Award-winning children’s music artist and U.S. Navy veteran Greg Lato will release “Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families” on May 23, a heartfelt tribute to the often-unseen sacrifices of those who serve beyond the front lines.
The impetus for “Dandelion” stems from Lato’s service aboard the USS Constellation in Coronado, where his experiences in San Diego shaped his understanding of military life and guided the album’s creation.
“Even though it was before I had my own family, the experiences of observing and working alongside military families gave me a unique perspective,” Lato said. “That is what songwriting is all about: observing others and using your own experiences to influence what you write.
“When I went out on deployments, I knew firsthand how it affected the family members who were away and the families that were waiting for their return. Now, all these years later, my curiosity to dig deeper into all the issues central to the military family experience has culminated in this album project.”
The musician is using his platform to shine a spotlight on the children and families who serve alongside the service members, often without recognition. His new album takes its name from the dandelion, the official flower of the military child, symbolizing resilience, adaptability and ability to thrive wherever life leads.
Lato, a Rhode Island native, has built a career as a family music recording artist and author. His previous albums, including “Create My Own World” and “Adults These Days,” have landed in the Top 15 on the iTunes Children’s Music Chart and garnered millions of streams. But “Dandelion” is different because it marks a more personal project for Lato and one he has envisioned for years.
The album’s songs explore the emotional landscape of military life: moving to new towns, starting over at new schools, missing a parent on deployment and finding strength through connection. Lato collaborated closely with military kids and families, listening to their stories and transforming their experiences into song.
The track, “Hi! I’m New Here!” features a duet with 14-year-old Kaleyana Ludwig, a military kid whose voice and story inspired the song. Lato also conducted a weeklong songwriting workshop at Portsmouth Middle School in Rhode Island, where 20 military-connected students helped write and record vocals for the album.
“Some of the kids were meeting other military kids for the first time and it was a way for them to connect,” Lato said.
The title track, “Dandelion,” features a military children’s choir from CAMMO (Center for American Military Music Opportunities) in Virginia, who recorded and submitted their parts remotely.
“They did an awesome job and I was so pleased with the result!” Lato said.
Lato’s creative journey began in Providence, Rhode Island, where he was raised in a tight-knit Italian-American family. His father, the late jazz saxophonist Vinny Lato, introduced him to music through his extensive vinyl collection. Greg went on to compose for film, television and fellow artists, including “The Voice” runner-up Billy Gilman.
“Dandelion” offers families, military and civilian alike, a chance to reflect and honor the resilience of those who serve behind the scenes.
“I have listened to these wonderful military families to make their voices heard through song,” Lato said. “I am letting people who are not in that world know what they go through and endure to serve this country and allow us to enjoy the freedoms we all have.
“I also believe the project has helped all the families I met with share their stories and make them feel like they are not alone in their experiences.”
“Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families” is available for pre-order and out May 23, during “Military Appreciation Month.” For more information, go to www.greglatodandelion.com.
