Veterans & Their Music

James Montague: Poet for Humanity

James Montague served his country during the Vietnam era from 1969 to 1974. He began writing his unique “poem songs” during music therapy sessions with Carla Parks, MA, MT- BC founder of “Music Therapy for Vets”. Producer/ Engineer Sam Hutchinson has recorded his collection of songs “Poet for Humanity” at MegaBucks Studio in Miami. He described his experience with music therapy: “It’s a relief from everyday stress. It feels like another world. It feels like freedom”.


In 2013 Mr. Montague performed his song “Seldom Seen” at the National Creative Arts Festival. The song came in second place for the “Performing Arts” category at the Miami VA. He recently recorded his  inspirational song “Regal Supreme” in February 2014. Mr. Montague would like his music to “give people some hope and a positive direction to look forward to.”

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Jason Lloyd Allwood: An American Hero

Jason Lloyd Allwood is an American hero who was determined to make a positive impact in the world. He enlisted in the United States Army and served until he received a medical discharge. He bravely fought for his life after being diagnosed with leukemia. He endured side effects of chemotherapy determined to be there for his sons. He volunteered to coach middle school and high school basketball. He was a great role model not only for his owns sons but the whole community. He lost his life on March 13, 2015 protecting a man who was violently attacked in the Bronx.

I was fortunate to meet Jason Allwood in a music therapy song-writing group in 2013. Jason loved music and had experience writing rap lyrics and creating hip hop songs. He encouraged others by being open and honest about his feelings. He instinctively used music to work through difficult emotions. Jason wrote “I’ll be Back” during an individual music therapy session. Although very personal he decided to submit the song into the Miami VA Creative Arts competition of 2014. He won first prize in the original song category. I would like to share this song with the world in memory of American Hero Jason Lloyd Allwood .