Award-winning songwriter and producer Rick Hendrix says the greatest achievement of his career is not the awards he has received but knowing his music has brought comfort to people in need.

Raised in poverty in Appalachia, Hendrix said he never imagined his songs would reach audiences around the world.

"I never thought I'd even cross the county line," he said. "Now it's humbling to think that songs can cross oceans."

A Broadway and Emmy-nominated producer, Hendrix has worked with artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, U2 and Queen, while writing multiple No. 1 songs.

One of his best-known compositions, "When There's No Hope There Is Grace," has gained a following in the Philippines, where it has been shared widely as a message of hope during times of grief. The song was recently performed at the funeral of former basketball player Rene "Bobet" Baterbonia by the Sweet Echo Singers of La Flora Seventh-day Adventist Church in Agusan del Sur.

"I've never written songs hoping to have a hit," Hendrix said. "I've always hoped somebody would hear one at exactly the moment they needed it."

Looking back on his journey, Hendrix said he now believes music can reach people when he cannot.

"The phone doesn't always ring. But maybe the song does."