ABOUT
Freedom Sings USA provides songwriting and music-arts therapy programs for Veterans and Military families. The Arkansas Chapter proudly works with Veterans across the state, partnering with award-winning and Grammy-nomined songwriters to lead workshops, classes, and events that help America’s heroes share their stories and find healing through music. Whether you’re a Veteran seeking connection, a songwriter wanting to give back, or an organization ready to support our mission, we invite you to join us—because Music is Good Medicine™.
Freedom Sings USA Arkansa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We pair professional songwriters with veterans, military personnel, and their families to help them tell their stories through song.
THE MISSION. THE VISION. THE GOAL.
THE MISSION
Veterans Helping Veterans
The mission of Freedom Sings USA is to help Veterans, Military personnel, and their families find healing and emotional balance by transforming their stories into song. Through the creative process of songwriting and the support of peers, Veterans and families gain tools to cope with trauma and navigate the challenges of military transition. We are equally committed to fostering public understanding, education, and appreciation for the sacrifices made by America’s heroes—sharing their stories in the most powerful way possible: through music.
THE VISION
Stories. Music. Healing.
Our vision is to reach Veterans across the nation with unwavering, dependable support—providing a model of healing that restores hope, builds resilience, and helps them reclaim purpose. We are committed to walking alongside America’s heroes until they feel empowered to embrace all that life has to offer.
THE GOAL
Distinctive. Effective. Creative.
Our goal is to position Freedom Sings USA as a distinctive and effective therapeutic program, using creative and integrative music-based therapies to help Veterans heal from the stresses of military service and enhance their overall quality of life.
FREEDOM SINGS USA FOUNDERS
Steve Dean
Singer/Songwriter & Co-Founder
Grammy-nominated songwriter and co-founder of Freedom Sings USA, Steve Dean is a proud Little Rock, Arkansas native whose career has left a lasting mark on country and bluegrass music. A driving force in bringing Freedom Sings USA to his hometown, Steve has combined his passion for songwriting with a commitment to using music as a tool for healing.
Over the years, Steve has co-written six Number One country hits, including Rodney Atkins’ “Watching You,” the most played song on country radio in 2007 and Country AirCheck’s Song of the Decade in 2017. His additional chart-toppers include:
“It Takes a Little Rain” (Grammy-nominated) – The Oak Ridge Boys
“Southern Star” – Alabama
“Round About Way” – George Strait
“Hearts Aren’t Made to Break” – Lee Greenwood
“Walk On” – Reba McEntire
Beyond the country charts, Steve has written two Number One Bluegrass hits for The Roys (“New Day Dawning” and “No More Lonely Tears”), a Number One independent country single for Mason Dixon (“3935 West End Avenue”), and dozens of other songs recorded by some of the biggest names in music. His work has been cut by Conway Twitty, Barbara Mandrell, Joe Nichols, Rick Trevino, Ronna Reeves, Waylon Jennings, Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Rogers, John Michael Montgomery, Dierks Bentley, Craig Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, LoCash, Billy Dean, Sister Hazel, and many more.
Through his publishing company, Bethar Music, Steve has earned two BMI Publisher Awards, eight BMI Songwriter Awards, and recognition for over 10 million radio airplays. Collectively, his songs have sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
As both a songwriter and performer, Steve shares not only his music but also the stories behind the songs, offering audiences a rare “behind-the-scenes” look at the inspirations and life experiences that shape his writing. “Being a singer/songwriter is the best of both worlds,” Steve says. “I can take my music to the people in its purest form.”
His influences range widely—from The Beatles, The Byrds, and The Eagles to Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, and Roger Miller—giving his music a timeless quality that bridges traditional roots and modern country storytelling.
