The World's greatest Charity Songs

The World's Greatest Charity Songs The minute we think about charity songs 'We are the world' comes to mind and rightfully so. The song was a brain child of Ken Kragen who basically was on top of his Artists management game with the right connections all at the hot spots in Tinsel town He made sure the song was written by the best writers and at the time Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson were at the top of their game. Quincy Jones got to produce the song and again he is perhaps the most musical producer in the history of recorded music. Once the concept was leaked every artists wanted to be in on the project knowing the type of promotional mileage it would bring. Before they knew it they had a truck full of the best popular artists of the time on board. Can you imagine the paperwork and the negotiations? Toast to Ken for making it possible. The song supported by label and management support became the biggest charity song ever. Label support here means blessings of Radio, TV and Press. This song also changed Ken's life and he still is dedicated to the his cause in Africa. The song was produced at Lion Share Studios in Los Angeles which was owned by Kenny Rogers. Lion Share boasted an awesome mic collection with Neve consoles, Studer machines and huge recording rooms. It was labelled 'USA for Africa', since all the Artists, writers and producers were Americans. 'Do they know its Christmas', recorded in UK in 1984 was anothe big charity recording. Composed by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song with its greatt melodic content is still one of the biggest selling songs in European history. The song was recorded by top Artists and was spread the world over followed by big concerts generating tons of revenue. Sir Geldof continued his journey. He was given an honorary knighthood and received the 'Man of Peace' title. As all this was happening the rest of the world watched Britain and USA completely dominating the song for charity game. Since the English speaking Artists dominte the world of music in terms of funding, record sales, resources and the infrastructure, Artists from other regions could only watch in excitement. Once it was clear that charity songs do make a lot of noise if done properly, over the past few years many have been recorded for almost every disaster followed by concerts that bring back huge revenue for the organisers and of course some of it goes to charity but no other song or project has made an impression like these two songs. Why not? The answer probably lies in the personalities who are behind the project. Ken Kragen and Sir Bob Geldof must have really believed in the plan which made them record great songs which sounded clean sonically and 'felt good'. Australian Artists had never gotten together and recorded a charity song till about a short time ago when a music producer and writer from Pakistan visiting Australia put out a call. Yup from Pakistan out of all the places in the world. This very interesting proposition needed furtherenquiry. Turns out that Mahmood Khan," a Pakistani Artist who grew up in USA while working on his film degree in Sydney felt a profound calling to record a charity song with Australian Artists and single handedly got a some together. Unlike Ken Kragen or Sir Geldof he had no connections with any big named Artists or management companies so he resorted to Independent Artists. To him the need for huge names was replaced by the availability of Internet and getting the project done. The song 'We could be paradise' was launched as Project Downunder. Mahmood also produced the music videos which was based around the 'rain of rice' considered as abundance in the Asian region. Here is an interesting examination between USA for Africa and Project Downunder ( PDU) USA for Africa generated 60 million dollars. PDU Goal is to generate one million dollars for The Red Cross. USA for Africa song was produced by American songwriters. PDU is a first time International collaboration of writers from Australia and Asia and the producer is from Pakistan! USA for Africa was performed by top artists at the height of their game. PDU is performed by Independent Artists. USA for Africa was promoted by top music industry executives to reach the maximum potential. PDU is fuelled by the online revolution USA for Africa renders awareness of the world 25 years ago. PDU is born in a more aware environment and represents the ability of collaboration through the Internet regrdless of geography.

About the author

Written by Dave Sheidene Dave Sheidene has worked in the music Industry as a sound engineer and producer contributing to genres like world/hip hop/R&B/ Pop. Davesheidene@yahoo.com www.mahmoodkhan.net

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