On Monday, February 16, 2026, the Songs of Love Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary — a milestone born from one simple, powerful idea. Walking down a street in early 1996, John Beltzer was struck by inspiration: what if seriously ill children could receive personalized, one-of-a-kind songs created just for them? Not just music, but comfort. Not just lyrics, but healing. That spark became a mission — to provide sick children with an ongoing source of joy, hope, and emotional support through the therapeutic power of music.

The very first “Song of Love” was written for five-year-old cancer patient Brittany at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. After she received her song, her mother placed her on the phone. In the sweetest little voice she simply said, “Thank you for my song.” In that defining moment, there was no turning back. Soon after, John gathered volunteer songwriters and performers from across the country, and the Songs of Love Foundation was officially formed — the only nonprofit organization of its kind creating personalized songs for children facing serious illness, disability, or emotional trauma.

Thirty years later, more than 49,000 custom songs have been delivered worldwide. Over 1,000 songwriters, lyricists, musicians, and vocalists have donated their talents, along with hundreds of schools, companies, and charitable groups who have lent their voices to this growing symphony of compassion. Songs of Love is dedicated to the memory of John’s twin brother Julio, who wrote and recorded the composition “Songs of Love” just two months before his passing on April 12, 1984 — his enduring gift to us all. As we celebrate this 30-year anniversary, we honor the healing power of music, the impact of personalized songs for sick children, and the thousands of families whose lives have been touched by love put to music.