Whenever you see your favorite country artists sporting the same t-shirt, it is because they are doing it for a cause. The said shirt features a simple print in it, but screams a profound statement.
“This shirt saves lives.”
Designed to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, it is more than just a shirt. The shirt has saved lives and many country singers joined in for this cause.
Such is the case with Darius Rucker who have spoken about the importance of the shirts. In an interview, he said:
“It stands for children who are fighting for their lives every day.”
Alabama’s Randy Owen Unites Country Stars for a Good Cause
Behind the lavish and successful lives of our country stars is a good place in their hearts that many don’t see. These people are actually devoted to charities like St. Jude. And, there is a good reason why they do.
About three decades ago, one of the finest and most iconic figures in country music founded a program called Country Cares. This show brings artists, radio stations, and industry leaders together to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. And, we are talking about Alabama’s lead singer Randy Owen.
His efforts of creating such a charitable act have paid off and his fellow artists have been very supportive. As a result, the whole of country music has dedicated an amount of its time to the said cause ever since.
Country Cares & Its Impact
Throughout its thirty years of service, Country Cares has raised over $800 million to help benefit St. Jude and its patients. It would have been impossible for this to happen if it were not for the program’s brainchild, Randy Owen. That is why, St. Jude recognized him in the most honorable way they could ever do.
In a press conference, Owen learned that as the founder of Country Cares, he was being honored by the hospital with a patient room named after him. He said:
“The most important thing I’ll ever do, apart from being a father and a husband, is helping children at St. Jude. Over the past 30 years, I’ve watched children at St. Jude grow up to be happy, healthy adults. This room dedication shows that the country music industry has made a true impact, and I’m glad I could be part of that.”
The Performance that Touched Owen’s Heart
In addition to leading the event, Randy sang along with fellow artists Clint Black, Jake Owen, and Michael Ray. After the other artists sang, Randy stepped up and spoke for a brief moment before the following performance.
In a twist of time, one particular performance left him in tears. He was overcome by emotions that he had to leave the stage. It happened when Clint, Jake, and Michael belted out one of Alabama’s hits, “Lady Down on Love.”
The remarkable performance struck Randy, who could be seen crying on stage in front of everyone. Although he tried to wipe away those tears, it was clear that he was not going to be able to make it through with his emotions. He then left the stage at the conclusion of the cover, still with tears in his eyes.