Sal Gonzalez

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Born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA, Sal Gonzalez discovered his love for music in grade school, performing in the choir. He quickly fell in love with the entire process of singing and performing. Inspired by his self-taught father and driven by his passion, Sal began playing guitar and eventually joined bands. By high school, he was singing lead in various bands and found local success with his Spanish rock band, "La Cabaña," performing throughout Southern California.

The terror attacks of 9/11 inspired Sal to serve his country, shifting his focus from music to joining the United States Marine Corps. In late 2003, Sal earned the title of Marine and trained as a machine gunner. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, and was deployed to Iraq in late summer 2004. On October 31, 2004, his vehicle was struck for the seventh time during that deployment, resulting in the death of Lt. Matthew D. Lynch and severe injuries to Sal and another Marine.

Sal was flown to Bethesda Naval Hospital, where he awoke from a weeklong coma to learn the extent of his injuries. After more than 30 surgeries and four months of hospitalization, his left leg was amputated below the knee. Sal then spent a year at San Antonio Medical Center in Texas learning to walk with a prosthetic leg. He retired from the Marine Corps in late 2005 and soon moved to Nashville, TN, to pursue his dreams of songwriting and performing.

Sal describes 2006–2010 as both the best and darkest times of his life. Working as a bouncer at the Bluebird Cafe, he learned to write songs, made lifelong friends, and attended college at MTSU. However, he struggled with alcoholism, using it to cope with his past. Through his work with the Wounded Warrior Project and Semper Fi Fund, Sal found his passion for helping other veterans, which helped him overcome his struggles. His music and public speaking have since raised millions for veterans' care organizations nationwide. In 2012, he became a spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project, sharing his story to raise awareness.

In 2014, Sal's journey took a significant turn when he became a contestant on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. His performance opened doors to share the stage with country superstars like Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Charles Kelley, and Trace Adkins. Sal’s songs about life, love, and loss reflect his experiences, with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. His song “Whiskey on the Ground” addresses a veteran’s journey through PTSD and substance abuse, showcasing his ability to turn personal struggles into powerful music.

Despite his often somber themes, Sal can also write uplifting songs, like “When We Go Round,” an up-tempo love song. “Heroes,” his favorite song, represents his authentic self and showcases his songwriting talent. His EP “Shadow of Death” marks his debut as an artist and promises to be just the beginning of his musical journey. Sal Gonzalez’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of music to heal and inspire.