I remember back a few years ago, as I got ready for school each morning, I would watch videos as I ate my breakfast, and everyday they played this one awesome video titled One Voice by Billy Gilman. The video featured a young boy (Gilman) singing on a bus as it drove through town and passed several people on the brink of destruction until one person or One Voice intervened to save them. The video had such an inspiring message of caring, the song itself was utterly beautiful, and Gilman sang it so passionately that it has become a beloved song of hope for millions of people worldwide.

Gilman started singing when he was only three years old. He got gigs at country fairs at age seven, and opened for Country singers like Jo Dee Messina. His singing career got a jump start when he was discovered by Ray Benson from a Country group called, Asleep at the Wheel. Ray was impressed that such a big voice could come out of such a little body, so he had Gilman make a demo tape. It wasn't long until Epic Nashville Records came knocking, then his first CD, One Voice was released in 2000, and made a twelve year old Gilman an instant super star.

Just like the theme to his songs, Gilman really believes in caring for others. I met Billy Gilman at the recent 2004 Muscular Dystrophy Telethon where Gilman performed and helped raise money in the memory of his friend Mattie Stepanek, a thirteen year old poet and peace activist who died this past June due to complications from the neuromuscular disease.

We first spoke about his late friend Mattie. "He was such an inspiration," explained Gilman. "He really taught me a lesson to just never sweat the small stuff. He had so many physical problems, he lost three siblings to the same disease, and his mother was wheel chair ridden, but he always felt as though he was blessed, and you know, he was, in so many ways. I don't think I'll ever meet a more inspiring person in my life."

I knew Gilman was from Rhode Island, so asked him how he got into country music. "Well, when I was younger, my grandparents were really into country music, so I began to get into it myself, then when I was about eight, my manager introduced me to lots of other music like Big Band, and Broadway show tunes. Now I love all types of music from Bon Jovi to Barbara Streisand."

I asked Gilman to discuss his primary goal in the business, and he said "All I really want is to please my audience; if they're happy, I'm happy." He doesn't have to worry about that, Gilman is a great live performer, and his smooth beautiful voice never seems to let his audience down. "I always try to sing songs about true love, peace, and togetherness. That's the message throughout my music and in my life" said Gilman. I also asked Gilman if he wants to continue performing as an adult or, if he has considered another career in the future. "Right now I'm singing and this is what I love to do. I look forward to a long career as a performer, but if something else comes along, I'm sure I'll go for it, because I'm always open minded when it comes to trying new things." Now, at 16, Gilman's music and voice has matured, and he is focusing on lots of other things such as school, family, friends, and of course, helping others in need. He shares his music with ill and unfortunate children everywhere, and helps to raise money for them through several charity foundations. Just like in his famous video, it's seems clear to me that Billy Gilman has done everything humanly possible to make his 'One Voice' heard to somehow help everyone he can.

Billy Gilman with Angela