Bill Shafer

Executive Vice President of Bolder Media Group

Body Shattered & Comatose, Music Brings Him Back

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Steven-Stover-thumbnail-350x197We all like to think we’re ready for any kind of challenge but never really know until we have to face one.

What Steven Stover went through was literally hell and back. It’s amazing enough his body is healing but almost beyond belief that his spirit, strength and character are not only still intact, but more intense than ever.

This is one courageous, deeply grateful and caring man.

Here’s the bottom line: One day we will ALL have sudden, life-changing challenges to face. I can only hope to deal with mine with the grace, compassion and courage shown by Steve.

Thanks, Steve, for trusting Growing Bolder and me to tell your story!

It was August 13, 2011 at the Indiana State Fair. Sara Bareilles had just finished her set and Sugarland was due any moment. A storm that seemed to come out of nowhere sent winds whipping up to 70 miles per hour. Then the unthinkable. The entire stage structure collapsed. Seven died. 58 were injured, none worse than spotlight operator Steven Stover.

In his first interview since the tragedy, Stover explains why he’ll never be the same, and why under the circumstances, that’s just fine with him.

Survivor Singer Growing Bolder to the End

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Jimi_JamisonDid you see that Jimi Jamison died? Did you even know who that was? We all know his work, but few knew his name. Here’s why it is well worth remembering.

Jimi was the lead singer for Survivor. You know, “Eye of the Tiger.” But he didn’t sing that song. Jimi stepped in to replace the original singer, and did he ever! Just take a fresh listen to some of Jamison’s hits, “I Can’t Hold Back,” “High on You” and “The Search is Over” just to list a few.

This guy was amazing. Want to know the best part? He was amazing up to the very end. When he died suddenly of a heart attack at age 63 he was still writing, still recording and still singing. That voice was as powerful, emotional and engaging as ever.

It wasn’t enough for this member of Survivor to merely survive, Jimi always fought to thrive. He clearly understood that life was a gift, and he wanted to live it. His heart was even larger than his voice, not just contributing to, but working with a number of charities including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Animal Rescue Foundation.

But oh, that voice! It was something that Jimi, who was humble and appreciative his whole life, never took for granted. It’s why at age 63 he sounded just as strong as ever. He was really excited about his latest work and felt he still had a lot left to contribute.

Even though his death was quite unexpected, it turns out that he did leave a compelling message for us in his final solo album. It also happens to be an album that’s all about Growing Bolder.

It’s called “Never Too Late,” something Jamison always believed. He had just performed with Survivor the night before he died, and was just two weeks away from leaving on yet another tour. He loved being on the road, being on stage, and making a difference in people’s lives.

When “Never Too Late” was first released one of Jimi’s friends, Julie Myers sent it to me. She thought it would be a great theme song for Growing Bolder. Take a listen and see what you think. At the very least, it’s the kind of song that will serve as his legacy, something he believed in very much. It’s his reminder to us all to live our lives to the fullest, and realize that until the very end, it truly is never too late.

Jimi, thank you for the incredible music, thanks for being such a positive influence and thanks for proving to us all that it is “Never Too Late.”

Julie was right. This song is all about Growing Bolder.

“It will be tough but don’t give up, even if it’s hurting. Can take you years, will cost you tears but it’s worth it in the end. Never too late, never too late to start.” – Jimi Jamison

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo3cp3NaIf0?rel=0]