ANNA, Ill. (KFVS) - The Freedom Sings USA retreat in southern Illinois will pair songwriters with area veterans to share heroic stories through song.
Founded by songwriters Don Goodman, Steve Dean and Bobbie Allison-Standefer, the nonprofit Freedom Sings USA says it “uses music therapy to provide emotional balance, promote healing and foster public appreciation for veterans’ sacrifices.”
According to Freedom Sings USA, the retreat will be April 16-18 in Anna, Illinois.
The five veterans participating in the retreat include:
- Donnie Spurlock (Iraq)
- Mark Haddick (Vietnam)
- Jean Few (Vietnam)
- Don Fotheringham (98, Iwo Jima)
- Jack Edwards (99, South Pacific)
According to Freedom Sings USA, the Nashville songwriters working with the veterans include:
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- Steve Dean, a hit-making songwriter with six #1 singles and numerous Top 40 successes, including Rodney Atkins’ “Watching You,” the most-played country song of 2007. His songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire, George Strait, Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys, and many other country favorites. Steve has earned eight BMI Songwriter Awards and two BMI Publisher Awards. Inspired by artists like The Beatles and Johnny Cash, he also performs as a singer/songwriter, sharing the stories behind his work and creating a genuine connection with audiences. In 2014, he co-founded Freedom Sings USA, further extending his passion for music and storytelling.
- Bill DiLuigi, a Nashville staff writer with 888 KING MUSIC and a prolific songwriter with more than 300 cuts to his name. His work has been recorded by artists such as Lonestar’s Richie McDonald, Blessid Union of Souls, Rachel Holder, and Aaron Pritchett. Bill’s songs have appeared on Billboard’s Top 40, American, and Music Row charts, and earned hundreds of film and TV placements. Recognized by American Songwriter, he’s often called a “poet’s poet” and is a trusted collaborator for both hitmakers and rising talent across the country. He also takes the stage regularly at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café, showcasing the craft he’s known for.
- Don Goodman, cofounder of Freedom Sings USA, is a celebrated Nashville songwriter known for penning iconic hits such as “Angels Among Us” (Alabama), Conway Twitty’s “Feelin’s,” and the worldwide favorite “Ol’ Red,” recorded most famously by Blake Shelton. Born in Hohenwald, Tennessee, he hitchhiked to Nashville in 1961 with a dream and went on to write thousands of songs. Named Country Music Songwriter of the Year in 2002 and nominated for four Grammy Awards, Don continues to shape the songwriting community. His international writing platform, writewithapro.com, connects aspiring writers with award-winning Nashville pros. A mentor, musical craftsman, and champion of veterans’ stories through Freedom Sings USA, Don’s influence is heard across decades of country music.
- Minnie Murphy, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with a soulful, genre-spanning style that blends Country, R&B, Jazz, Soul, and Pop. An accomplished vocalist, pianist, and guitarist, Minnie has toured internationally and performed or recorded with artists including Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Jack Ashford, Jamie O’Neal, and Wendy Moten. Her original music has been featured in major films such as Redemption Road and The Noel Diary, and her songs have been recorded by Laine Hardy, Sarah Darling, Jim Weatherly, Ty Herndon, and others. Known for her smooth tone, emotional delivery, and musical versatility, Minnie brings depth and heart to every performance. She continues to create music that bridges genres and connects with audiences worldwide.
- Wil Nance, a celebrated country songwriter behind multiple #1 hits and award winning albums. He topped Billboard and R&R with Brad Paisley’s smash “She’s Everything” from the multi Platinum CMA Album of the Year Time Well Wasted. He earned a BMI Award for George Strait’s #1 “Round About Way,” featured on Strait’s multi-Platinum Carrying Your Love With Me and later on 50 Number Ones, surpassing ten million sales. Nance has received multiple BMI “Million Air” honors and contributed “If Heartaches Were Horses” to Strait’s Grammy-winning Troubadour. His credits include Joe Nichols’ top ten “Cool To Be a Fool,” plus singles for Blue County, John Michael Montgomery, Gene Watson, Mo Pitney, and more.
- Bill Whyte, a Missouri native, has been entertaining audiences since age 16 as a songwriter, comedian, and acclaimed radio personality. He’s hosted leading morning shows in Nashville, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and beyond, earning a CMA Award and a 2012 induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. His songs have been recorded by artists including Ray Stevens, Joe Nichols, and Linda Davis. Bill tours nationwide with “Evening In The Round” alongside Grammy winner Linda Davis and Lang Scott, and also takes the stage with his popular songwriter trio, “Hits and Grins,” delivering a signature blend of music, humor, and heart.
Over the three days, the veterans will meet with their songwriter at a dinner and the songwriters will do a Writers’ Round concert on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the VFW, 70 VFW Lane. It is open to the public and tickets cost $15. Organizer ask that you RSVP by April 10 to 904-625-1109 or vabchlee@gmail.com.
on April 17, there will be another Writers’ Round concert at Davie’s School Inn Gym, 300 Freeman St. It is free and open to the public.
The concert recognizing the veterans and premiering the songs will be on Saturday, April 18 at East Davie Park in Anna. It is free and open to the public. Organizers say to bring your own lawn chair.
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