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National Television Premiere: November 6th, 2009.
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America's Veterans: A Musical Tribute, a star-studded program honoring America's bravest, will air on Public Television on Veterans Day, November 2009. Featuring The United States Air Force Orchestra, the program highlights the musical talents of American songbook vocalist Michael Feinstein, popular Irish tenor Ronan Tynan and blues dynamo Shemekia Copeland. Joined by Academy Award-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr., this one-hour patriotic special is a thrilling and memorable tribute to veterans of all services.
Viewers will be moved by Michael Feinstein's "We Dreamed These Days," while Shemekia Copeland brings down the house with "Born A Penny" and Ronan Tynan gives a stunning performance of "Going Home." The United States Air Force Orchestra is featured in a powerful rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Finally, the official chorus of the United States Air Force, The Singing Sergeants rounds out the tribute with the inspiring "Freedom Song." The program also features short vignettes beautifully delivered by Lou Gossett Jr. honoring veteran heroes from all five branches of the military. Each featured veteran is recognized on camera after his/her segment is presented.
The program was presented in partnership with Maryland Public Television, National Productions and was made possible in part by Booz Allen Hamilton. (No federal endorsement is intended or authorized.)
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ARTIST PROFILES
 Michael Feinstein, one of the premiere interpreters of American popular song, has been a household name since the success of his 1988 one-man Broadway show "Isn't It Romantic." More than a mere performer, he is nationally recognized for his commitment to the American popular song, both celebrating its art and preserving its legacy for the next generation. His latest CD "The Sinatra Project" celebrates the musical sensibilities of "Old Blue Eyes." Mr. Feinstein is currently preparing a PBS-TV series, "Michael Feinstein: Man On A Mission" which will air in 2010. He will also serve as the Artistic director of the Carmel Performing Arts Center, which will host an annual international Great American Songbook festival. Mr. Feinstein has written the score for two stage musicals and has appeared on numerous television shows. The Library of Congress recently elected him to the exclusive National Sound Recording Advisory Board. He and other industry leaders meet regularly in Washington, D.C., for a forum on safeguarding America's musical heritage.
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 Louis Gossett Jr. is an internationally acclaimed actor, social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and a passionate advocate of civil rights and diversity. An enduring Hollywood presence for more than five decades, Mr. Gossett ranks as one of the most respected and beloved actors of our time. He is perhaps best known for his Emmy award-winning portrayal of 'Fiddler' in the groundbreaking 1977 television miniseries "Roots." He is also the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the hard-charging 'Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley' in the 1982 film "An Officer and a Gentleman." The recipient of every known acting accolade, including multiple Golden Globes, Emmys, and People's Choice Awards, Mr. Gossett's career has connected him with fans of all ages. The International Press Academy recently honored him with their 2008 Mary Pickford Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Entertainment Industry; he was the first African American to win the award.
 Ronan Tynan moves audiences like few others can. His stirring performances, especially while a member of The Irish Tenors, have brought him international fame, and his personal story of triumph in the face of adversity have made him one of the most sought-after speakers today. Mr. Tynan has been in the national spotlight in recent years, performing at some of the most memorable events -- from the 9/11 memorial services at Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden to Ronald Reagan's funeral and President George W. Bush's Inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral. His rendition of "God Bless America" has been a fixture at New York Yankees games, including during the World Series. A champion disabled athlete as well as a physician and celebrated tenor, Mr. Tynan's life was the subject of the BBC documentary "Dr. Courageous." Born with a lower limb disability, he had both of his legs amputated at age 20. Within a year after the operation, he was competing in the Paralympic Games in both track and field and as an equestrian. Between 1981 and 1990, Mr. Tynan won 18 gold medals and set 14 world records, nine of which are still in place today.
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 In spite of her young age, Shemekia Copeland is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the blues. While still in her 20s, she has opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival, scored critics choice awards on both sides of the Atlantic, and shared the stage with such luminaries as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Taj Mahal and John Mayer. Ms. Copeland's passion for singing, matched with her huge, blast-furnace voice, gives her music a timeless power and a heart-pounding urgency. Born in Harlem in 1979, she came to her singing career slowly. Her father, the late Texas blues guitar legend Johnny Clyde Copeland, recognized her talent early on and brought her on stage to sing at Harlem's famed Cotton Club when she was eight. Ms. Copeland stepped out of her father's shadow in 1998 with her debut recording "Turn the Heat Up!" and soon after appeared in the movie "Three To Tango." Her song "I Always Get My Man" was featured in the film "Broken Hearts Club," and her second album "Wicked" scored three Handy Awards and a GRAMMY nomination. She joined Telarc International for her latest recording "Never Going Back." This new chapter in Ms. Copeland's story represents a crossroads on her ongoing artistic journey.
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INFORMATION FOR BROADCASTERS
America's Veterans: A Musical Tribute is distributed by Maryland Public Television and is provided free of charge to Public Television broadcasters in the United States. If you are a public television program director and wish to air this program, please contact Maryland Public Television Station Relations at (410) 356-5600.
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