Faith Hill and Vince Gill Record Very Special Kids’ Songs
Faith Hill and Vince Gill are joining some of their other famous friends in helping kids be country music stars! But not just any kids ... These future stars are patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
According to Parade magazine, songwriter Jenny Plume was brought to the hospital three years ago to start a music therapy program, helping patients express themselves through song. The program was supported by the Julian T. Fouce Fund, which was created by Tom and Maria Fouce in memory of their son, who died of leukemia in 2005 at the age of 16.
Jenny, who collaborates with the children in writing songs, helps shape the lyrics after kids tell her a story, and they come up with a melody. Gigi Pasley, 12, wrote a song about her 10-year battle with cancer -- the disease that killed her twin sister, Jade, in 2000. Gigi will soon make a special trip to Faith Hill's house, where Faith will record the young girl's song, 'You Have to Believe.'
Vince recently recorded the song 'That's Who I Am,' written by 17-year-old Chris Weber who has cystic fibrosis -- the chronic disease that he has battled since he was an infant. Vince says he feels blessed to record the tune, which is about a soldier who doesn't return for a second tour in Iraq because his little brother needs him at home. "You'd be a fool not to say yes," says Vince of being asked to put his vocals to the touching tune. "It's a chance to do something good in the world."
Besides Chris and Gigi, six other young patients from Vanderbilt University Medical Center will have their songs recorded by some of music's biggest acts including Kix Brooks, Amy Grant and Cowboy Troy.
The CD of all the kids' recordings will be released sometime this year. For exclusive video of Vince Gill's recording session, go to www.parade.com/cares.
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