LINCOLNTON––America’s veterans and first responders are getting some holiday help from two big stars.
According to Roger Calhoun, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and “Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider recorded “A Guitar for Christmas” about six weeks ago. A spokesman for the Lincolnton-based Centerstage and its related Guitar Wishes and Sound Factory studios, Calhoun explained Tuesday that the two recorded the song between Nashville and Lincolnton. He added that the benefit song would continue into perpetuity to raise funds for America’s military and first-responder personnel through the Tunnels to Towers and Guitars 4 Vets charities.
“One of the goals is to help build two homes for veterans,” Calhoun continued. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to these men and women who’ve given so much to our country. We’re giving back to people who have themselves given everything possible.”
According to his wife, Lincolnton lawyer Tracy Calhoun (recently rated amongst America’s top attorneys), Mr. Calhoun will appear on Huckabee’s eponymous show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Dec. 9, to further explicate the project.
And as Mr. Calhoun told The Herald, the benefit project began three months ago, when Centerstage reached out to Schneider, Huckabee and famed guitarist James Mitchell. They all agreed to put together “A Guitar for Christmas,” now fast climbing the charts, as a fundraiser for Tunnels to Towers and Guitars 4 Vets.
“These guys all jumped in very enthusiastically,” Calhoun observed.
In addition to his many acting projects, Schneider is an accomplished singer and a veteran of many hits on country-music radio. Reliably supported by Huckabee’s bass, Schneider does exemplary, toe-tapping work on “A Guitar for Christmas,” and his rollicking vocal delivery will stick with you.
Calhoun also lauded the efforts of his collaborating friends and business associates: Ken Onstad wrote the song’s lyrics, and John Fitzgerald McGill wrote the music.
“A hundred percent of all the profits from ‘A Guitar for Christmas’ will be going to Tunnels to Towers and Guitars 4 Vets,” Calhoun informed of this gift that will keep on giving. “We’re not taking any money from this ourselves.”
Relatedly, he added that Centerstage also plans to auction off two world-class guitars, with the monies raised going to Tunnels to Towers and Guitars 4 Vets. He also praised Schneider and Huckabee for their altruism and fundraising efforts.
“They do a lot,” Calhoun revealed, “a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that nobody ever knows about. You couldn’t hope to meet nicer people!”
Want to know more? Calhoun encourages you to check out the Website for links to the song, pictures and much more at www.centerstagenc.com. And be sure to look for “A Guitar for Christmas” on You-Tube.
