A Family of Legacy: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Four Congressional Record Entries
Celebrating Legacy, Four Congressional Record Entries, and National Invest In Veterans Week®
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 made history with four Congressional Record entries and five state proclamations, spanning achievements in music, business, and veteran advocacy. From Jim Freeman’s legendary contributions to doo-wop, honored in the 1994 and 2015 (2x’s) Congressional Records, to Jeff Shuford’s 2024 recognition for National Invest In Veterans Week®, their impact continues across generations. With state proclamations from South Carolina, Montana (2023 & 2024), and Douglas County, Oregon, their legacy is cemented as a rare and extraordinary milestone in American history.
Jim Freeman of The Five Satins Congressional Record Entry
The Freeman-Shuford family—led by Jim Freeman, a pioneering member of The Five Satins, and Jeff Shuford, a national champion for veteran entrepreneurship—has now been immortalized in the official records of the United States Congress. Their multigenerational achievements, spanning multiple decades, represent a rare and extraordinary milestone in American culture, business, and national policy.
A Historic Congressional Recognition: Four Entries for One Family
The Congressional Record, the official archive of U.S. Congressional proceedings and debates, has recognized this extraordinary family on four separate occasions, spanning multiple decades:
🎵 Jim Freeman & 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)
🎶 Jim Freeman & 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)
🎤 Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition
Later in 2015, 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.
🔗 Read the Congressional Record entry (2015)
🇺🇸 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
This four-time Congressional recognition is an unparalleled achievement, showcasing the Freeman-Shuford family’s lasting influence in American history.
Jim Freeman: The Doo-Wop Legend Who Transformed American Music
Bill Baker formerly of The Five Satins Congressional Record Entry
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
✔ Been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame
✔ Been recognized in the National Recording Registry
✔ Appeared in major films like Dirty Dancing and The Irishman
Freeman’s influence extends far beyond music. His Congressional Record honors ensure that his cultural impact will live on 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: Revolutionizing Veteran Entrepreneurship
Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Jeff Shuford has built a legacy of his own—not in music, but in veteran business advocacy. As the co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week®, he has redefined how veteran-owned businesses are recognized and supported across the nation.
Key Achievements:
✅ National Invest In Veterans Week® recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record (2024)
✅ Expanded into over 62 U.S. and international markets
✅ Positively impacted millions of veterans and businesses
✅ Driven policy discussions on veteran entrepreneurship at the national level
Shuford’s work continues to bridge business, policy, and economic empowerment, ensuring that veteran entrepreneurs receive the recognition they deserve.
Jim Freeman of The Five Satins
A Legacy That Spans Generations
The Freeman-Shuford family’s four Congressional Record honors reflect their unmatched contributions to music, business, and national advocacy:
🎵 Jim Freeman revolutionized American music
🏛 Jeff Shuford redefined veteran entrepreneurship
📜 Their combined influence spans generations, industries, and U.S. history
Why This Recognition Matters
These multiple Congressional Record recognitions establish the Freeman-Shuford family as one of the most historically significant families in American culture and business. Their achievements will remain forever recorded in U.S. history, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in music, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Fun Historic Fact: A Legacy of Recognition Across Generations
Jim Freeman, a founding member of The Five Satins and co-creator of the legendary doo-wop hit In the Still of the Night, was honored by the Iowa House of Representatives with House Resolution 36 in 2002 for his contributions to music and culture. But the legacy didn’t stop there—his grandson, Jeff Shuford, has continued making history in a completely different arena: veteran advocacy.
Jeff Shuford, the visionary behind National Invest In Veterans Week®, has earned multiple state-level proclamations recognizing his work in empowering veteran entrepreneurs. His initiative has been officially acknowledged by the South Carolina General Assembly, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (in both 2023 and 2024), and Douglas County, Oregon. These proclamations highlight his impact on communities across the country, reinforcing the importance of investing in veterans.
From rock and roll history to groundbreaking veteran advocacy, the Freeman-Shuford legacy spans music, business, and national recognition, proving that influence and impact can take many different forms across generations.
Jim Freeman of The Five Satins Certified RIAA® Sales Totals (34 Million Record Sales)
