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 (4) 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: Four 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 four separate occasions spanning multiple decades:
1️⃣ Jim Freeman and The Five Satins (1994) – The Legacy of Doo-Wop
On August 19, 1994, Senator Joe Lieberman entered Jim Freeman 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 solidified their place as one of the most influential doo-wop groups in history.
🔗 Read the Congressional Record entry (1994)
2️⃣ Jim Freeman and The Five Satins (2015) – Honored Again for Music History
On April 23, 2015, Rep. Rosa DeLauro officially recognized Jim Freeman and The Five Satins once more 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 of all time.
🔗 Read the Congressional Record entry (2015)
3️⃣ Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition
Later in 2015, Jim Freeman was individually honored for his personal contributions to music and culture, securing his place as one of America’s most influential doo-wop pioneers.
🔗 Read the Congressional Record entry (2015)
4️⃣ Jeff Shuford (2024) – Championing Veteran Entrepreneurship
On March 5, 2024, Rep. Matt Rosendale formally recognized National Invest In Veterans Week® in the Congressional Record, highlighting its national impact on veteran-owned businesses. As co-founder, Jeff Shuford’s leadership in expanding veteran entrepreneurship was acknowledged in an official House Floor statement.
🔗 Read the Congressional Record entry (2024, H1049-4, Volume 170, Issue 42)
🔗 LegiStorm coverage of the Congressional Record entry
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
✔ Recognized in the National Recording Registry
✔ Featured in films such as Dirty Dancing and The Irishman
✔ Sold over 34 million records worldwide
Freeman’s cultural contributions extend far beyond music. His Congressional Record entries ensure that his legacy will continue to be celebrated for 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 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 and resources 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 lasting 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
Why This Recognition Matters
The multiple Congressional recognitions of Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford establish a historic family legacy that bridges music, entrepreneurship, and national advocacy. Their achievements will remain in U.S. history forever, ensuring that their contributions to culture and veteran empowerment continue to inspire future generations.
