SWFL comes together to honor beloved musician

AJ Mullins was a beloved musician in Southwest Florida who died earlier this year from COVID-19. So on Sunday, Southwest Florida came together to hold a benefit concert in Mullins’ honor.

His dream was to build a house for himself and his sons. But he died before that could happen. The benefit concert was organized to make sure that dream lived on.

Mullins was a guitarist and musician that used his music to bring people together and enjoy the moment. Willie Miller is one of Mullins’ friends. “I loved that brother. He was the nicest guy in the world,” Miller said.

Anthony Mullins is one of AJ’s sons. “He was the greatest musician I know. The greatest dad.”

Anthony got to visit his dad on Father’s Day, but he knew something wasn’t right. “I broke down crying when he left. Because I knew something was wrong,” he said.

Just one week later, COVID-19 took his life, as it has nearly 250,000 other Americans.

“My dad came out and did what he loved to do in front of people and it cost him his life but I hope it doesn’t go in vain,” Mullins said.

Just before he passed away, AJ had bought land to build his dream house on for him and his sons. After his death, that dream was put on hold.

“I was in the hospital when I found out that AJ died from COVID and it just broke my heart and I was trying to figure out what I could do to make a difference,” Miller said.

Now, his bandmates are determined to play on and finish what AJ started. So they used the power of music to host a benefit concert in AJ’s honor.

All the money raised Sunday will go to helping AJ’s family get closer to building that dream house.

“I appreciate everybody who came together and help us out. It means the world. I can’t ask for more it would mean the world to me if it happens,” Anthony said.

Southwest Florida showed up to help the show go on.

“I hope to see you soon,” said Mullins.

AJ’s bandmates and son hope that Southwest Floria can also come together to defeat coronavirus. They hope everyone takes it seriously as cases continue to rise across the state.