American Anthems

Singer/songwriters Ruston Kelly and Kate York sit down to write a powerful song. The two discuss their reasoning behind key lyrics and even how certain chord progressions relate back to, and are inspired by, Melissa Smith and Backlight Productions.

Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, discusses the importance of her organization and what it means to both the actors and families of actors who participate. Singer/songwriter Ruston Kelly stops by to learn more about the organization and Melissa and even gets to jam out with some of the Backlight Productions band.

Singer Ruston Kelly meets Melissa Smith, who runs a performing arts program supporting intellectually disabled adults. Bonding over their pasts, Ruston writes a ballad celebrating Melissa's work and the good we can do when we realize our purpose.

Singer/songwriter, Ruston Kelly and Melissa Smith, founder of Backlight Productions, discuss how their upbringings led them to similar changes in their respective career paths. We hear from some of the students/actors at Backlight Productions on what the program means to them. Ruston then gets the chance to perform some scenes with the actors.

Meredith McKinney, founder of the Black Book Project sits down with singer/songwriter Cam to discuss the importance of representation in children's literature, how Cam finds inspiration for writing her songs, and how Meredith found her calling. The two then join a young volunteer and help label books for donation.

Singer/songwriter Cam sits down with friend and songwriter/musician Dre Williams to write an inspired ballot. Cam discusses her reasoning behind key lyrics and even vocal arrangement that is meaningful to the story of Meredith McKinney and the importance of the Black Book Project.

Meredith McKinney provides underserved children with books featuring diverse characters. Grammy nominee Cam, a diversity advocate in the music industry, teams with songwriter Dre Williams to perform a stirring original folk anthem for Meredith.

Meredith McKinney, founder of Black Book Project, receives and distributes books with African American protagonists and donates them to children who might have not had the opportunity to see the likes of themselves represented in literature. The children express their excitement to take the books home.

Country star Lindsay Ell bonds with Greta McClain over their shared sexual assault tragedies. With Kristian Bush, Lindsay crafts and performs an electric country rock anthem that Greta can use as a fight song in her mission of caring.

Singer/songwriters Kristian Bush and Lindsay Ell craft a heartfelt and moving song based on Greta McClain and her non-profit organization, Silent No Longer. Lindsay and Kristian discuss the reason behind using certain lyrics in the song to emphasize key points they are trying to highlight in hopes of honoring Greta they best they can.

Lindsay Ell discusses how songwriting and playing guitar have helped her connect to who she is. Music has been an outlet for her and her entire last album was inspired by art being a way to process feelings. This leads her to Greta McClain, founder of Silent No Longer, whose entire mission is just that.

Greta McClain, founder of Silent No Longer, shares her survivor story with singer/songwriter Lindsay Ell. The two are at an art studio, one of the many forms of expression Silent No Longer promotes to those dealing with trauma from sexual assault. Lindsay and Greta do pottery and Lindsay teaches Greta some guitar.