Breaking Barriers with Beauty: Brandon Heath’s Groundbreaking ASL Album ‘The Ache’ Brings Music to the Deaf Community

Five-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist Brandon Heath is once again proving that music knows no boundaries. The Platinum®-selling singer/songwriter has released American Sign Language (ASL) performance videos for every track on his acclaimed ninth studio album, The Ache. This groundbreaking project, one of the first of its kind, makes Heath’s music accessible to the Deaf community in a deeply meaningful way. Featuring 11 stunning ASL interpretations performed by Deaf artists, the videos are now available on YouTube, showcasing Heath’s commitment to inclusivity and the power of creative collaboration.

The inspiration for this project came from a heartfelt connection with a Deaf fan, Ian Myers, who sent Heath sign language interpretations of his songs years ago. This gesture sparked a vision in Heath to bridge the gap between his music and the Deaf community. Partnering with Araya Williams, a hearing interpreter and longtime friend, Heath enlisted a team of talented Deaf performers—including Williams, Renca Dunn, Colin Analco, and Brandon Gaskin—to bring The Ache to life in ASL. “This is really a collaborative effort with Deaf performers, using their first language, to make my music available to all people, Deaf and hearing,” Heath shares. The result is a beautiful fusion of artistry and accessibility, celebrating the richness of Deaf culture.

Araya Williams, founder of Sonshine Interpreting, emphasizes the profound impact of this project. “The beauty and value of making any content accessible to the Deaf community cannot be understated,” she says. Williams highlights the communication barriers that often isolate the Deaf community, noting that there is only one complete ASL Bible and that sign language varies globally. Through The Ache, Heath not only shares his music but also amplifies the voices of Deaf artists, creating a space where their creative expression shines. With tracks like the acoustic-pop hit “Gospel Truth” and the poignant “Scars,” written in honor of a friend affected by The Covenant School shooting, The Ache is a testament to the healing power of music—and now, it’s a gift to all.