FEATURING VOCAL PERFORMANCES BY BILLY RAY CYRUS, VINCE GILL,
JOHN RICH, LONESTAR, ALL-4-ONE, GATLIN BROTHERS AND MORE
AVAILABLE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020
10 Tracks Co-written By TAPS Military Families And Notable Songwriters
Proceeds To Benefit TAPS And Its Families
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- Roots & American Music Society (RAMS), a not-for-profit record label based in Memphis, Tennessee, has teamed with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to orchestrate and create a meaningful recording project titled LOVE LIVES ON.
The combined creative endeavor aligned TAPS military families, who have endured the loss of a loved one, with some of the music industry’s most gifted and renowned songwriters to pen the family members’ intimate and personal stories in music and song.
Featuring special guest vocal performances by award-winning recording artists Vince Gill, Billy Ray Cyrus, John Rich, All-4-One, Lonestar, Gatlin Brothers and more, complemented by A-list studio and touring musicianship [including Vinnie Colaiuta, Eric Darken, Dann Huff, David Hungate (Toto) and David Pack (Ambrosia) among many others], the 10-track collaboration will be available via all major digital retail and streaming outlets (Amazon/iTunes/Pandora/Spotify/Tidal) on Friday, May 22, 2020.*
The LOVE LIVES ON pre-sale event begins Friday, April 3, 2020.
Produced by Frank Myers (Richie McDonald/Kenny Loggins/Michael Burrows/Eddy Raven/Andy Griggs) and Jimmy Nichols (Reba/Faith Hill/Andy Griggs/Mindy McCready), the inspiration behind the project was spawned by TAPS Founder and President, Bonnie Carroll who lost her husband, Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Carroll, a lifelong Alaskan and commander of the Alaska Army National Guard, in a military plane crash along with seven other soldiers. The embracing musical dedication offers intimate insight from the survivors’ perspective, life experiences and their courageous journey to live on.
The title track, “Love Lives On,” slated for a March 20, 2020 digital and streaming release, is signatured by Richie McDonald (Lonestar), who performs lead vocals, with a special appearance by Grammy®-winning artist Vince Gill. Symbolic of the entire project, the tune shares hope as a “light at the end of the tunnel” for those who carry the burden of grief.
Other tracks are as similarly touching and emotional. The tune “K9 Brother” (performed by Andy Griggs) recalls the relation, dedication and loyalty between two heroic soldiers, “Joshua 1:9” (Dave Fenley) and “People Need To Know” (The Gatlin Brothers/Paul Overstreet) depict fun-loving, youthful and brave character; while the tunes “Isn’t It Amazing” (All-4-One) and “New Set Of Wings” (Pam Tillis) offer an uplifting, spiritual sentiment heightened by spine-chilling harmonies.
“The entire project…with these incredible artists, gifted songwriters and beautiful families, is our chance to tell the story of service and sacrifice in our military, and among our military families,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS Founder and President. “I am so very proud of, and grateful for, all those who offered their hand, talent and heart to bring it to life.”
“My very first performance for TAPS was one of the most moving and rewarding experiences of my career; I immediately felt compelled to share the organization's passion,” added co-producer Jimmy Nichols. “My hope is that this project helps make that happen—that the TAPS' mission is on the minds, lips and in the hearts of folks across the country. For all those we’ve lost, and for those who have suffered for our freedom, we dedicate this magical musical tribute to you."
“Our hope with LOVE LIVES ON was to create a meaningful avenue to share the stories of military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice as seen through the eyes of the beautiful people who knew them well--their families and battle buddies,” said Steve Dunavant, Roots & American Music Society. “What we experienced in making this album was spiritual, humbling and life-changing. These 10 inspirational songs truly capture the passion of our encounter, the intimacy and courage of the TAPS family members, and are a testament to the aspirational message that ‘love lives on.’ When you hear them, we believe you will feel the same way.”
Follow LOVE LIVES ON on Instagram and Facebook or visit LoveLivesOnMusic.com
About Roots & American Music Society (RAMS)
Roots & American Music Society is a non-profit record label. Founded in Memphis, Tennessee in 2015, RAMS exists with the goal to foster and support the creation, performance and appreciation of Roots and American music. RAMS’ nonprofit record label undertakes unique large-scale recording projects that use music to raise awareness of and funding for important work being done in our communities.
For more information about RAMS, visit www.ramusicsociety.org.
About TAPS: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national non-profit organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 90,000 survivors of fallen military. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a military death. Services are provided free of charge. TAPS is supported by non-government funding. For more information about TAPS, visit TAPS.org.
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