American Anthems

Ruston Kelly Learns About Melissa Smith and the Students

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.

Ruston Kelly Learns About Melissa Smith and the Students

2m 42s

  • What You’re Here For: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    What You’re Here For

    S1 E6 - 22m 55s

    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.

  • Make Tomorrow Come Today: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Make Tomorrow Come Today

    S1 E5 - 22m 55s

    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.

  • Let The Words Come Out: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Let The Words Come Out

    S1 E4 - 22m 55s

    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.

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