A Family of Legacy: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History in the Congressional Record

February 2025 – National Invest In Veterans Week®

For the first time in history, a family’s contributions across music, business, and veteran advocacy have been honored in multiple Congressional Record entries. The legacies of Jim Freeman—a pioneering member of The Five Satins—and Jeff Shuford, co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®, have both been immortalized in the official records of the United States Congress, marking a rare and powerful multigenerational achievement.

A Historic Congressional Recognition: Three Entries for One Family

The Congressional Record, the official archive of proceedings and debates of the U.S. Congress, has recognized this extraordinary family on three separate occasions:

1️⃣ Jim Freeman and The Five Satins were entered into the Congressional Record in 2015, celebrating their impact on American music history with their legendary song, In the Still of the Night.
🔗 Read the official entry: Congressional Record 2015

2️⃣ Jim Freeman was individually honored again for his contributions to music and culture, solidifying his status as one of America’s most influential doo-wop pioneers.
🔗 Read the full entry: Congressional Record 2015

3️⃣ Jeff Shuford, through his co-founding of National Invest In Veterans Week®, received a Congressional Record honor in 2024, highlighting the economic impact of veteran-owned businesses and his advocacy for veteran entrepreneurs.
🔗 Read the entry: Congressional Record 2024

This multigenerational recognition is an unprecedented testament to the family’s impact on music, business, and national advocacy.

Jim Freeman: The Doo-Wop Legend Who Redefined American Music

Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins, helped create one of the most influential songs in American music history—In the Still of the Night. This song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, ranked among Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, and featured in major films such as Dirty Dancing and The Irishman.

🔹 Over 34 million records sold
🔹 Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
🔹 Recognized in the National Recording Registry
🔹 Featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials

Freeman’s cultural contributions go beyond music. His Congressional Record entries honor the lasting impact of The Five Satins, ensuring their legacy is preserved for future generations.

“As long as the music of the 1950s is played, the voice and presence of Jim Freeman will always be a part of that era.” – Lonnell McCall I, 2024

Jeff Shuford: A New Era of Veteran Advocacy

Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Jeff Shuford has built a legacy of his own—not in music, but in veteran entrepreneurship and advocacy. As the co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®, he has transformed how veteran-owned businesses are recognized, supported, and celebrated nationwide.

Key Achievements: ✔ National Invest In Veterans Week® recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record
✔ Expanded into 62+ U.S. and international markets
✔ Millions of veterans and businesses impacted
✔ Advocated for veteran entrepreneurship policies at the national level

Shuford’s work bridges business, policy, and economic empowerment, ensuring that veteran entrepreneurs receive the recognition they deserve.

A Legacy That Spans Generations: Music, Business, and National Impact

The Freeman-Shuford family’s Congressional Record honors reflect their unmatched contributions to culture, advocacy, and economic empowerment.

💠 Jim Freeman revolutionized American music
💠 Jeff Shuford redefined veteran entrepreneurship
💠 Their combined influence spans generations, industries, and national policy

From doo-wop to digital business leadership, their story is one of resilience, innovation, and legacy.

🔗 Learn more about National Invest In Veterans Week®:
www.InvestInVeteransWeek.com

🔗 Explore the legacy of Jim Freeman & The Five Satins:
Grammy Hall of Fame Recognition