There are many ways to raise funds for charity. One such method, which has become increasingly popular over the years, has been through music. There have been numerous musicians who have written songs for charity. These songs, once produced, have been sold, and all the proceeds are then donated to that particular charity. When charity songs are recorded by top artists, people are compelled to purchase it. After all, it is not like you are not going to support the cause your favorite artist does, right? And some of these songs have topped the charts while others have made an appearance but the important thing is they have all become widely popular. Here are some of them:
We are the World (1985) – Recorded originally by the super group ‘USA for Africa’, this song was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The famous recording of the song on February 28th, 1985 brought together some of the most famous artists in the industry. Released in March that very year, ‘We are the World’ stormed global music charts, rising to the top spot, while being the first single to receive a multi-platinum certification. The song has won three Grammys, one American Music award as well as the People’s Choice Award. Records indicate that the song made well over $63 million, selling over 20 million units. A remake of the song was done in February 2010 in aid of those devastated by an earthquake in Haiti.
Voices that Care (1991) – Enlisting 110 voices belonging to famous actors, singers, athletes, the song was recorded to encourage soldiers fighting in Operation Desert Storm. Written by David Foster, Peter Cetera and Linda Thompson – it reached the eleventh place on the Billboard Hot 100, third spot on the Hot 100 Singles sales and thirteenth on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay.
Sun City (1985) – Written as a protest song by Steven Van Zandt, Sun City was recorded by a group of artists who called themselves Artists United Against Apartheid, opposing the apartheid policy adopted by South Africa. There were mixed reactions to the song in the US with it reaching only the 38th spot on the Billboard Hot 100, while only a mere 50% of the US radio stations played it while others objected to the lyrics which criticized President Reagan’s ‘constructive engagement’ policy. However, the song’s worldwide performance was much better. Sun City became an overwhelming hit in the Netherlands, was placed on the UK Singles Chart and was also a top ten single in Canada. Music critics picked Sun City as record of the year, while it also reached top spot on the Pazz and Jop Critics Poll earning it the title of best single of the year.