Band Against MS, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3), or not-for-profit, public charity committed to providing educational information for those… read more

Multi-platinum Recording Artist Clay Walker Has Recorded a PSA for MS Awareness

Clay Walker, multi-platinum recording artist and founder of Band Against MS (BAMS), has recorded an audio PSA to increase the… read more

Contact Us

Organization contact information:

Kyle Frederick
Director
Band Against MS
2409 21st Avenue S. Suite 205

Nashville, TN 37212

[615] 297-8875  phone
[615] 297-1736  fax

With over 25 years of experience in the music industry, one might think Kyle Frederick would have the business know-how to run a record label, but what about a non-profit? Luckily, it's more than business expertise that sets Frederick apart as the Director for Band Against MS. Frederick has a personal investment in the non-profit that he's helmed since January 2007 – his close friend, multi-platinum country recording star Clay Walker. Walker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1996 and founded BAMS in 2003 to create awareness and fund research programs for those living with the debilitating disease.

Frederick has been by his friend's side for the duration of the journey. He left his own solo career to serve as guitarist/band leader for Walker in 1993. At various times throughout Walker's illustrious career, Frederick also served as his tour manager, publicist and co-manager. Following a short stint as manager for SHeDAISY, Frederick returned to Walker's camp in 2007 to assume his current role as Director of BAMS.

The progression towards finding a cure for MS is personal for this musician turned humanitarian. "Being with Clay when he was diagnosed made me more sympathetic to the cause. Seeing his sheer determination and ability to overcome adversity related to MS has inspired me," says Frederick. "And obviously, we've been friends for a long time, so he's someone who is dear to me and my family."

In his short tenure with BAMS, Frederick has facilitated numerous grant projects, including a $100,000 contribution to the University of Texas Health Science Center. Since 2004, the organization has given $350,000 for MS research to UT-Houston. Another $25,000 was donated locally last year to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This endowment also saw Frederick and his team pledging to give the same amount for the next two years, making the donation total $75,000.

Frederick was also instrumental in launching this brand-new interactive website for the organization. The new site features video segments with professionals discussing research efforts, pertinent diet and exercise information for MS patients, news updates about the organization's events, a "Meet the Heroes" section dedicated to the unique stories of individuals striving to overcome the disease, as well as photo galleries and informative links.

For Frederick, his ultimate vision for the organization is to help find a cure. "We have the privilege of working with some of the world's most gifted neurologists. By continuing to fund research and provide educational material, Band Against MS gives those living with Multiple Sclerosis hope for the future," says Frederick. "We are sincerely grateful for the individuals, groups, and businesses that contribute to our charity's success and recognize that they are at the core of our endeavor.

Multiple Sclerosis plagues 2.5 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young people throughout the world. To date, BAMS has raised over one million dollars to benefit MS research around the country.

In addition to his work with BAMS, Frederick serves on the board of the Son Rhea Foundation – another non-profit that works to ensure the arts flourish in Southern Kentucky schools and communities. Frederick and his wife, Claire, reside in Nashville, Tenn. They have two daughters, Rhea and Edie.