Music Through Heartsongs: Songs Based on the Poems of Mattie J.T. Stepanek (sometimes abbreviated to Music Through Heartsongs) is the third studio album by the American country music singer Billy Gilman, released on April 15, 2003, on Epic Records Nashville. It is his final album for that label. The songs on this album are based on poems written by the child poet Mattie Stepanek, who died of muscular dystrophy one year after the album's release. Track listing Personnel Angela Bacari – background vocals Bekka Bramlett – background vocals Joe Chemay – bass guitar Mickey Jack Cones – electric guitar, background vocals Eric Darken – percussion Billy Gilman – lead vocals, string arrangements Tommy Harden – drums John Jorgenson – electric guitar Troy Lancaster – electric guitar Sam Levine – alto flute, recorder Alé Lorenzo – ukulele Jerry McPherson – electric guitar David Malloy – background vocals Liana Manis – background vocals Wendy Moten – background vocals Jimmy Nichols – keyboards, piano, string arrangements, background vocals Britt Savage – background vocals Michael Spriggs – acoustic guitar Chart performance References 2003 albums Epic Records albums Billy Gilman albums Music based on poems