A longtime University of Texas employee with a life threatening disease was given the gift of music Friday afternoon.

It's all thanks to his family and friends along with an organization called Swan Songs.

It's a group that works to grant people with terminal illnesses one last dying wish.

The Van Wilkes Band played especially for Joel Porter and his friends Friday at the Hole In The Wall Bar.

Van Wilkes said he is happy to help the cause.

"I think musicians need to give back something of their talent to somebody who may not have it... but does appreciate it," he said.

Joel Porter,58, has a passion for rock n roll

He's been a computer programmer at the University of Texas for 17 years.

This was his retirement party.

His co-worker Cat Reynolds said he will be deeply missed.

"He is such a special person in our department. He has been with us for so long and everybody just loves him," said Reynolds.

The concert was not only a celebration of his Joel's career, but also his life.

Donna Belk with Swan Songs said Joel has a very hard road ahead of him.

"He has ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease. It's where the muscles get smaller and smaller. He will be able to move less and less as time goes on," she said.

The organization Swan Songs helped make the event possible.

“We are looking at today as a day of celebration. It's a time to share the joy that we all have in getting to know Joel over the years and we are happy that we are able to spend time with him," said Reynolds.

While the disease has robbed Joel of his voice, the disease can't take away his love for rock and roll.