Special Album Drops on May 28 / Memorial Day Weekend;
Pre-Sales Available May 14 Through iTunes & Amazon
Proceeds Benefit Programs and Services for Veterans,
Military Members & Their Families
Nashville, Tenn. —Operation Song is sharing powerful stories about hope and healing through the gift of songwriting with A Salute to Gold Star Families. The 8-track album is dedicated to fallen military heroes and their loved ones. It’s set to be released on Friday, May 28, Memorial Day weekend, and will be available through outlets where music is sold digitally and on CD in the OperationSong.org store. Pre-sales will be available on Friday, May 14 through iTunes and Amazon.
On the album, the non-profit organization teamed professional songwriters with loved ones of fallen military heroes to help transform their compelling stories into songs. Together, they wrote the tunes to honor our nation’s greatest men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice. All proceeds from the recording project go back into the non-profit organization for continued programming and services. Operation Song programs are always provided at no expense to veterans, active-duty military and their families.
Songwriters performing on the album include Jenn Franklin, Victoria Banks, Aaron G. Barker Sr, Becca Rae Greene, Cindy Morgan, Hunter Wolkonowski, Marc Beeson, and Stephen J. Williams.
Gold Star mother Nanette West, co-writer of “My Hero, My Soldier, My Son,” describes support from the organization as immeasurable in coping with the loss of her son, First Lieutenant (1LT.) Kile West, while also helping to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten. “Working with Operation Song has been one of the most uplifting things I have ever been able to be a part of, not only being able to share the life story of my son but keeping his memory alive,” West says. “I truly admire the singer/songwriters’ talent and professionalism, and heart from the founder and directors of Operation Song. I will forever be thankful.”
On Memorial Day (May 28) of 2007, Lieutenant (1LT.) Kile West was killed in the line of duty.
SiriusXM host Storme Warren knows first-hand about the impact of Operation Song as a dedicated board member. “It’s humbling to hear the stories of our veterans and Gold Star family members,” says Warren. “The sacrifices, the heartache, the pain and the pride. And then to hear those stories come to life through music truly connects listeners to the personal experiences of military families. It is an honor to work closely with these families and the generous songwriting community in helping to share these songs of hope, healing and service.”
Operation Song Executive Director Kyle Frederick says the album project highlights the need for continued outreach and services. “This process and these recordings have given me a crystal-clear perspective on why it is essential that we, as a community, provide every support option possible for our veterans, active-duty military and their families,” he explains.
More than 950 songs have been produced since Nashville-based Operation Song began in 2012. Participants range from veterans of WWII to those currently serving in the military. The organization was founded by GRAMMY® and Dove Award-nominated songwriter Bob Regan. He’s penned over 200 songs for critically acclaimed artists such as Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Travis, Billy Ray Cyrus and more. Regan has scored 11 ASCAP Most Performed Song awards and continues to serve as Operation Song’s President of the Board.
For more information on programs and ways to get involved, visit operationsong.org.
“Bring the nightmares out of the shadows through the healing medium of music. Now, hold it in your hand, up to the light and know that you have some control over it for the first time.” – Aaron Barker, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (“That Would Be Ben,” A Salute to Gold Star Families)
Operation Song – “A Salute to Gold Star Families” Track Listing:
1. “My Hero, My Soldier, My Son” (4:17) Written by family member Nanette West, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Jenn Franklin, Diva Down Publishing (ASCAP)
2. “Live and Die a Marine” (3:07) Written by family member Tammy Bass, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Victoria Banks, Banks a Million Music (BMI)
3. “Harley’s in Heaven” (4:15) Written by family member Heather Von Loh, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Hunter Wolkonowski (ASCAP)
4. “That Would Be Ben” (3:29) Written by family member Dennis Leftrick, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Aaron G. Barker Sr. dba SkyMonkey Music (BMI)
5. “Go Thank a Marine” (3:21) Written by family member Jenny Newsom, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Becca Rae Greene (BMI)
6. “Gold Star Mom” (3:33) Written by family member Karen Kennedy, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Marc Beeson, Son of Ron Songs/Downtown DLJ Songs (ASCAP)
7. “Angelversary” (2:56) Written by family members Taylor, Lyndsey, Wendall, Shaun and Dylan Pelham, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Stephen J. Williams, Pier Pressure Music (SESAC)
8. “Love, JT” (4:56) Written by family member Mary Byers, Operation Song Publishing (ASCAP); Cindy Morgan, Little Green Bike Music administered through Reach Music Songs (BMI)