May 2024 Archive – Will Kimbrough Memorial Day Playlist Tribute
Welcome to the May 2024 archive on Subaru Motorsport Hub. This month we spotlight a moving project that isn’t about cars, but about community, music, and gratitude. Long‑time songwriter Will Kimbrough curated a Memorial Day playlist that lifts up veterans and their families. Below you’ll find why the playlist hits hard, what songs made the cut, and how you can join the conversation.
Why the Playlist Matters
Will isn’t just another musician sharing tracks—he’s worked with Songwriting With Soldiers, a program that helps service members turn their experiences into music. That background gave him a personal connection to the challenges veterans face, from PTSD to readjusting to civilian life. By pulling together 14 songs, he created a soundtrack that honors fallen heroes while offering comfort to those still fighting daily battles.
The playlist debuted on The Bluegrass Situation, a site known for curating thoughtful music collections. The goal? To give listeners something more than background noise—a chance to pause, reflect, and maybe even learn a new song that speaks to sacrifice and resilience. Each track was chosen for its lyrical depth, emotional pull, or direct connection to military life.
What’s on the List?
While the full list lives on the original article, a few standout picks include “Letters From Home” by The Avett Brothers, a gentle reminder of the letters that kept soldiers sane across continents, and “If You’re Going Through Hell (Stay The Same)” by Dockside Moon, a track that flips the usual “keep moving forward” mantra into a message of staying true to yourself despite hardship.
Another gem is “When the War Is Over” by The Steel Wheels, which paints a vivid picture of the quiet moments after combat. Will also slipped in a classic—“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen—because despite its controversial reception, the song’s hook still resonates with many veterans who feel both pride and ambivalence about their service.
The final three selections lean into folk and bluegrass roots, reflecting Will’s own musical background. Songs like “The Long Black Veil” and “Travelin’ Soldier” bring storytelling front‑and‑center, reminding listeners that every veteran carries a story worth hearing.
Beyond the music, each track is linked to a donation option that supports veteran mental‑health programs. Will hopes fans will not only press play but also consider a small contribution, turning a listening session into tangible aid.
If you’re wondering how to use this playlist, try playing it during a family gathering on Memorial Day, or set it as background while you’re working on a personal project. The mix is designed to be both reflective and uplifting, so it works in a quiet room or at a backyard BBQ.
Want to share the tribute with others? Spread the word on social media, mention the playlist in a group chat, or email a friend who’s a veteran. Simple actions like these amplify the message and let more people know there’s a soundtrack built just for them.
Finally, keep an eye on our archive for more posts that blend Subaru’s racing spirit with community projects. We believe the passion that drives a Subaru on a track can also fuel projects that drive positive change off the track.
Thanks for stopping by the May 2024 archive. Dive into the playlist, feel the music, and remember the families behind the service. Your listen can be a small but powerful tribute to those who protect us every day.
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May
Will Kimbrough, a longtime songwriter and partner of Jimmy Buffett, curates a Memorial Day playlist for The Bluegrass Situation. The playlist, inspired by his work with Songwriting With Soldiers, features 14 songs that honor fallen soldiers and support veterans and their families in overcoming trauma.
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