Al McCree is an entertainment entrepreneur and retired Air Force fighter pilot. He owns and operates Al McCree Entertainment, Musical Concepts Inc. and the Comedy with Class Network. He is a consultant, concert promoter and (for ten years) was the artist manager for Jeanne Robertson, an award winning humorist and professional speaker. He is former owner and CEO of Altissimo! Recordings, a record label featuring the music of the US Military bands, orchestras and ensembles (militarymusic.com).
As a professional speaker, Al conducts programs on such topics as leadership, sales, customer service, and professional development for corporations and associations throughout the country.
As a singer songwriter, Al has written hundreds of customized songs and several award-winning jingles. His song credits include “America Works,” the official theme for National Payroll Week; We are An Air Force Family, selected as the theme song for the US Air Force Families Program; Unsung Heroes, the official theme song for Mississippi Special Olympics; the title song for the Greek version of The Owl and The Pussycat; and the theme song for the 1983 International Marathon, held in Athens, Greece.
A native of Orlando, Florida, Al graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1969 and attended pilot training in Columbus, MS. He was then assigned to Vietnam where he flew 196 combat missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and several Air Medals. He was next stationed in Texas as an instructor pilot. He was twice named Instructor Pilot of the Year, and was recognized as the Best in the Air Force for his abilities to lead and organize voluntary community efforts. He also earned a Masters Degree in Systems Management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He subsequently was assigned to the F4 fighter and flew extensively in Germany and throughout Europe. After attending the Air Command and Staff College in 1982-83, Al was assigned to the American Embassy in Athens, Greece as a liaison officer. Returning to Columbus, MS, Al served as the T-38 Squadron Operations Officer until he became the Commander of an aircraft maintenance organization. Under his leadership, this 550 person squadron consistently received outstanding ratings in evaluations and competitions. His last assignment was as Deputy Base Commander. He retired from the Air Force in 1989 as a Lieutenant Colonel and Command Pilot. He lives with Peg, his spouse of more than 50 years in Brentwood, Tennessee. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
