“Playing for Change, that’s the way music was meant to be.” —Keith Richards
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THE STORY
Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.
Playing For Change was born in 2002 as a shared vision between co-founders, Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, to hit the streets of America with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of inspiration and the heartbeat of the people. This musical journey resulted in the award-winning documentary, “A Cinematic Discovery of Street Musicians.”
In 2005, Mark Johnson was walking in Santa Monica, California, when he heard the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By Me.” Roger had so much soul and conviction in his voice, and Mark approached him about performing “Stand By Me” as a Song Around the World. Roger agreed, and when Mark returned with recording equipment and cameras he asked Roger, “With a voice like yours, why are you singing on the streets?” Roger replied, “Man I’m in the Joy business, I come out to be with the people.” Ever since that day the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians, creating Songs Around the World, and building a global family.
Listen to the Music is our fourth Songs Around The World album and showcases 12 new classic songs, all recorded live outside with a mobile recording studio in 25 countries. The album features performances from over 200 musicians including The Doobie Brothers, Buddy Guy, Warren Haynes, Dr. John, Tom Morello, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and more.
The album will be released on April 20th, 2018 through the amazing label Motema Music, with one new video from the series dropping every month. The Resilience Music Alliance is proud to be working closely with Motema on this important and timely project and will be providing marketing support and guidance.
100% of Playing For Change’s profits from this album will go to the Playing For Change Foundation, helping to support music education across the globe. Listen to the music; change the world!