Only two days after completing her musical tour, Melissa faced the devastating news that she had breast cancer. Since her contract ended, so did her health insurance.

Unfortunately this story is all too common among professional vocalists. Unlike most performers, singers are without an association designated to support and protect them. They are not typical employees who might receive traditional benefits such as insurance and pension plans or payroll deductions for Social Security and Unemployment.

In 1984 Ginny (Mrs. Henry) Mancini and Gilda Maiken Anderson realized that many of their own singer friends had fallen ill and were lacking the financial resources to obtain treatment and care. Unfortunately many of them had already died alone, too embarrassed to ask for help. Their mission was clear -- to improve, preserve and maintain the personal dignity and quality of life of professional singers nationwide.

Singers have shared their gift of music with us day after day. SOS provides a safety net for those facing chronic illness and disability, or extreme and unexpected emergencies. We offer freeand confidential counseling, case management, referrals, secondary career coaching, emergency grants, and a supportive community to assist professional singers in times of need. 

Contributions from annual supporters, both singers and non-singers alike, along with special events have enabled SOS to provide over $3 million in support services to over 4,000 vocalists who have had nowhere else to turn. By making a tax-deductible donation that is personally meaningful to you, your contribution can help make the difference between life and death for a person like Melissa. We simply cannot do it without your help. SOS gratiously accepts donations in ANY amount ranging from $1.00 to $50,000.

Thanks to the support of SOS and partnering organizations, Melissa is now in remission and is once again sharing her music with the world. SOS strives to reach hundreds of singers like her every year, and it is our goal to continue to help them overcome their most challenging moments when they have nowhere else to turn. Please remember -- without singers, our industry would have no voice.

SOS offers comprehensive services to singers meeting eligibility guidelines. They represent all ages, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and all genres of performance. Please refer to our Programs page for more information about client services.

“Without the singer, our industry would have no voice.”
Bob Fead, Adivsory Chairman, SOS, Pres. Burt Bacharach Music & Sr. VP, Warner Chappel Music