Update: Jim Freeman and Jeff Shuford Make History with Five Congressional Record Entries
A Family Legacy in Music, Business, and Veteran Advocacy
For the first time in U.S. history, a single family has secured five Congressional Record entries, honoring their lasting contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy. The Freeman-Shuford family has left an undeniable mark on American culture, receiving Congressional honors, state proclamations, and even a federal court citation, proving their multi-generational influence across industries.
From Jim Freeman’s legendary role in doo-wop to Jeff Shuford’s leadership in veteran entrepreneurship, their impact has spanned decades, shaping both cultural and economic landscapes.
📖 Read more about their historic journey:
🔗 Invest In Veterans Magazine
🔗 Kellum Corporation Blog
🔗 Courtyards at San Jose News
Breaking Down the Five Congressional Record Entries
🎵 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (1994) – Doo-Wop Pioneers Recognized
On August 19, 1994, Senator Joe Lieberman honored Jim Freeman and The Five Satins in the Congressional Record, recognizing their then Singer frontman Bill Baker and the Satins role in shaping American music history with their timeless hit, In the Still of the Nite. This entry cemented their status as one of the most influential doo-wop groups of all time.
🎶 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2015) – A Second Congressional Tribute
On April 23, 2015, Rep. Rosa DeLauro reaffirmed the group’s lasting impact, noting how In the Still of the Nite remained a cultural touchstone for generations.
🎤 Jim Freeman (2015) – Individual Recognition
Later that same year, Jim Freeman was honored separately for his personal contributions to music, acknowledging his unique role in shaping the doo-wop genre beyond The Five Satins.
🇺🇸 Jeff Shuford (2024) – Championing Veteran Entrepreneurship
On March 8, 2024, Rep. Matt Rosendale entered National Invest In Veterans Week® into the Congressional Record, spotlighting its impact on veteran-owned businesses. As co-founder, Jeff Shuford was recognized for his leadership in advocating for veteran entrepreneurs and shaping policy discussions on their behalf.
📀 Jim Freeman & The Five Satins (2004) – Lost in the Fifties Tonight
On July 8, 2004, the Congressional Record (E1318) acknowledged the cultural significance of Lost in the Fifties Tonight, which features In the Still of the Nite. This recognition further proves the lasting influence of The Five Satins, whose music has been woven into later generations of popular hits.
Iowa House Resolution 36: Honoring Jim Freeman’s Musical Legacy
Alongside Congressional recognition, Jim Freeman was honored at the state level with Iowa House Resolution 36, celebrating his contributions to music and entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights of House Resolution 36:
Introduced by Representatives Richardson & Smith
Recognized Jim Freeman as a pioneer of American rock and roll
Acknowledged his role in recording In the Still of the Nite with The Five Satins
Highlighted his songwriting for classics like To the Aisle and Wonderful Girl
Celebrated his induction into the United in Group Harmony Association Hall of Fame (1995) and the American Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (1998)
Honored his contributions as a business owner in Iowa since 1970
State Proclamations Celebrating the Freeman-Shuford Legacy
Beyond national recognition, the Freeman-Shuford family has been honored at the state level for their contributions to music, business, and veteran advocacy:
South Carolina General Assembly – Recognizing National Invest In Veterans Week® and Jeff Shuford’s impact on veteran entrepreneurship.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (2023 & 2024) – Issued proclamations acknowledging National Invest In Veterans Week®.
Douglas County, Oregon (2022) – Honored National Invest In Veterans Week® for its role in promoting veteran-owned businesses.
These official proclamations further solidify the family’s lasting influence on American culture and economic progress.
Jim Freeman’s RIAA-Certified Legacy
Jim Freeman’s contributions to music aren’t just cultural—they’re commercially significant. In the Still of the Nite has appeared on multiple gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond-certified albums, proving its enduring appeal.
RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring In the Still of the Nite
{DIAMOND®} Dirty Dancing soundtrack
{9X MULTI-PLATINUM®} Boyz II Men Cooleyhighharmony
{PLATINUM®} Rock & Roll Era, 1956
{PLATINUM®} Boyz II Men’s tribute version
{GOLD®} The Beach Boys 15 Big Ones
RIAA-Certified Sales Featuring Lost in the Fifties Tonight
Since Lost in the Fifties Tonight incorporates In the Still of the Nite, it also earned major RIAA certifications:
{PLATINUM®} Ronnie Milsap Greatest Hits Volume 2
{GOLD®} Ronnie Milsap Lost in the Fifties
{GOLD®} Ronnie Milsap 40 #1 Hits
This commercial success reinforces Jim Freeman’s lasting legacy in American music.
A U.S. Court of Appeals Citation Recognizes The Five Satins
In an unexpected legal acknowledgment, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit cited The Five Satins in a landmark case about music ownership and influence. The court referenced In the Still of the Nite as a prime example of a song that has stood the test of time.
This legal mention further cements The Five Satins’ impact beyond the music industry, proving their work’s significance in historical and legal contexts.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
With five Congressional Record entries, state proclamations, and legal recognitions, the Freeman-Shuford family has built a lasting legacy in:
🎵 American music history through Jim Freeman
🏛 Veteran entrepreneurship through Jeff Shuford
📜 Legislation, business, and cultural influence across generations
🔗 Learn More & Join the Movement:
🌎 www.InvestInVeteransWeek.com
