United in Song
These have been tough weeks, bracketed by searing heat (certainly here in Southern Oregon) and scathing Supreme Court decisions. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, even though there are so many untold stories — stories mainstream media find unprofitable — that provide occasions for hope. (I cherish the newsletter from Jessica Craven that lists and reminds us of these small triumphs.) For what it’s worth, I’ve put together a collection of seven videos that document and remind us of the power of song to unite us and seed hope.
Eric Clapton – Layla (Live Aid 1985)
“Eric Clapton performing with Phil Collins at Live Aid in front of 100,000 people in the John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia USA on the 13th July, 1985. The event was organised to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. Broadcast across the world via one of the largest satellite link-ups of all time, the concerts were seen by around 40 percent of the global population.”
“Everyone loves a bit of unexpected classical music. Choral and orchestral flashmobs have thrilled thousands around the world, but we reckon this one, which took place in the Spanish city of Sabadell, takes the cake. It all begins with a solo double bass posing as a busker, slowly bowing Beethoven’s famous hymnal melody. We’ll leave it to the musicians involved to tell the rest of the story (and it’s no spoiler to say that there’s over 100 of them).”
Guantanamera – Playing for Change (2014)
“With 67 million views, this video features over 75 Cuban musicians around the world, from Havana and Santiago to Miami, Barcelona, and Tokyo. ‘Playing For Change’ is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.”
Sound of Music – Central Station, Antwerp, Belgium (2009)
“More than 200 dancers were performing their version of “Do Re Mi”, in the Central Station of Antwerp, with just two rehearsals…and they created this amazing stunt! The four fantastic minutes started the 23 of March 2009, 08:00 AM. It was a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program who was looking for someone to play the leading role in the musical ‘The Sound of Music.'”
Dionne Warwick – That’s What Friends Are For (1986)
“This recording, billed as being by ‘Dionne Warwick & Friends,’ was released as a charity single for AIDS research and prevention. Who were Dionne’s friends? Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. It was a massive hit, becoming the number one single of 1986 in the United States, and winning the Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year. It raised more than $3 million for its cause.”
Bolero Julliard (April 2020, at height of COVID lockdowns)
“What can we do together even while we are alone?” With 100 plus Julliard students and alumni, at home together became the ethos. At the height of the pandemic. The Julliard School turned turned to projects and initiatives supplementing the online lessons, classes, activities, and student- and faculty-generated collaborations and creativity. Bolero Julliard was one of these projects.”
Joni Mitchell – Both Sides Now (Live at the Newport Folk Festival 2022)
“Joni Mitchell stunned the Newport Folk Festival audience last summer when she gave a surprise performance – her first in 20 years – delivering a heartfelt set in partnership with Brandi Carlile and a remarkable cast of musicians and friends that formed The Joni Jam. Her triumphant return to the stage occurred July 24, 2022.”