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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

Michael and Tanya Trotter (The War and Treaty) talk with Jason Johnson (Founder, Project K-9 Hero) about his backstory and his organization's initiative. Jason explains his background as a military and police K9 handler and how poorly working K9s are treated when they can no longer serve.

Michael and Tanya Trotter (The War and Treaty) discuss with Jason Johnson how K9s who served are neglected just as much as humans who serve. Tanya likens the treatment of the K9s to how she felt Michael, a veteran himself, was treated when he could no longer serve. The three then play fetch with K9 Yoube and learn more about the importance of the initiative.

Singer/songwriters The War and Treaty craft a heartfelt and moving song based on Jason Johnson and his non-profit organization, Project K-9 Hero. Michael and Tanya Trotter discuss the reason behind using certain keys and lyrics in the song to emphasize key points they are trying to highlight.

Ashley Ruiz introduces her work with The Laundry Project, a non profit organization offering free laundry to those in need. She discusses how she became drawn to this specific initiative and how important the ripple effect is of free laundry on the underserved families The Laundry Project benefits.

Ashley Ruiz sits down with country star Lee Brice to discuss the importance of clean laundry and how a small act of kindness can go such a long day. Lee is introduced to the necessities behind all Laundry Project events, how expensive clean laundry is and how recipients benefit from the project. Lee and Ashley get hands on and provide quarters and detergent to those in need.

Songwriters Billy Montana and Adam Wood join Lee Brice to craft a song based on Ashley Ruiz's story. Lee fills the guys in on his day with Ashley and how he was inspired by her life's work. Billy and Adam help Lee turn his inspiration into a beautiful country song with lyrics that parallel Ashley's mission.

Singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles talks with Seth Grumet (Founder, Stomp the Monster) and his family about how they all dealt with Seth's cancer diagnosis. Seth introduces his wife, children and parents and they discuss the journey they have been on as a family during Seth's treatment and recovery. Seth reveals how the name Stomp the Monster came to be.

Seth Grumet tells singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles how he came up with the idea of starting Stomp the Monster while he was undergoing chemotherapy for a life threatening tumor. Seth realized that many other cancer patients did not have the large support group of friends and family he was blessed with. He was determined to find away to help others in big and small ways.

Singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles and songwriter Bill Sherman begin writing a song based on Seth Grumet's experience with cancer. Seth used his own experience to start a non-profit that helps other cancer patients. Jennifer and Bill share secrets of their craft and develop melody and lyrics for the song "Life Is Sweet" which they will perform for Seth, his family and friends later that evening.

Across the country unsung heroes are working to improve the lives of others. Their inspiring efforts receiving little fanfare — until now. "American Anthems" celebrates them with surprise songs based on their stories from country music’s biggest stars.