Though I didn’t have the chance to see the Hope For Haiti Celebrity Telethon, I’ve caught snippets online.
This video stood out to me. “Hallelujah” is one of those songs that very few should attempt to play, and even less perform live. I will say, though, Justin Timberlake and crew pull it off nicely. And the former boy band once more flaunts his versatility.
The whole Hope For Haiti concept is interesting. Powerhouse Celebrity-fronted televised Charity events. Worthy cause? Distracting from the issue at hand? What are your thoughts?
Personally, I love seeing people (musicians, celebrities, politicians) use their platforms for the common good/benefit of others.
Ashton Kutcher and his wife, Demi Moore, recently started the Demi And Ashton Foundation.
DNA – The Demi and Ashton Foundation – aims to eliminate child sex slavery worldwide. Believing that freedom is a fundamental human right, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher founded DNA to help raise awareness about this horrific problem, change cultural stereotypes and rehabilitate the innocent victims.
With their influence and platform, I truly hope they are able to bring to light the horrors of Human Trafficking which happen everyday — and even in our own country. (Follow DNA on Twitter.)
It seems Social Justice is almost a trend in Hollywood and in our culture today. But as writer and activist Shane Claiborne has pointed out… there have been a lot worse trends to follow.
I’m encouraged when I see those in the lime light stepping out to help others – in whatever capacity they can.
——-
Music Monday sidenote: Sleeping at Last recently did something cool. Through Facebook/Twitter & their Newsletter, they asked their fans to record themselves singing an “A#” note, and send it to them. Using those recordings, Sleeping at Last used it to collaborate a special recording of their song All This to Say. Check it out here.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Evidently, I think life in quotes. BUT, I was reading the first chapter of Matthew Paul Turner’s upcoming “Hear No Evil,” and he had this to say about music:
“Good music changes me, shocks me, makes me feel uncomfortable, and drives me to think and hope and believe differently.”
I think this re-imagining of “Hallelujah” does that, at least in part.
I thought Timberlake and Morris did a great job doing “Hallelujah.” Of course, Jeff Buckley’s version is still my favorite.
Agreed. Jeff Buckley still wins.
Although, I saw a video of a Castledoor concert where Phil Wickam came up on stage and he and the lead singer sang “Hallelujah” and the two of them together quite possibly is my favorite performance. The best part? It was completely unplanned for that show.
But that song is and always will be Jeff Buckley’s, undoubtedly.