“Music is a piece of art that goes straight to the heart.” A saying that has never been truer than for Griffin Grady, a 13-year-old guitar enthusiast with a desire to give back.
On December 11, 2021, Griffin’s maternal grandfather, Randy Haugen unexpectedly passed away from a heart-related episode. He was only 67 years old. Less than three months prior Griffin’s paternal grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Grady passed away at the age of 71 following a two-week battle with coronavirus. The virus, which is known to exacerbate underlying health conditions, efficiently attacked Chuck’s heart which had survived a heart attack in 2000 and a second minor heart attack in 2019.
“When both of my grandfathers died so suddenly everyone on both side of my family were just so sad.” said Griffin. “To help me get through it all, I went to my friend…my guitar.”
Griffin showed an interest in playing the guitar at an early age. His mother, Kelly Grady often jokes that he came out of the womb playing the air guitar. “When he was four years old, Griffin’s dad, his grandpa Randy and I built him a stage that took up half of our living room and he was aways putting on performances. Finally when he was six, I took him to a local guitar shop and inquired about lessons.” Kelly said. “They told me to bring him back when he can spell GUITAR. He was crying big tears when we left the store that day.”
Throughout the years Griffin never stopped showing an interest in rocking, and in the summer of 2021, Griffin began teaching himself the electric guitar by watching videos on YouTube. It wasn’t long before his parents noticed he had a real talent and decided to get him signed up for lessons. They didn’t take him back to the dismissive guitar store. They brought him to Twin Town Guitars where he started taking in-studio lessons in with guitarist, composer and music educator, Will Scott.
On November 13, 2021, only four months after his first official lesson, Griffin stepped on stage with Will’s encouragement and an audience filled with family, for his first live performance at the Twin Town’s Fall Music Showcase. He wowed the crowd with his enthusiastic execution of The Kids Aren’t Alright by The Offspring, surprising the audience with his showmanship that included a playful introduction, “I hope your shoes are tied tight because I’m going to rock your socks off!” and a classic jump kick at the botton of the guitar solo.
This would be the only performance his Grandpa Randy would live to see. Unfortunately, his Grandpa Chuck passed before he had an opportunity to see Griffin shine on stage.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. A staggering statistic for a kid genetically predispositied to heart problems on both sides of his family. “It’s really scary.” Griffin said. “I want to help raise money and awareness to help other kids hold onto their grandparents a little longer and hopefully make a positive impact for my own health.”
So, in honor of his grandfathers, Griffin decided to utilize his musical talent to raise money for the American Heart Association during American Heart Month this February with his Music for the Heart initiative.
“My Mom was working with the American Heart Association, as a Go Red for Woman ambassador.” said Griffin. “Together we came up with the idea for Music for the Heart so I could help her raise money. My family is always asking me to learn songs to play for them and I love learning new riffs from different music genres. This sounded like a fun way I could help while doing what I love.”
The Music of the Heart fundraiser, will run from February 3rd through April 6th 2023. During this period Griffin will learn a song of your choice on the electric guitar for a $25 donation to the American Heart Association. He will take up to 20 requests during the 9-week the campaign committing to learning about 2.2 new songs each week. Once mastered, he will email a video link to the donor to fulfill their song request. Twin Town Guitars has committed to matching donations for each song he learns. Songs will sell out fast but for anyone interested in offering the young musician/philanthropist a tip in the form of a donation, you can go to WEBSITE LINK.
“It’s really cool to have a student that is so into the instrument and it’s inspiring to to see Griffin utilizing his talents for a good cause.” said Will. “It’s not easy to learn two new songs each week, but if anyone has the drive and the passion to do it – it’s Griffin.”
HOW TO SUBMIT A MUSIC FOR THE HEART REQUEST
1. Email song request(s) including to Kelly Grady at kelly@redmoodmktg.com. Please include the song name and the name of the artist/band.
2. Kelly will send an email confirmation to verify that Griffin is still taking requests.
3. Make your $25 donation here: (LINK)
4. All video requests will be fulfilled via email to the original requester with a video link by April 20, 2023.
RULES & REGULATIONS
1. Griffin will be taking up to 20 song requests during the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign which runs from February 3rd through April 6th, 2023.
2. All song requests are first come first serve and subject to approval by his parents.
3. Griffin will learn one song for a $25 donation. Additional tips are accepted and appreciated.
4. 100% of your donation (including tips) will go to the American Heart Association.
There are currently 17 of 20 song requests remaining
Songs in the queue
1. 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins – Requested by Kim Shelmidine
2. Panama by Van Halen – Requested by Jason Crandall
3. Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac – Requested by Ella Carlsson