Biography

The Wanna Play Fund* has a mission that is simplistic in
heart and soul, yet challenging in goal—to put a musical
instrument in the hand of each and every student in America.
A universal language, music enhances lives, lifestyles and our future.
Kids that are either troubled, or merely not enamored with school
studies, often light up over a musical instrument. There is transforming
power in music—from improving academic performance in math and
other disciplines to providing a positive alternative to mischief.

I Wanna Play!: An Album To Put Musical Instruments Into The Hands Of Every Child In America project is the result of collaboration involving some of the biggest names in the music business, the Victory College Foundation and the NAMM Foundation.

Loaded with some of America’s all-time favorite songs, I Wanna Play!: An Album To Put Musical Instruments Into The Hands Of Every Child In America boasts performances by award-winning, multi-platinum-selling, superstars: George Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Neil Sedaka, Ray Price, Aaron Tippin, John Anderson, Tracy Lawrence, Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley and Louise Mandrell.

The ten-track album features new recordings of some of the country’s finest accompanied by the talents of co-producers Aaron Tippin and James Stroud, guest bass player Gov. Mike Huckabee and a special vocal appearance by the children from Music City’s own W.O. Smith Music School.**


Playing a musical instrument is fun, entertaining and enriching. Playing music is also scientifically proven to benefit children and teens in a variety of ways. In short, picking up an instrument positively affects the development of children's cognitive skills, builds confidence, self-discipline and inspires creativity. Playing music can help to increase productivity and help kids and teens connect socially with their peers. Music education is vital for children (and adults!) to reach their full academic and social potential.

“Aaron Tippin’s cornerstone song “I Wanna Play” [co-written with wife Thea] will hopefully become a tune that not only is heard by millions, but helps place instruments in the hands of children. Music changed my life when I got my first guitar at age 11 and it’s been changing my life ever since. I still play and have more fun doing it now than ever before. I’m confident that people will love the variety and the quality of the music on the CD, but this gift of music is two-fold; folks will also know that with every purchase, 100% of the profits will go directly to providing musical instruments to students.

This album was truly an experience-of-a-lifetime; we have such talent associated–including major music legends—it’s a dream come true for me to be part of this and will help to make dreams come true for young hopefuls. I Wanna Play! is a passion project for me; to be joined by Aaron, James and award-winning artists standing in support, is a victory for music education.” —Gov. Mike Huckabee

"Anything I can do to encourage or enable young people to pick up an instrument, I am more than happy to do. The Wanna Play Fund project offers children the extraordinary opportunity to become active in music education, learn to play, and most important, to be part of a universal language that brings joy to all. I was thrilled when Governor Huckabee asked me to produce this project along side
Aaron Tippin." —James Stroud

“Music means so much more to life than just the sounds that we hear coming from the radio (and now the iPod). Music, whether playing an instrument or singing in church, opens the doors to creativity, self-expression and confidence—all of which are vital elements in health, behavior and social circles for children and adults! I get to see the impact of my music, whether it be from the smiling faces in the audience in front of me, or a letter written from a soldier. The Wanna Play Fund objective of improving the quality of music education in America's public schools and raising public awareness surrounding the importance of music education for our nation's youth is a standard I’m proud to be part of.” —Aaron Tippin









TRACKS

I WANNA PLAY
Written And Performed By Aaron & Thea Tippin
With Special Vocal Appearance By The Students of W.O. Smith Music School.**
Featuring Gov. Huckabee On Bass
Over the past two decades, platinum recording artist Aaron Tippin has become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in country music. Charting over 30 singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs including his hits “My Blue Angel,” That’s As Close As I’ll Get To Loving You” and “Kiss This.” Tippin is the celebrity spokesperson for the Commemorative Air Force, ParalyServices, YMCA and Toys for Tots. He flies overseas to perform for our troops each and every year.
YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL
Written By Bruce Fisher/Billy Preston|Performed By Lorrie Morgan
Lorrie Morgan, who is a four-time Female Vocalist of the Year and Grand Ole Opry member, has 14 Top 10 hits and seven gold and platinum albums which have secured her place as an icon in country music history. At the age of 13, Morgan made her Opry debut with her father, country legend George Morgan, and today she is regarded as a pioneer who paved the way for all female artists who have followed.

SWINGIN’
Written By John Anderson /Lionel Delmore |Performed By John Anderson
Multi-platinum selling country music recording artist, John Anderson, has been belting out chart-topping singles since 1977. His song “Swingin’” was the first platinum charted single in country music and charted at the #30 position according to the AMOA. With seven No. 1 singles and 28 Top 10 Hits, Anderson is also the winner of two Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music’s Lifetime Achievement Award (1993.)
AMAZING GRACE
Performed By George Jones
George Jones, who is said to be the greatest living legend and country music singer of all time, is the voice of country music, Honored with immeasurable awards, the Country Music Hall of Famer has led the way for many in the country music industry. He will forever be known for his hit recordings “The Grand Tour,” The Bottle Let Me Down,” “White Lightnin’,” “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and, his nickname, “The Possum.”
LAUGHTER IN THE RAIN
Written By Neil Sedaka/Phil Cody|Performed By Neil Sedaka
Neil Sedaka is an American pop singer, pianist and songwriter who has enjoyed commercial success since his career began in the late ‘50s. In his storied music career, he has written many songs for himself and others, eight U.S. Top 10 pop hits, including the chart-toppers "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," “Calendar Girl,” "Laughter in the Rain," and "Bad Blood." A variety of artists have recorded Sedaka’s songs: artists such as Elvis, John Lennon, Elton John, Patsy Cline and The Carpenters. The Captain & Tennille’s cover "Love Will Keep Us Together” remains his biggest hit.
DANNY BOY
Written By Frederick Weatherly|Performed By Ray Price
A music industry veteran in the truest sense, Ray Price cut his first record in 1949; shortly thereafter, he met and befriended Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams and began playing his own brand of traditional country eventually mastering his trademarked 4/4 shuffle sound–known as the “Ray Price beat.” Revered for his early work with songs like, "Release Me," "Crazy Arms," "Heartaches By The Number," and "Danny Boy," Price remains a legend throughout Nashville’s Music Row and to music historians world-wide.




TRACKS Continued…

HONKY TONK WOMEN
Written By Mick Jagger/Keith Richards |Performed Ronnie Milsap
Ronnie Milsap is a country artist most well known for his blends of country and pop music. Hitting the music scene in the 60s, 1976 found Milsap on string of hits where his music didn't leave the Top Ten for 15 straight years following. Milsap’s hits include "It Was Almost Like A Song." "Smoky Mountain Rain," "No Gettin' Over Me," and "Any Day Now." In total, Milsap boasts more than 35 No. 1 singles. In 2009, he released a two-CD set entitled THEN SINGS MY SOUL and was included in CMT’s 40 Greatest Men Of Country Music.

KATIE’S SONG
Written by Darryl Worley/Jim “Moose” Brown/Walt Aldridge|Performed By Darryl Worley
Most famously known for his platinum-selling album, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN, Darryl Worley, is a successful recording artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He’s charted sixteen singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three No. 1’s, “I Miss My Friend,” “Have You Forgotten?” and “Awful, Beautiful Life.” Worley is a well-rounded, well-respected musician and humanitarian who has won numerous awards and is dedicated in supporting our troops.
I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU
Written By Don Gibson|Performed By Louise Mandrell
Featuring Gov. Huckabee On Bass
Louise Mandrell is an American country music singer as well as the younger sister of country singer Barbara Mandrell, and older sister of actress Irlene Mandrell. Formerly with RCA/Victor, Mandrell had success with hits such as "Runaway Heart," "Goodbye Heartache" and "I Wanna Say Yes." She is active in a multitude of charities including the United Way and the American Cancer Society, and for years, her Louise Mandrell Celebrity Shoot television specials raised more than $1 million for the program.

FIGHTIN’ SIDE OF ME
Written By Merle Haggard |Performed By Tracy Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence is an 18-year industry veteran with 17 No. 1 singles (including “Paint Me A Birmingham,” “Alibis” and “Find Out Who Your Friends Are”) and more than 30 charted singles to his name. He’s recorded 10 studio albums, five specialty records and with more than eight million albums sold, he enjoys multi-platinum status.

"Victory University Foundation Chancellor, Governor Mike Huckabee, honored us by agreeing to assist with fundraising to support
young people discover music. Together will support teachers who use music to enhance a love of learning. America needs music education taught by caring teachers." —Dr. Michael K. Clifford, Wanna Play Fund Lead Contributor



*About The Wanna Play Fund
The Wanna Play Fund stems from a national public awareness campaign called Wanna Play? created by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the trade association of the international music products industry, to educate people of all ages about the many social and wellness benefits of making music. Wanna Play? endorsers include actors, authors, musicians, sports figures, executives, politicians and personalities who play a musical instrument. In company with Huckabee, Tippin and Stroud, more than 85 celebrities currently support the campaign, including Gary Sinise, Isaac Slade, Sara Bareilles, Robert Downey, Jr., and John Legend.. The fund provides instruments to less fortunate children who might not otherwise be able to afford a musical instrument and learn to play.

**W.O. Smith Music School Mission Statement:
The W.O. Smith/Nashville Community Music School, founded in 1984, is a nonprofit educational institution created for the purpose of making quality music instruction available to talented, interested, deserving children from low income families at the nominal fee of 50 cents per lesson. The school also seeks to encourage student participation in the cultural life of the community through concert attendance and performance.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR ARTIST INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT:
Music City News Media | K. Atwood | katwood@musiccitynews.com | 615.770-2994