Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Multiple Congressional Record Entries

For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has been honored with multiple Congressional Record entries, recognizing their unparalleled impact on music, business, and veteran advocacy.

The Freeman-Shuford family has officially made history with four Congressional Record entries and five state proclamations, spanning multiple industries and generations. From Jim Freeman’s legendary contributions to doo-wop, honored in the 1994 and 2015 Congressional Records, to Jeff Shuford’s leadership in National Invest In Veterans Week®, their influence continues to shape American culture.

With state proclamations from South Carolina, Montana (2023 & 2024), and Douglas County, Oregon, their contributions are now recognized at both the state and federal levels, marking a rare and extraordinary milestone in American history.

Jim Freeman: A Doo-Wop Legend Honored in the Congressional Record

A Historic Congressional Recognition: Four Entries for One Family

The Congressional Record, the official archive of U.S. Congressional proceedings, has recognized this extraordinary family on four separate occasions, highlighting their contributions to music and veteran entrepreneurship:

🎵 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (1994) – A Legacy in Doo-Wop
On August 19, 1994, Senator Joe Lieberman entered Bill Baker and The Five Satins into the Congressional Record, recognizing their pioneering contributions to American music history through their legendary song, In the Still of the Night. This entry cemented their place as one of the most influential doo-wop groups of all time.

🎶 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2015) – Honored Again for Musical Excellence
On April 23, 2015, Rep. Rosa DeLauro again entered The Five Satins in the Congressional Record, celebrating the enduring impact of their music on American culture. This entry emphasized the timeless influence of In the Still of the Night, which remains one of the most beloved songs in history.

🎤 Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition
Later in 2015, Rep. Rosa DeLauro once again entered The Five Satins but this time Jim Freeman was honored individually for his personal contributions to music and culture, securing his place as one of America’s most influential doo-wop pioneers.

🇺🇸 National Invest In Veterans Week® Recognized in the Congressional Record (2024)
On March 8, 2024, Rep. Matt Rosendale formally recognized National Invest In Veterans Week® in the Congressional Record, highlighting its national impact on veteran-owned businesses. While Jeff Shuford’s name was not directly entered, his role as the owner of the National Invest In Veterans Week® trademark and his leadership in expanding veteran entrepreneurship were acknowledged in an official House Floor statement.

This recognition marked the fourth time the Freeman-Shuford family was honored in Congress, making history.

Jim Freeman’s Musical Impact: A Legacy That Transcends Generations

As a founding member of The Five Satins, Jim Freeman played a pivotal role in shaping American music history. His iconic hit In the Still of the Night has:

✔ Sold over 34 million records worldwide
✔ Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
✔ Recognized in the National Recording Registry
✔ Featured in legendary films like Dirty Dancing and The Irishman

Beyond his national recognition, Jim Freeman’s contributions were honored at the state level.

Iowa House Resolution 36 (2002): Honoring Jim Freeman

In 2002, the Iowa House of Representatives issued House Resolution 36, officially recognizing Jim Freeman as a pioneer of rock and roll music. The resolution emphasized his impact on American music history, including:

📜 His role in creating one of America’s most beloved doo-wop ballads, "In the Still of the Night"
📜 His songwriting contributions, including hits like "To the Aisle" and "Wonderful Girl"
📜 His induction into the United in Group Harmony Association Hall of Fame (1995) and his Pioneer Award from the American Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (1998)
📜 His long-time residency in Iowa, where he was a business owner for over 20 years

The resolution declared that Jim Freeman’s contributions to American music were not only appreciated by the citizens of Iowa but also by fans worldwide.

His Congressional and state-level honors ensure that his cultural legacy will be preserved for generations.

Jeff Shuford: Leading the Charge for Veteran Entrepreneurs

While Jim Freeman made history in music, his grandson, Jeff Shuford, built a legacy of his own—championing veteran-owned businesses.

A U.S. Army veteran and tech entrepreneur, Shuford is the trademark owner of National Invest In Veterans Week® (NIVW), an initiative that has grown into over 62 U.S. and international markets. NIVW provides veterans with business opportunities, resources, and national recognition.

While his name was not directly entered into the Congressional Record, his initiative was officially acknowledged in Congress on March 8, 2024, in Rep. Matt Rosendale’s House Floor statement.

Key Achievements of National Invest In Veterans Week®

✅ National Invest In Veterans Week® formally recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record (2024)
✅ Expanded into over 62 U.S. and international markets
✅ Positively impacted millions of veterans and businesses
✅ Drove policy discussions on veteran entrepreneurship at the national level

Through policy advocacy, business expansion, and economic empowerment, Shuford continues to redefine how veterans succeed in entrepreneurship.

State Proclamations: Recognition Beyond Congress

The Freeman-Shuford family’s contributions have also been acknowledged at the state level through multiple official proclamations recognizing their impact on music, business, and veteran advocacy:

📜 Iowa House Resolution 36 (2002) honored Jim Freeman for his contributions to music and culture.
📜 South Carolina General Assembly (2019) issued a proclamation honoring National Invest In Veterans Week® and its impact on veterans and businesses.
📜 Montana (2023 & 2024) issued two proclamations recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week®.
📜 Douglas County, Oregon (2021) officially recognized NIVW’s impact on veteran-owned businesses.

Their recognition at both the federal and state levels demonstrates their ongoing influence across industries and communities.

Why This Recognition Matters

To be entered into the U.S. Congressional Record is a rare honor. To have it happen four times in one family is unprecedented.

🎵 Jim Freeman revolutionized American music.
🏛 Jeff Shuford redefined veteran entrepreneurship.
📜 Their combined influence spans generations, industries, and U.S. history.

Their multiple Congressional Record entries and state-level recognitions establish the Freeman-Shuford family as one of the most historically significant families in American culture and business.

Their legacy will remain forever recorded in U.S. history, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in music, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

From rock and roll history to groundbreaking veteran advocacy, the Freeman-Shuford legacy proves that impact can take many different forms across generations.

Read the full story here:
A Family of Legacy: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Four Congressional Record Entries