NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A song made famous by recording artist David Ball nearly 25 years ago is changing lives today, proving how art can inspire real-world generosity.

David Ball's song "Riding with Private Malone" has been striking a chord with millions of listeners for decades.

The 2001 tune was co-written by Wood Newton and Thom Shepherd.

"I think that was the first story song I ever recorded, and I haven't recorded another one since,” said David Ball, a Grammy Award-winning recording artist.

That story is about a veteran who buys a red 1966 Corvette and finds a note inside the glove compartment from a soldier who never made it back home.

“While I’m out playing, a lot of veterans would come through and shake my hand," Ball said.

This summer, the song helped move a Vietnam ve

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