Five For Fighting & Jim Brickman Collaborate On Christmas Song Honoring The Troops & Their Families

Grammy-Nominated artist's John Ondrasik aka Five For Fighting and Jim Brickman have announced a special collaboration to send a message of thanks, love, and support to the troops this holiday season with the song, "Christmas Where You Are." Watch a snippet of the lyric video, featuring soldiers and their families, HERE. The song will be released on November 3rd across all digital platforms as well as the forthcoming Jim Brickman album, A Joyful Christmas, featuring classic hymns & carols mixed with new original songs and duets. The album is out on digital formats November 10th via BMG.

"The holidays can be an especially hard time for our troops and their families," says Ondrasik and Brickman, "'Christmas Where You Are' is a thank you and reminder to soldiers that we are with them in heart and spirit, wherever they stand, in service and sacrifice to our nation. We hope that no matter where these brave men and women are stationed, the warmth and love of family transcends the miles. We want them to know that a grateful nation holds them close to our hearts."

Ondrasik and Brickman witnessed first-hand the raw emotions of families being apart during the holidays through the work they've both done with the USO and "Operation Care Package." The experience was so meaningful and humbling to both of their lives that they wanted to do something special to honor them. Since Brickman has recorded dozens of Christmas songs, Ondrasik asked him if he'd want to collaborate on a holiday song for the troops. So, Brickman started noodling on the piano, then they came up with a musical framework, and that night Ondrasik wrote the lyrics. The call to serve in the military takes so many men and woman far from home and especially during the holiday season, it leaves an emptiness felt by both the troops and their families. "Christmas Where You Are" reaches out with a thank you to the them and is a gentle reminder that though they may not be sitting in our living rooms on Christmas morning, they are always front and center in our hearts and minds.

A percentage of the proceeds of the song will go to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities as well as What Kind Of World Do You Want, an initiative Ondrasik created which raised more than $250,000 for five designated charities - Augie's Quest, Autism Speaks, Fisher House Foundation, Save the Children and Operation Homefront.

About John Ondrasik:
Singer-songwriter John Ondrasik has spent the past two decades writing deeply personal songs that include social messages, invoke the human spirit and make an emotional connection. With the past six albums, by Five For Fighting, the name under which he records and performs, Ondrasik has sold over three million records. Five For Fighting's breakthrough came in 2001 with the Grammy-nominated song "Superman," and his performance at The Concert for New York. Ondrasik proceeded to become part of the American songbook with the hits "100 Years," "World," "The Riddle," "Chances," and "What If." He has also been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts. Highlighted by his whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com project and distributing over a million "CD for the Troops" to servicemen and their families around the world. Ondrasik continues to release new music, including recent singles "Born to Win" and "All for One" as well as touring with his string quartet and symphonies around the country.

About Jim Brickman:
The hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time earning 21 Number One albums and 32 Top 20 Radio Singles in the industry bible, "Billboard Magazine." He's garnered two Grammy nominations, gospel music's Dove Award, two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, and the Canadian Country Music Award. He also has a music scholarship at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music & is an ambassador of Roland piano products and passionate advocate for young musicians. He's written three best-selling books and is in the 20th season of hosting the popular radio show "The Jim Brickman Show."

Photo Credit: Duston Todd

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