Chip Hullender the Georgia Pickleball Ambassador for Cherokee County is hoping to bring joy to millions on and off the pickleball court this year! He’s celebrating the release his new Christmas song ‘Riding By Christmas Lights’ to the world.
His song has something for everyone with themes from classic Christmas carols, rock and roll, pop, country and even a little zydeco. Chip was inspired to write the songs while riding in his son Dawson’s golf cart , Dawson has cerebral palsy and apraxia and cannot speak. But he loves to ride and sing!
“Because I traded in a new motorcycle for his golf cart we started riding around the neighborhood through the summer. Wintertime came and we were riding by Christmas lights. As we rode at 20 MPH through the neighborhood, the timing, words and melody came to me.” Chip said. “I felt like the world needed a new Christmas song. I needed a new Christmas song! “
He began work on the song in late 2015. With the help of many artists and musicians that gave of their time, talents and sweat equity, the song was produced and ready for release on Nov. 8th.
“You can sing to it, you can dance, you can sing rounds in the car and it makes an emotion connection to everyone’s holiday memories. It’s truly amazing the beautiful contributions the musicians made to the song”, He said.
The song is a duet sung by Cartersville talent Mary Beth Benson and Luke Berryhill, a 19 year old sophomore at Georgia State University. “Mary Beth, Luke and everyone involved on the song exceeded my greatest expectations as a songwriter ” Chip said.
Steve Stone from the Atlanta Rhythm Section plays guitars, banjo, mandolin and dobro. Stuart Settles – Synth/Piano, Connor Ingram plays drums, Susan Griffithe – violin, John Williams alto sax, John Kell – alto sax. Tommy ‘Taz’ Williams, Hayleigh Carringer (7), Alex Gilliam (10), Grace Settles (10), Jacob Doyon(6) Carrie Stribling and Chip added backing vocals. Chip’s son Dawson (18), added Sleigh Bells and Triangle.
Stuart Settles who literally came back from a coma after battling back complications from of treatment of Lymphoma recorded, produced and performed on the song at his studio Carrot Igloo. He was awarded 50% of the songwriting copyright for his tremendous contribution
“Proceeds from the song will go toward plans to build a community for adults with disabilities.” He said. “A part of building that community for adults with disabilities is for them to belong, and have jobs and a purpose in life by those that support them.” The tremendous army of disability advocates that Brandi, Chip’s wife and he know, will make her ultimate dream of safe and secure long term care for Dawson and other adults with disabilities a reality though the song. “It’s going to be amazing to watch.” Chip said.
Chip, who has been writing, recording, producing and performing music for over 37 years, has started his own publishing company and record label and has future plans to development local talent.
For more about the song like ‘Riding By Christmas Lights’ on Facebook, Twitter and Instram.