Singer songwriter TJ George, and bassist and producer Vernon Porter are the principal forces behind Heroes and Legends, a new album that features Bill Medley (Righteous Brother), Bill Champlin (formerly of Chicago), Michael McDonald, Richard Page (formerly of Mr. Mister). They share with Matt Pinfield their experience creating Demand Impact, and the struggle of watching loved ones suffer from addiction. They speak openly about loss and putting purpose with pain to be of service to others.
On this episode, TJ and Vernon talk to Matt about:
- The recording of their new record
- Vernon’s grief in losing his daughter to addiction
- The addiction and recovery of TJ’s son
- Vernon’s fight to pass a Good Samaritan law in California. All 50 states now have laws preventing prosecution for 911 callers reporting someone going into drug or alcohol related distress
- The healing power of music
- Demand Impact’s mission to help people get through detox and recovery through music, books, film, and other media
- How Vernon and TJ got their starts in music
- And more
Heroes and Legends is available now at https://demand-impact.org. All proceeds go directly to organizations that help the youth addiction epidemic.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, MusiCares operates a Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Program that recognizes those issues unique to music professionals at any stage of their career, offering eligible individuals financial assistance and resources for psychotherapy, coaching, and psychiatric expenses, inpatient and outpatient treatment, detox and sober living costs.
About Vernon Porter
Vernon Porter is a bassist who grew up in Columbus, Ohio. His band, Liaja became one of the most popular bands in Columbus during its time. Vernon has toured and recorded with musical acts such as Full Moon (also known as the Larsen-Feiten Band) and Kenny Loggins. Vernon was also involved in a group called Above the Clouds, who opened for performers like Larry Graham and the Brothers Johnson.
About TJ George
TJ George is a singer songwriter and recording artist who’s songs have been covered by Michael McDonald, Bill Medley and Bill Champlin with whom he has co-written. TJ has penned five solo albums, his most recent titled ‘Heroes and Legends’, the proceeds of which, go to the cause of drug addiction recovery programs. He is also the founder and Executive Director of his non profit called Demand Impact. The catalyst having been his son, Zach’s, battle with substance abuse. Demand Impact’s mission is focused on Recovering Lives Through Music. demand-impact.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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