” he said.

Joanna Roots and Community Pride

Wooten’s love for his hometown of Joanna shines through in his stories of growing up there. He fondly remembers playing outside with friends during a time before technology ruled childhood. “Attending Joanna Woodson was one of my favorite parts of life because my grandma would take us to school, and we had nothing to worry about except being a kid,” he said.

These simple yet cherished memories of Joanna planted the seeds for Wooten’s desire to give back. “When I initially started playing music, I wasn’t supported like I should have been,” he shared. “That gives me the desire to give back because these children should understand that you can make a living out of art, and you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

The Healing HeARTS Initiative

In 2023, Wooten launched Healing HeARTS, a community initiative to support local schools’ art and music programs. Inspired by conversations with his father-in-law, the program started with a simple idea: a free concert to raise funds for a school’s art department. In its first year, Healing HeARTS raised $1,200; this year, it grew to $2,300.

“The true inspiration comes from growing up in Joanna and thinking about how much talent we have in this little town. If someone could just give us an opportunity, imagine what we could do,” Wooten said.

This year’s contributions had a direct impact on Joanna Woodson Elementary. The music program received a much-needed sound system upgrade, while funds to the art department enabled students to explore more creative projects. “Last year, Mr. Bouknight (Art teacher) was able to do so many more clay projects that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” Wooten explained. “This year, the music program will use their upgrade for their winter and spring concerts.”

Local Support and Future Goals

The success of Healing HeARTS this year has been made possible by local businesses like New Age Iron Works in Clinton and Ameri Treads in Greenwood. “Local support is everything,” Wooten emphasized. “These people are the real heroes, giving their hard-earned money and expecting nothing in return. I hope it spreads like wildfire in the future.”

Looking ahead to Healing HeARTS in 2025, Wooten hopes to expand the program further. His goals include finding a permanent home for the event and increasing community involvement to benefit more schools in Laurens County. “We want to be able to help more than just one school,” he said.

To achieve this vision, Wooten is calling on individuals and businesses to get involved. “If you have a heart for children and making their future brighter, this is the place to donate,” he said. Interested supporters can reach out to him via email at [email protected] or through social media.

Leaving a Legacy of Hope

Wooten hopes that Healing HeARTS will leave a lasting legacy for young artists. “Even though you may come from somewhere small or grow up with less than others, remember that if you work hard, you can go get what you want,” he said. “Don’t forget to give back to the community that helped make you who you are.”

For young artists unsure of pursuing a career in the arts, Wooten’s advice is clear: “Practice, build your confidence, and don’t let the outside noise bring you down. There will be highs and lows but never give up. At the end of the day, be good to yourself and the people around you. There’s nothing wrong with trying to be a good person in this world.”

With his music, his heart for the community, and his unwavering belief in the next generation, Andrew Wooten is proving that art can heal, inspire, and transform lives.