Home Local News Edwin McCain honors late Richmond County first responder

Edwin McCain honors late Richmond County first responder

Singer/Songwriter Edwin McCain performs “See Off This Mountain,” from his 1999 album “Messenger” in a Cameo video for the family of the late Don Paul.
YouTube screenshot

HAMLET — Singer/songwriter Edwin McCain recently recorded a Cameo video honoring late Richmond County first responder Don Paul.

Paul had more than 40 years of fire and EMS experience at the time of his death on Dec. 3 at the age of 60, according to his obituary.

Paul’s son Dustin wrote in the description for the video, posted to YouTube Dec. 25, that his father died after contracting COVID-19.

“Edwin McCain was by far his favorite musician,” Dustin Paul wrote in the description. “Don listened to Edwin’s music since his early days in South Carolina, and traveled many times to see his live shows.”

McCain, a South Carolina native, released several albums throughout the ‘90s, with the song “I’ll Be” hitting No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1998. The song was on the chart for 24 weeks.

I had planned on getting a Cameo for dad as a Christmas gift before he got sick, it was going to be a ‘fun’ one,” Dustin Paul told the RO in an email Dec. 28, “Then he passed and I thought about it and I figured I would get one done in his ‘honor.'” 

Cameo allows people to request personalized videos from celebrities, including actors, athletes and musicians.

“After the dust settled”, Dustin Paul contacted McCain and “told him he still would like to get a Cameo for Don even though he wasn’t going to be with us this Christmas,” according to the description.

Advertisements

McCain addressed Dustin Paul and the family in the video (which can be viewed at the bottom of this post.)

“I can’t imagine what you’re going through with the loss of your dad,” McCain said. “That really hits me hard. I’ve been contributing to the first responders fund this entire pandemic because I know what kind of sacrifices they’re all making, and I’m so sorry for your loss and I know this isn’t much but I’m gonna put together a couple of these songs in honor of your dad.”

McCain added that he spoke with officials at Cameo and said the company would make a donation to the First Responders Children’s Foundation — “for what that’s worth.”

He then performed “See Off This Mountain,” from his 1999 album “Messenger.” 

“I hope you guys can have a Merry Christmas,” McCain said after finishing the song. “I know it’s going to be hard and, Dustin, you’ll always hold up his values. He’ll always be with you guys.”

McCain also addressed Dustin Paul, saying, “I hope you keep coming to concerts and I hope to see you again and give you a big hug once this is all over. I hope you have peace.”

“Mr. McCain was gracious enough to do the video and I thought it was a very nice gesture, especially knowing that he opted to forgo the money he would have received for doing the video, and even mentioned donations being made to the first responders children’s charity,” Dustin Paul told the RO. “I just figured it would be nice to share with as many people as possible in an attempt to create awareness about the disease and how it affects first responders and their families.”

Note: This story has been edited to add quotes. 7:05 p.m. 12-28-20

 



Previous articleCloretta Bristow Huggins
Next articleOnly 6 new COVID cases reported in Richmond County over Christmas weekend
Managing Editor William R. Toler is an award-winning writer and photographer with experience in print, television and online media.