Captain D's Restaurants, Platinum Plus Universal Artists Launch Music Project to Benefit Autistic Children

Hollywood, Nashville, New York (PRWeb) November 20, 2006 -- Within the next 15.03 minutes another child will be diagnosed in the United States with autism. Based on prevalence statistics from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 166 children are born with the fastest growing developmental disability in America.

Autism costs parents and others over $90 billion a year according to the ASA (Autism Society Of America) Two of the most visible areas of the country where music artists are involved in raising awareness of autism is Nashville and the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. To help with contributions to the ASA, some of Nashville's most prominent musicians & artists in various genres have stepped forward to record a 20 song double album project, sponsored by Captain D's restaurants, to benefit the causes of autism.

Lisa Starnes, one of the owners of several Captain D's restaurants in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area sponsored the project along with MCA Universal Hall of Fame producer Robert Metzgar in Nashville. The "Stars Love Captain D's" project contains 20 songs from the roster of Platinum Plus Universal records in Nashville and contains 7 number one Billboard hits all on one incredible compact disc. All of the proceeds of the sale of the double album go to benefit the Autism Society of America. The album retails in stores for $12.95 and can be purchased in Captain D's restaurants at the counter for only $9.95. Some of the names who participated in the project are Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker, the Smokey River Boys of "O Brother" fame, Heartland, and Texas artists Jessica Hawthorn, Pat Waters, and Jenny True who was inspired through the "Greatest Dreams Come True" segment on Oprah's television show.

The various genres represented on the album are Top-40 country songs such as Johnny Bush's "Green Snakes On The Ceiling," the Douglas-Heyde hit, "Rock In My Cowboy Boots," and Jessica Hawthorn's, "Texas Hold 'Em," which was written by Dennis Morgan (The Dance for Garth Brooks). Along with the Top-40 commercial country songs are Memphis rock-a-billy artists Jason L Green and Tim Spears, "Feel The Thunder." In addition there is bluegrass and Americana selections from Ciara Lynn, the Smokey River Boys, "Man Of Constant Sorrow", Robin Jo Leady's "Don't Cry For Me," and gospel music from Margie Archer (Down To River To Pray) and Haley Morgan Smith (Robe & Crown). These great artists are committed to helping the Autism Society of America reach out to children who are many times misunderstood and parents who are the care givers of autistic adults or children. Not only is this one of the most incredible music projects I've ever listened to, but George Harris who reviews music for Disney's go.com says, "This is what an incredible roster of artists who have talent and ability can do when they join together and support non-profit causes that make a difference in people's lives." The project is available at all music retailers as well as in your local Captain D's seafood restaurant.

Written by: Mikel Gore
Entertainment Headline News

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Contact:
Lisa Starnes
President Starnes & Hale Inc.
209 N Walnut Creek Drive
Mansfield, TX 76063
817-473-2412 (wk)
http://www.dfwcaptainds.com

Or: Robert Metzgar, GM
Platinum Plus Universal Records
1214 16th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212-2902
800-767-4984 (toll free)
615-321-0600 (wk)
615-321-0182 (fax)
http://www.platinumplusuniversal.com

Wayne Gilpin
Past President and Treasurer
Autism Society Of America
800-489-0727 (toll free)
www.fhautism.com

Mr. Lee Grossman
President and CEO
Autism Society Of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue S#300
Bethesda, MD 20814-3067
800-328-8476 (toll free)
301-657-0881 (wk)
www.autism-society.org

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