Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Greg Lato Of Greg Lato Music Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
Don’t compare yourself to anyone.
Be unique.
For every 100 no’s, you’ll get a yes.
Be good at networking.
Be authentic.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Greg Lato.
Greg Lato is an award-winning family music recording artist, children’s book author, and proud Navy veteran whose work has topped iTunes charts and earned numerous awards. With songs featured on 14 official Apple Music playlists and over a million streams, Greg also writes books that promote resilience, friendship, and belonging. His latest project, “Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families”, amplifies the voices of military children and their stories to create songs that highlight their resilience, strength, and sacrifice.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
I was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, and surrounded by an encouraging Italian family that included my father, legendary jazz sax player Vinny Lato, who owned an extensive vinyl collection that served as my introduction to the world of music. I would spend hours in my childhood bedroom coming up with my own melodies to songs. As I got older, I started writing for films, TV, myself and other artists.
Eventually, my kids steered me in the direction of children’s music. I often followed them around the house with a guitar making up funny songs to things they would do. That led to me writing my first children’s book with a song, “Try,” and then a whole album of children’s music. Now, I can’t imagine me doing anything else!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
A mistake I made early on was trying to be someone I’m not. It wasn’t until I started being authentic and writing about topics that many people can relate to that I started having success.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I would tell any young person who wants to pursue music as a career: find what you are best at and go for it. There are many different things you can do under the umbrella of music — find what you are most passionate about and can do in a unique way.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My dad made a profound impact on my life because he introduced me to music and was very encouraging early on in my development. He would often pick out songs of mine that he liked and explain why he liked them, which was always very helpful while honing my craft.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I recorded a children’s music album where the songs are inspired by meetings and conversations with military families, called “Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families.”
The experience of hearing their stories and what they go through was amazing! I listened to these wonderful military families to help their voices heard through song. I am letting people who are not in that world know what they go through and endure, to serve this country and allow us to enjoy the freedoms we all have.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I am no stranger to military life; I served for four years in the United States Navy as an aircraft firefighter on the flight deck of the USS Constellation.
As a military veteran, I’ve learned how important it is for people from many different backgrounds to come together in a meaningful and positive way, to navigate change and accomplish a common goal. I wanted to somehow convey that with my new music.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
I received a wonderful note from a military mom whose daughter lost her Navy veteran father to PTSD. She goes to the Dare to Dream therapy ranch in Rhode Island, which she calls her “happy place.” Riding the horses and interacting with the animals brings her comfort.
The day she was appearing in the music video for my song “Old School New School,” her mom said that her daughter was really struggling. However, we gave her a “fantastic experience” by being, as her mom described, “beyond patient, kind, completely accepting, and encouraged (her) participation even though it was limited.”
It is stories like this that make it all worth it.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
People can support me by simply listening to the project, learning about what military families go through, and — more importantly — supporting causes that help and assist them. There are many organizations that do a great job of providing resources related to deployment, financial assistance, counseling, and educational programs for these families.
Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Music absolutely has this power, because there is no change without awareness, and music has the ability to reach people regardless of their location, differences or beliefs.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
1. Don’t compare yourself to anyone.
2. Be unique.
3. For every 100 no’s, you’ll get a yes.
4. Be good at networking.
5. Be authentic.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at HYPERLINK “https://thewayofexcellence.com/”https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Greg Lato Of Greg Lato Music Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.