He's been slapped by Frank Sinatra, punched by John Lennon and ridiculed by the head of Ringo Starr's record company. L. Russell Brown as a broken child, seriously beaten by an abusive father, living in housing project as a kid, Jewish, who had to steal food for himself, and family. Yet, his "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Tree" became a symbol for families of hostages, soldiers, and loved ones who were heart fully missed. Instead, he took the narrow path, on a difficult road, and has lived a life of struggle and fame, by following his passion of writing songs that have been recorded by many of the world's greatest superstars. They have made millions of dollars, and at the same time, have touched our hearts, minds, and souls. "Yellow Ribbons" led to the pink ribbons used for cancer awareness, and to other meaningful ways of expressing our shared human grief and sorrows. As Brown says, "He had more turn downs than a cheap motel bed" when it comes to pitching his songs to music publishers. Yet, his is a story of courage, and a life shared with the most famous people in the music and entertainment world.
