A Midtown music studio that’s recorded and produced Beyonce, Madonna, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lopez hosted several members of the NYPD on Wednesday, as they sang for a teen who fought leukemia into remission.
Melitza Perez, 15, had an album recorded in her honor at MSR Studios, where members of one of the toughest police departments in the United States crooned about how her bravery inspires them and restores their faith.
“Your strength inspires me through the day,” Officer Charles Mack, 32, and Ruby Collins, a retired NYPD cop belted out, with five more of the Finest singing background vocals at MSR studios in Midtown. “You’ve given us all a reason to believe again.”
The studio, which has produced award-winning albums on West 48th street, donated time for the cops to perform for Songs of Love, a charity that has written and recorded 24,000 songs for young patients and children with disabilities.
“Facing each day, courageous and bold. No mountain can stand in the way of her dreams,” the cops sing on the polished tracks they wrote just for her.
Perez was treated at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, where employees picked her to receive the personalized song.
“I’m pretty shocked,” a very excited Perez said as the Community Affairs Bureau’s Youth Services cops made the recording for her. “Nobody has ever written a song for me. I’m flattered and extremely happy. It made me feel really, really special.”
Mack, who has six years on the job, co-wrote the song and provide lead vocals in the studio that’s hosted Pink and Kanye West, among other celebrities.
“To be able to use music and all our talents and capabilities to put a smile on the face of a sick child seems like the right thing to do,” Mack said.
Retired Officer Collins, 45, co-wrote the lyrics and said there’s “nothing like bringing joy to these children, a smile to their face. Music is like medicine. It heals you. It soothes you. It comforts you. ”
John Beltzer, was inspired to create Songs of Love in honor of his twin brother who died in 1984, at age 24, from suicide after struggling with schizophrenia and depression. The group is named after a recording his brother made two months before he took his life.
He personalizes tunes using the recipients’ hobbies, interests and musical preferences as a guide. Melitza Perez’ favorite performers include Justin Beiber, Demi Lovato and One Direction.
“This is like therapy for them,” he said. “It helps in the healing process.”