American Anthem | July 2022

Ashley Ruiz is a “hope dealer,” dedicating herself to paying for people’s laundry in low-income communities. This inspires Lee Brice to create a celebratory mid-tempo guitar jam that he debuts to a lively group of Ashley’s friends and family.
Decorated veteran Jason Johnson’s Project K-9 Hero saves retired military and police dogs from being euthanized. The War and Treaty’s Michael, who is also a veteran, and Tanya Trotter perform a soulful power ballad honoring Jason and his hero dogs.
Country star Lindsay Ell bonds with Greta McClain over their shared sexual assault tragedies and perform an electric country-rock anthem that Greta can use as a fight song in her mission of caring.
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.
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.