What Songwriters Have To Say

The Songs of Love Foundation has given many songwriters a meaningful outlet for their talents. Each “song of love” that is written is a guaranteed hit that becomes part of the child’s life and family forever. Here is what some of them have to say about their experiences after dispensing their Medicine of Music™

I’m always amazed at how things come together. So I’m grateful, to have continued writing songs for Songs Of Love Foundation, and I’m enjoying the process of putting out so much positive energy! My creativity as an artists is unlimited and it feels good to know I have an outlet that puts my creativity into use for a higher purpose, and its being directed the right way! All I can ask as an artist, is that you give other artists this opportunity to be heard in a way that is meaningful, and also families and children to receive art (rap music songs) in their lives that is also positive and uplifting. This is why Bayo creates Songs of Love..

— Thank you, and god bless your efforts!
Adeabayo A. Olorunto
Songwriter

 

The Songs of Love Organization is not only a unique and indispensable part of the service community, but even more so offers innumerable contributions to the music and arts community as a whole. The arts world is continually growing and evolving in this modern age and desperately needs organizations like Songs of Love to focus, foster, and nurture the creativity and community of artistic expression. Creativity and expression are about making connections, to humanity and to each other. Not only does Songs of Love allow songwriters and performers of all kinds an avenue to exercise and hone their time-honored crafts, but it brings so many countless artists together to create, collaborate, form relationships, and explore new artistic ideas through the most noble of aims: to inspire dancing, singing, smiling and a connection to music and the arts in children who need that connection the most. What more meaningful and lasting connection can an artist make than one created on a musical canvas of love for a child in need? Composing and performing for Songs of Love has been one of the most profoundly rewarding and fulfilling experiences in my life as a musician, as an artist, and as a human being.

— In music and love,
Freddie Long
Songwriter

 

Much respect and love coming from Long Island, NY … first off I want to start by saying this was probably one of the greatest opportunities given to me. The whole concept is a pull in itself … definitely worth putting your craft and time into because what you guys are doing is something extreme!! A platform for kids all throughout different parts the world. It’s also very much an outlet for artists as well which is great!. To me, music is medicine…so what better way to use it than making Songs of Love to heal everyone in need …. I truly feel that kids all around the world are more than pleased with the music that has been structured specifically for the love of them, their family, what they like to do, favorites types of music so the artist knows how to go about when creating songs… The Songs of Love Foundation to me is an uplifting movement that will go beyond reach within due time. Positive energy goes a long way….and as long as you have the amazingly talented artists you have right now, I’m sure everything will prosper. Music and art go hand and hand… peanut butter and jelly lol … I feel like they’re both infinite and you can never run out of things to do with it. There’s always another option or way to look at it…or there’s always another snare you could use even when you thought there weren’t anymore you just needed to find the expansion pack haha… I’m grateful for this opportunity and I wouldn’t take it for granted because I know how much the kids look forward to hearing music that lifts them and makes them want to dance, laugh, playing and enjoying activities hearing a song based around them… you just know they’re gonna go crazy and show out lol! To be honest, it’s clear to see that the Songs of Love (Arts) 🙂 foundation benefits everyone equally and with passion. Music isn’t a job … at least not to me. Since I was young I’ve always been involved with music and loved it whether it was hearing my parents sing, me playing the piano at 2 and crying when I had to leave it or just hearing them play old school jams that you just knew would take your craft to another level. I’m so happy I’m a part and I hope my statement maybe fulfilled your objective.. much love to the Songs of Love Foundation and all of the kids around the world!!!

— Can’t wait to create more Art.
Michael Smith Jr.
Songwriter

 

The creation of paintings can be considered art because it is visual but the same holds true with music. One art form is using sight the other art form uses hearing. In both instances the composer uses their vision creating something that not only affects them but others who may see or hear their work. My eyes and hearing work together and that is the way I view art..As a composer of music I often get a mental picture that I am able to translate into music the same way a painter translates his mental picture on canvas. If you say Mike translate your mental picture on canvas then translate your mental picture thru music. One may say, “Mike your painting sucks stick to music.” That is your art. Watch a movie with no sound. Create a sound track to that movie and watch how that music can make a huge impact on the listener. This brings me to songs of love. I am able to bring my musical art thru hearing to make an impact on people all over the world. Take someone who may be physically blind and cannot see physical art work. They can be impacted another way. Thru the art of music. Let’s look at Stevie wonder as an example. He expresses his artistry thru music and look at the impact of the lives that have been touched by his musical artwork that has been heard as well as creating mental pictures that give inspiration to create visual artwork. Senses often work together to form a perspective. To fund my eyes is to fund my ears. They work together.

— Sincerely,
Mike Smith
Songwriter

 

I create for Songs of Love because it is the best use of my musical skills. Not only does it help children, their families and caregivers, but it allows me to further deepen my understanding of the song process and arranging process. It challenges me to continually innovate around the theme of the child. The profiles of these children open my eyes to different ways of thinking about the lyric process which I otherwise would not discover left to my own thoughts. I have expanded my concept of the song because of this, and it influences my other work. I am no longer an island, but find my art connected to humanity in the best possible way.

— Sincerely,
Thomas Jones
Songwriter

 

What is “art” ??? According to Merriam Webster, art is something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. Under this definition, a “song” would definitely be considered art! What is a “song” ??? Also, according to Merriam Webster, a song is 1 : the act or art of singing. 2 : poetical composition. 3a : a short musical composition of words and music. b : a collection of such compositions. Notice the phrase “art of singing” – again, a song would definitely be considered art!! A song, especially a custom song, written for a particular child going through tough medical challenges is a beautiful piece of art. Art that uplifts them and helps soothe them. Art that is the Medicine of Music, weaved into a Song of Love. That is art. Art with Heart !!!!!

— Sincerely,
Stacy Delima
Songwriter

 

Songs of love helps children to feel special and loved by celebrating their unique life through music especially made for them. It allows them and their family to bond over a common joyful experience, and gives them a memory that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. It helps to bring community together by giving them the common goal of helping others and to spread joy in a time of difficulty.

— Sincerely,
Bruce Wangsanutr
Songwriter

 

I have been writing for SONGS OF LOVE FOUNDATION now for several months. Not only do I feel that I have perhaps made a child with severe medical issues happy, but my writing skills have increased immensely. It is a challenge to “stretch out” and write for a different age group than I normally do, and I am focusing on what I think the child might want to hear, rather than just what “I” as an artist think I need to say. As the saying goes, “It’s not about me”, which is a valuable lesson in songwriting, and in life. There is a special Art to writing for children, especially ones with delicate issues, and I hope to continue getting better at this vital art form as time progresses.

— All The Best,
Jack Bond
Songwriter

 

My name is Ross and I’m a Songs of Loveaholic. I’ve been involved in writing children’s music for over 25 years. I was licensed by National Crime Prevention Council to write music for McGruff the Crime Dog and worked on other children’s music projects for Coca-Cola, Reading is Fundamental and Liberty Mutual Insurance. Many years ago I first heard about Songs of Love and wrote three songs for them. The deliverable at that time was on cassette. I had to put Songs of Love on hold as my wife, who was 35 at the time, developed a frontal lobe brain injury and I had to devote my spare time to being her caretaker. For the past 2 years she has been living in a memory care facility and I have had more time to devote to Songs of Love. I have written 160 Songs of Love since January 2018 and have seen the joy and comfort my songs bring to families with children dealing with medical, physical or emotional problems. The kind words of gratitude, pictures and videos from those families make it all worthwhile. And it really makes me grateful that I have two healthy, well adjusted, grown sons. So when you are deciding on what art organization you would like to donate to, please consider Songs of Love. Songs of Love truly delivers the “Medicine of Music.” Just ask me.

— Sincerely,
Ross Orenstein
Songwriter

 

“Songs of Love” is the purest form of love found in today’s society. Have you ever received a gift, that is so very personal, from someone? Now think of that gift and multiply it by infinity & beyond. That’s how the recipients, aka the children, feel when they receive their Song of Love. Now it’s your chance to be someone’s superhero, their very own Buzz Lightyear of sorts. Donate your time or monies to this beautiful organization and begin to see the vast amount of love that can be spread through song.

— Sincerely,
Chris Bohinski
Songwriter

 

Hello From the studio of Rick Savasten. Music is medicine at times, heals the heart and mind. Writing and recording songs for the Songs Of Love Foundation’s children of this world is the most rewarding feeling I have ever felt. Being a former rock star has never delivered the heart warming satisfaction I feel from the songs of love project. Success is measured by our accomplishments, I feel the songs we write and record for these young worriers, will be our most successful legacy. Supporting these arts has to be done, for so many reasons, for me its all about the healing. As a disabled person, I went through a massive amputation and years of doctors. My plight gives me a personal connection with the situations of these young kids, and how they may feel. I reflect on my memories, the first thing I did when leaving the hospital was return to playing music and performing, this saved my life, and now I am able to give back with clarity and purpose. My hope is donors will embrace these pinnacles arts and support them far beyond our vision. Please help us to lift the young lives and future of our world.

— Thank you,
Rick Savasten
Songwriter

 

Music is one of the most uplifting activities there is. It is universal, timeless and can be used as a powerful tool, to awake, touch, and bring into alignment souls of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to The Songs Of Love Foundation, artists like myself, can use their gift for the better good and help a young child or adolescent feel good about themselves, even if that sensation only lasts a few minutes, which is the duration of a song. We are here to support sick children/adolescents and their families, through this very difficult time, in their lives. Our voices are used to sooth, to sort of “ease the pain” and try to “make it better”. The Songs Of Love Foundation is the organization that makes it possible for a musician to be a part of a sick person’s life. It works with families of ill persons and matches potential artists to their needs. Their work deserves to be appreciated and rewarded.

— Sincerely,
Kikee Bah
Songwriter

 

Music is the universal language of the world. It can make you happy, sad, angry, excited, thoughtful, loving, interested or peaceful. Making a special song for a sick child is an act of love and empathy. It is quite a responsibility and needs that extra bit of effort to try and make it right.i It is not a trite or maudlin experience but an uplifting concerned experience. With the information supplied in the brief, of what matters to the child and family, it is sobering when this information also tells you something about the illness that affects that young person. It is not something that slips out from me – the artist – without thought and consideration. This enterprise has my support as it does good. I deem it a worthwhile enterprise and one that deserves and should find funding to continue its work.

— Sincerely,
John C Mc Allister
Songwriter

 

Allowing musical artists an outlet to express their creativity in a way that touches lives.

— Sincerely,
Tony Carrion
Songwriter

 

Consider this-maybe the word “Arts” is really an acronym. Maybe it’s shorthand for “Another Reason To Smile”. As a creator, I’m always looking for another reason to smile. For me, it’s turning a blank sheet of paper and a handful of chords into something magical-something that lives and breathes on its own-something that means the world to someone else. Each “Song Of Love” is a unique gift that’s crafted from the heart of a songwriter-using their lifetime of talents and musical abilities. Unlike any other type of art-these “Songs Of Love” are conceptualized, recorded, mixed and delivered specifically to an audience of one. One beautiful child. Then another, then another…all the while we keep writing and delivering this Medicine Of Music. However, this type of remedy requires no follow-ups, assumes no risks, and is guaranteed to improve the life of the recipient. Miraculous in itself. From the heart of a songwriter to the heart of a child-what a beautiful symphony of caring we compose! The financial support of donors is essential to continue the incredible work that has been done over the past 23 years. Your contributions are guaranteed to produce life enhancing results by enriching the lives of these children, their parents and friends-one song at a time. The Songs Of Love Foundation is the “Arts”. With your help, we can give these precious kids- “Another Reason To Smile”.

— In harmony,
Eddie Kilgallon
Songwriter

 

Writing, producing, and performing a song of love requires me to really focus on the subject matter and create a masterpiece, a #1 hit. I grow as a songwriter, producer, musician, singer, and human being with every new assignment.

— Sincerely,
Dave Kinnoin
Songwriter

 

I volunteer to give something back. After a lifetime of self promotion, it’s good to take the focus off of me. Songs of love is a great organization. It offers writers an opportunity to hone their craft, keep up to date (kids like NEW music), and find an audience – even if it’s an audience of one.

— Sincerely,
Dean Madonia
Songwriter

 

Music truly is a universal language. It begins with a baby’s lullaby and it follows us through our lives as it creates and evokes countless memories and feelings. Music has the power to heal by making us laugh, sing, dance and even cry. What greater joy can there be than to bring a smile to the face of a sick or challenge child. Imagine the healing power of having your very own heartfelt personalized song that will be cherished forever. Songs of Love is very much an arts organization with hundred’s of creative and talented songwriters who devote their time and talents in making the world a better place by easing the pain of a suffering child one song at a time. Songwriters that create in all different styles and genres bringing their songs across many boarders all for one special person. Songs of Love deserves consideration and support from foundations that support the arts

— Sincerely,
Len Mizzoni
Songwriter

 

Songs of Love was a transformative experience for my students and me. It allowed all of us to personally help a child in need. Under the Songs of Love leadership, I was able to develop a songwriting workshop, record tracks in the classroom, and have a finished product within the prescribed time period. We all knew we were helping a fellow young person struggling with health issues. My eighth grade students learned compassion, caring, empathy and music therapy. My art and music background was allowed to surge and create many “new artists” in my classroom who helped with the lyrics and graphic design. I was grateful as a musician and artist to have this amazing platform to express my deepest sympathies for the child and family I was serving. Songs of Love goes beyond human compassion and connection into the realm of original artistic expression.

— Sincerely,
John Moses
Songwriter

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. It’s been a blessing that brings me great joy. It’s easy in today’s world to forget the reason why you do something. There are so many distractions throughout a day–we are bombarded with this newest trend or that latest political protest. But, whenever I sit down to write a song for one of the children through Songs of Love, all of that noise goes away, and the sole focus is making one person’s day better. After all, everything good starts with one positive thought, one action, and one person at a time. It is a great organization like Songs of Love who empowers and inspires musicians to give back in a way that wasn’t on our radar’s when we first got into music. And, it is one of the best feelings to get a note back from one of the employees saying that ‘so and so loved the song and is beaming from ear to ear. That’s why I do what I do with Songs of Love, and am proud to be a part of their mission.

— Sincerely,
Jim Gaven
Songwriter

 

I create songs of love because I truly believe music transcends all boundaries. It has the power to connect people together and medical proof to help people to heal and to remember. I wanted to follow my passion and desire to be a singer and songwriter to evoke emotion in others and being a songs of love songwriter, I am truly able to do. During my Bachelors, I wanted to work towards a degree in both music and psychology because I always had the desire to help people and Songs of Love is the perfect vehicle to do so.

— Sincerely,
Anna Volpe
Songwriter

 

I am Freddy Fisher from the band OneSixTwo I am a proud member/songwriter for the songs of love, and it was a beautiful musical Journey, making songs of love for the children, just knowing how happy our songs made them was a blessing, and for them to be able to use that song for a fundraiser to help that child in need it’s even more of a blessing to be able to do so, and for them to have their own custom-made song with all of their likes and friends and family incorporated into the song makes them feel happy inside knowing the artist thought of them and took so much effort to capture who they are in that song so they can play it whenever they’re feeling down it will be there to lift their spirits back up, I recommend this for any artist/musician out there who truly wants to make an impact on someone’s life this is the perfect place to take your creativity to the next level.

— Sincerely,
OneSixTwo & Tai Sui
Songwriters

 

 

— Sincerely,
   Miguel Baluja Jr.
   Songwriter

 

SOL has been a chance to use my talents for the best of possible reasons: it’s for the aid and comfort of the most vulnerable among us in a time of their greatest need.

— Thomas Jones, songwriter

 

Being a part of The Songs of Love Family is truly one of my greatest blessings.

— Thank you,
   Shelby Bentley
   Songwriter

 

Last spring I saw an ad for Songs of Love in the Nashville Scene. Songs of Love wanted songwriters to write songs for these precious children. I went to the website to check it out and just knew right away I wanted to be involved. I don’t have children myself, but I have a niece and three nephews that I adore, who are all, thankfully, healthy kids. I called Kathryn Sherrell & sent my package in and have been writing for Songs of Love ever since. This has been truly a wonderful experience for me, a real blessing indeed. I am so happy to be a part of this organization and to be able to use my gift of music to bring a smile to a child who needs it. I hope that the songs I’ve written for the kids have encouraged them and brought some happiness into their lives. Congratulations, Songs of Love, for 10 years and may you have many more!

— Best wishes,
   Donna Frost
   Songwriter

 

The very first assignment I wrote for Songs of Love was a lullaby for Austin. I still think about that little boy today; his story and my melody come back to me often, always out of the blue. I pray he’s thriving and am grateful for the gift that John Beltzer gives not just to the kids, but to the many singer/songwriters who are privileged to be a part of the organization. Thank you John and congratulations on ten years of success with Songs of Love.

— Vicky Harris
   singer/songwriter

 

I have been writing for Songs of Love now for nearly 6 months. Producing demos and writing songs is what I do for a living, but of all the projects I handle, nothing is more rewarding and satisfying than putting a child’s life and loves to music. I’m grateful for the opportunities Songs of Love gives me to share my talents with so many special children.

— William Sherry, Jr.
   Aerugo Productions
   Nashville, TN

 

I am a songwriter who strongly believes that music can change the world. That is the reason why I volunteered to participate in SOL. What you bring to our world is priceless. That is the cost of a heart smile. To me the work is so fulfilling. Just to know that a song can provoke and smile and touch the heart of a child makes it all worth while. I just received a letter from one of the grandparents “via” Songs of Love saying “how much my song made her granddaughter happy and how she listened to the song all the time.” The letter evoked such happiness in me. That must be what it feels like to get a Grammy because that’s how the letter made me feel like I had won a Grammy. The work is not work it’s a joy. To sing a song for the children is medicine to my soul.

— Singer-Songwriter
   Nanette Maxine

 

I was introduced to Songs of Love 9 years ago, just before the 250-song celebration. John sat me down on the couch in his parents’ basement, which was his “office” at the time, and handed me a scrapbook bulging with Thank You letters from children, parents and healthcare workers. After reading a few letters I immediately burst into tears and offered to take home 2 Profile Sheets.

Getting involved with Songs of Love was a turning point in my musical life. There’s something magical about the whole process. It sparks people’s creativity in a really powerful, heartfelt way, and invariably the songwriters, employees and supporters of the organization turn out to be cool people. Some have become great friends, collaborators and professional colleagues. Thanks to John’s persuasive nature I also got over the terror of owning and operating a home recording studio… always a plus in this business!

Getting a Thank You letter from a child or parent is always such a thrill… but even when I don’t get one I still have that warm fuzzy feeling you get from making a meaningful contribution to someone else.

Whenever I describe Songs of Love to someone ? anyone ? they are struck with a sense of wonder and inspiration. I share John’s vision that the Medicine of Music should be prescribed to every child in need of healing.

— Love,
   Alex Forbes

 

Songs of Love . . . Thanks for keeping me on the ground floor of blessings as a songwriter giving gifts to these beautiful children. Hark, I can see Laronda Williams, one of my children right in the front on the Song poster. How lucky am I. All the best forevermore to SOL.

— Irving Louis Lattin

 

This is the longest I’ve ever stayed with anything, ten years ago I was in John’s basement recording my first Song of Love (I had no recording equipment) and thought that it would be a one time thing. Many collaborations with other writers, singers, a High School chorus, and I even did one where I got every kid (ages 2-13) in my extended family to record a song together. They came out feeling like they had done something of extreme importance and they did. Thank You, John, for your vision and leadership, Kathy, Sarah, Danny, Meny, and any body else who has worked in the office for your dedication and professionalism.

— Alwis De Moya

 

Dear Songs of Love, I have been a writer for SOL since 1997, almost from the beginning! Before we all relied on the internet, we relied on each other, to record and deliver songs, or to take part in fundraisers on a regular basis. Needless to say, I know John well and SOL has become a big part of my life. So the organization has grown and changed, and I have grown along with it. What began as a some-time contribution from me evolved into a regular one, as I have connected more deeply with my need to contribute to the world’s healing in any way I can. The kids still need support and hope, and I realize that the best I can do is continue to give of my talent and love. So congratulations SOL, I am proud to be considered part of the ‘family’, and here’s to many more years of bringing light into the world.

— Love and blessings,
   Steffani Bennett

 

It took someone with vision, like John, to see what these songs, Songs of Love, would mean to the children…I’m proud to be a part of that vision, The Songs of Love Foundation.

— Ernie Gold

 

I have been writing for songs of love now going on 10 months and it has been an absolute blessing knowing that I’m writing for a good cause. I’ve received back letters for some of the children I have written for letting me know that the songs I’ve written were an encouragement, and knowing this makes me put more thought and creativity into each song I write. I look forward to the next 10 years and 10,000 songs and hope to be a part of it.

— LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs
   Hip Hop Songwriter

 

It has been a wonderful experience being a writer for Songs of Love and seeing the remarkable effect a three-minute song has on a young person’s spirit. It is like experiencing miracle after miracle. I hope that many other writers take advantage of this amazing way to use their talent to make the world a better place song by song.

— Kathy Hart

 

My family and I have been involved with Songs of Love for ten years, since May of 1996. What started out as an answer to an ad in the Village Voice asking for volunteer songwriters, has become a deep source of pleasure and creativity for me. Not only do I add music to my life, but I get to create songs with my family and friends for a wonderful purpose…to give some magic and love to a child. The whole world should know about this organization and support it.

— Thanks,
   Ralph Kotkov