ORLEANS — A song written in the final months of Orleans resident Danny Clipp’s life has received national recognition. “Heaven’s Front Porch” was awarded Multi-Genre Song of the Year at the 2025 Josie Music Awards in Nashville.
Clipp co-wrote the song with Jon Moon, lead singer of the band Flatline, during Clipp’s battle with cancer. The two worked on the project as a way for Clipp to leave something meaningful for his wife, Amy, and their children, Brayton and Braelyn.
(Left to right) Elle Ossenberg, Braelyn Clipp, Brayton Clipp, Amy Clipp, Mike Butterfield, Carl Anderson, Jon Moon, Shawn Collingsworth
Flatline members Jon Moon, Shawn Collingsworth, Carl Anderson and Mike Butterfield recorded the track with the support of Paul “Wilbur” Price and producer Niko Albanese. Clipp heard the completed version shortly before his passing.
The project later expanded into a music video created by David Vanlandingham of DV Media. The video features Megan Vanlandingham in a lead performance that helped visually convey the song’s themes. Her role earned Best Actress in a Music Video at this year’s ceremony.
Danny Clipp served on the Orleans School Board, Bethel Cemetery Board, Orleans Little League Board, and the Orange County 4-H Council. He was also a coach and a proud father.
What began as a personal message shared between friends has grown into something larger, resonating with listeners who have experienced loss, remembrance and the ties that hold families together.
You can watch and listen to “Heaven’s Front Porch” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqnneG0nUUs.
