Causes That Inspire

Songs of Love: Soothing Souls with Personalized Music

	Cheryl Anne shows off her Songs Of Love CD.
	John directs a crowd at the Mickey Mantle's restaurant in New York as they sing on a "Song of Love" for a sick child.

Songs of Love Foundation began with a few simple notes and a lone voice. It has since grown into a symphony of caring, backed by a full choir spanning octaves of concern for children facing illness. This unique charitable organization was founded, in 1996, by John Beltzer combining his passion for music and concern for people in pain. Described as "the medicine of music," the foundation provides smiles and encouragement for children facing health problems, often beyond their capacity to cope.

The idea of personalizing songs for children is not new. Many companies provide cookie cutter arrangements of nursery rhymes and lullabies with a child's name inserted into the pre-recorded track. The process at Songs of Love is something completely different. Beltzer believes his foundation's efforts provide "inspiration, joy and possibly even healing."

Over 350 talented musicians compose original songs, nationwide, for specific children; many facing life-threatening diseases. The songs are crafted around details from the child's life, often including family members, hobbies and personal experiences. Each song is an original composition; the copyright is donated to Songs of Love. Musicians creating a personalized song for a child receive a nominal $75 stipend.

According to the foundation, the high quality of songs written and performed has led to requests and collaborations from "over 300 hospitals, private health-care institutions, and various individual families." These "musical portraits" are unique to each child and never duplicated.

The generosity of time, talent and concern is inspirational in today's frazzled world. The musicians who have made such donations are too numerous to list. It's often easier to write a check for a worthy cause than invest yourself in the lives of others. The response experienced by Songs of Love volunteers brings new meaning to the credit card advertising slogan – priceless.

Nancy Sinatra with Danny and his Songs of Love CD.
John and David Lee Roth model the Songs of Love T-shirt.

Some songs have been created and performed by high-profile musicians including David Lee Roth. A compilation of musical creations is available from Songs of Love. Proceeds from the sales of this CD help support new compositions for sick children.

Additionally, business and corporate sponsorships are available and can result in a group recording. Original songs are provided by volunteer songwriters, musical accompaniment is furnished along with lyric sheets and a high-tech, portable recording studio. These events are appealing to media outlets and have resulted in valuable press coverage.

A group of more than fifty New York policemen sponsored a song and recorded it as a group for Songs of Love. The recording session was featured in the New York Post where it caught the eye of Rosie O'Donnell and ultimately led to an appearance on her television show. Ten of the participating policemen performed the emotional song. The phones rang off the hook at Songs of Love from listeners wanting to purchase a recording of the performance.

Media interest in group events includes schools, corporations and philanthropic professionals. This year, the NBC affiliate station in New York will meet for their annual recording of a holiday tune by local news staff for promotional spots. In addition, they will be recording a song for a child coordinated by Songs of Love.

Partnerships are available for other worthy causes. A joint fundraising effort with Songs of Love can benefit a musical group, children's charity or health cause. Songs for Love is able to promote a group recording session for school programs, civic groups or business sponsors. The media attention is a valuable tool for increasing the visibility of a local fundraiser and subsequently raising additional monies for charitable organizations.

Enlisting chart-topping musicians for a successful compilation project is an ongoing effort. Many recording artists give back to the community through benefit concerts and personal appearances at charity events. Creating a song for a child in need could inspire music that would touch the hearts of listeners around the world. The proceeds from such a recording would be valuable in sustaining the ongoing efforts of Songs of Love.

Songs of Love is planning a high-profile celebration of their 5,000th recording, sometime next year. That number represents 5,000 children who have been touched by the efforts of participating musicians and supporters. Many of these children have survived their bouts with disease and treasure their personal Song of Love; others, sadly, have not.

You can find additional information about Songs of Love Foundation at their website: www.songsoflove.org, or reach them by calling 1-800-960-SONG.

-- DeWayne Lumpkin, Freelance Writer