Celebrate resilience, love, and history-making moments with the first single on the soundtrack for the American Masters film series Renegades airing on PBS.

Stream “Pain” by The Ring featuring Kenya Vaun today and join the movement.

A groundbreaking moment in music and television history has arrived. Grammy Award-winning producer and multi-platinum songwriter Carvin Haggins, CEO and co-founder of The Ring Music Group, takes center stage as the Music Supervisor/Producer of the first-ever soundtrack for a biography featured in the prestigious American Masters series, distributed by PBS. Renegades, a production of Inspiration Films, LLC and ITVS in association with American Masters Pictures, marks a historic milestone for the long-running documentary series.
Paving the way for this first-of-its-kind soundtrack, The Ring Music Group scored three of the five episodes in the series and also crafted the powerful theme song, “I Am A Renegade.”
“Pain” – A Soulful Anthem of Strength and Resilience
The lead single ”Pain,” an original production by The Ring Music Group (theRing), debuted on January 1, 2025, aligning with Birth Defects Awareness Month. This moving R&B/Soul anthem features rising star Kenya Vaun and draws inspiration from the extraordinary life of Celestine Tate Harrington, a quadriplegic trailblazer featured in American Masters: Renegades on PBS.
Harrington defied all odds—playing music on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, advocating for disability rights, and even defending her parental rights in court. The song’s deeply emotional lyrics and soulful arrangements pay tribute to her resilience, offering listeners an inspiring message of transforming hardship into strength.
Blending the signature Philadelphia soul sound with modern R&B influences, “Pain” creates a timeless and deeply resonant experience. It also serves as the prelude to the full soundtrack, which will feature contributions from Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Syleena Johnson, Mumu Fresh, and more celebrated artists.
“This project embodies the spirit of overcoming obstacles and celebrates stories often left untold,” said Carvin Haggins. “Our commitment to working alongside filmmakers on this soundtrack for American Masters: Renegades allows our music to not only mirror the narrative but also weave itself into the very fabric of storytelling, leaving a mark on the history of this American Masters film series. We’re honored to be part of this historic moment in music and television.”
Bridging Music, Film, and Social Change
American Masters: Renegades on PBS is a five-episode short documentary series that shines a light on unsung heroes who defied the odds and made a lasting impact despite living with disabilities. Each 12-minute episode tells a compelling story of courage and perseverance, with three episodes underscored by the evocative compositions of The Ring Music Group.
The decision to bring Carvin Haggins on board as the Music Supervisor/Producer was a natural one, given his decades-long legacy in the music industry and his renowned ability to craft soundscapes that elevate storytelling.
“Recommending Carvin as Music Supervisor/Producer for RENEGADES was a no-brainer,” shared Marsha Hallager, Writer, Director, and Producer of PBS American Masters: Renegades. “His ability to craft a sound that simultaneously complements the narrative while enhancing the viewer’s overall experience is unmatched. Carvin is a creative genius, and when given the opportunity to collaborate with him and theRing, I jump, as it is a blessing in and of itself.”
This landmark collaboration unites entertainment, education, and social consciousness, using music and film to highlight the intersection of disability and achievement. The project also serves as a powerful statement in support of diversity, equity, and groundbreaking artistry.
Stream “Pain” and Learn More:
• Stream “Pain” by The Ring featuring Kenya Vaun

Follow The Ring Music Group:
• YouTube
• Visit The Ring Music Group Website
• Discover more about the American Masters series on PBS
About The Ring Music Group

Founded in 2022, The Ring Music Group (theRing) is an independent record label and production company based in Philadelphia, PA. Led by multi-Grammy-winning producer Carvin Haggins, the company is reshaping the music industry by nurturing timeless talent and producing chart-topping records.
The Ring Music Group’s collective resume includes work with industry icons such as Prince, Jay-Z, Jill Scott, and Rihanna. Their recent groundbreaking achievements include:
• Producing two #1 Billboard hits for rising R&B star J. Brown
• Scoring Hallmark Mahogany’s A Nashville Legacy
• Producing Ruben Studdard’s standout tracks
• Making history by creating the first-ever soundtrack for any PBS American Masters series with Renegades
At its core, The Ring Music Group is fueled by love and creativity, infusing passion and purpose into every project.
For more information, visit: www.theringmusicgroup.com.
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