In 1999 David Lee Roth contacted the Songs of Love Foundation asking if he would be able to sing a song for an ailing child. We enthusiastically said yes and he went on to record a "Song of Love" for 9-year-old Ashley Abernathy who was battling leukemia. Recently John Beltzer had a chance to meet up with David again during a radio interview, in which Daveheard the Ashley Abernathy song for the first time since he recorded it back in 1999. He was pleased to learn that Ashley, now 15, had made a complete recovery.
On a subsequent show on April 12th, David mentioned that he was asked to sing his hit song "Jump" for a private party. He said that his $10,000 fee would be donated to his favorite charity, Songs of Love!
John Beltzer (right), with David Lee Roth and 2 guests of the private party thrown by Credit Suisse.
On February 16th, 2006, Songs of Love celebrated its 10th birthday.
Later this year, the 10,000th child will have received his or her own "Song of Love." A major event will be held to commemorate both our 10th year and 10,000th "Song of Love." Click the little book icon to the right to look through our online 10th Anniversary Yearbook containing many wonderful comments we have received. The Songs of Love Foundation looks forward to the next 10!
Through the astounding efforts of one of our Music Messengers, Sandra Rose of Southport, NC, children and their families staying at Give Kids The World are now being given the opportunity to request a "Song of Love" from the Songs of Love Foundation. Sandra has two grandchildren, Zachary and Seth, who have experienced their Wish vacations at Give Kids The World and have also received their very own "Song of Love."
Every family that visits Give Kids The World will be given a Songs of Love brochure that includes the profile sheet that our songwriters use to create each individualized "Song of Love." Songs of Love is grateful to Sandra Rose and Give Kids The World for helping us reach many more children with our Medicine of Music.
Songs of Love is proud to announce the CD release "The Medicine of Music Country Compilation, Vol. 1." It's available at Borders and FYE. It can also be purchased on our website. This special compilation features hit songs by country artists like Leann Rimes, Vince Gill, George Strait and many others!
There is also a "Song of Love" called "Destiny's Song" written for Destiny Dyer who is battling a rare bone disease. The song was written by Anita Cochran, Tammy Cochran, Deborah Allen and Songs of Love writer, Carl Allocco.
A first ever "Songs of Love" video for Destiny's Song has also been produced. A portion of the sale of the CD will go directly to Songs of Love and it's mission of music. John Alexander, Director of Music Marketing for GAC-TV, spearheaded the project out of Nashville. Songs of Love appreciates his amazing efforts!
On Wednesday, June 29th, the Songs of Love Foundation was featured on the CBS 60 Minutes Wednesday with Dan Rather anchoring the segment. It features several children and their families as they experience hearing their "Songs of Love" for the first time. Dan Rather also touches upon John Beltzer's personal story and experiences that would eventually lead to the creation of Songs of Love.
On Wednesday, November 3, the Songs of Love Foundation celebrated its 6,000th "Song of Love" by involving over 450 students of Hofstra University in New York. The milestone song was recorded for leukemia patient Brendan Miranda. Brendan and family were present at the event!
This special event was sponsored by Hofstra's Student Government Association, Hillel: The Center for Jewish Life on Campus and the Inter-Fraternity/Sorority Council. Other groups involved are Hofstra's Student Activities, the Newman Club, the Protestant Club, the Muslim Students Association, Circle K, the Hofstra Gospel Ensemble and Sigmacapella. There were many Songs of Love writers who also contributed their talents and voices! They include: Ruth Antrich, David Cooper, Irving Louis Lattin, Carl Allocco, Chris Stavropoulos, Bill Smith, Kathy Hart, Meny Beriro, Candi Beriro, Alwis Demoya, Alex Forbes, John Beltzer, Richard Berardi and Danny Obadia.
Click .mp3 icon above to hear Brendan's "Song of Love".
The fabulous collegiate chorus sings for Brendan!
Brendan and Mom smile on stage as the crowd sings!
Brendan and his entire family soak up the healing voices!
Songs of Love's Music & Hospital Outreach Coordinator Kathryn Sherrell signs up students to be Music Messengers.
Our 6,000th Song Celebration banner!
The Songs of Love writers who contributed their talents and voices to Brendan's song. (Top, left to right) Danny Obadia, Bill Smith, Irving Louis Lattin, Alwis Demoya, Ruth Antrich, John Beltzer, Carl Allocco, Meny Beriro, David Cooper, Candi Beriro. (Bottom, left to right) Richard Berardi, Kathy Hart, Alex Forbes, Chris Stavropoulos
