The Music Impact on Charitable Causes

I love to listen to music. I typically start the day with classical music to place my mind in a daily rhythm. On visits during the day, I will listen to music from a variety of decades. It all depends on my mood. Recently, I was thinking about music impact on philanthropy.

Over the years, what songs were used to generate resources for specific charitable causes? Ex-Beatle George Harrison’s “Bangla Desh” single in 1971 is commonly acknowledged as the first ever purpose-made charity single, according to Wikipedia. In this case, the single was made to help fund relief efforts following the 1970 Bhola cyclone and the Bangladesh Liberation War. The money raised was donated to UNICEF, as were proceeds from Harrison’s first of its kind all-star charity concert. This is one way of using artistic talent s art for charity.

According to MicroStartups—from Band Aid to George Michael, Michael Jackson to U2—charity singles have been music and society’s way of coming together to support some of the noblest worldwide causes.

Ranker states that charity songs can be great, or they can be flops. A song recorded for charity raises money that will then be donated to the relief effort, nonprofit organization or charitable foundation. Various charities all over the world have benefitted from music recorded by the most loved and successful artists of all-time including Michael Jackson, U2 and Elton John. Songs like “We Are the World” sold more than 20 million copies and topped the charts across the globe.

Everplans provides a list that might inspire you to give to various charities based upon individual cause preference. These songs include:

1. Soul Asylum: “Runaway Train for missing children”
2. Phil Collins: “Just Another Day in Paradise for Homelessness”
3. Poison: “Something to Believe in for Poverty and Other Related Causes”
4. Pat Benatar: “Hell Is for Children for Child Abuse”
5. Bruce Springsteen: “Born in the USA for Veterans”

The impact of music on charitable causes has been profound through the years on a worldwide basis.

Even in late 2018, Pearl Jam Home Shows, an initiative aimed at bringing the Seattle community together to fight homelessness, raised $10.8 million through shows and other activities for distribution to nearly 100 Seattle-area organizations this year!

Music brings storytelling and emotion to the surface of many causes. Adding videos and pictures to song have brought even greater attention to needs and asks for resources. In my opinion, continued use of song and social media will remain as needs never wane. I, for one, appreciate efforts by various artists world-wide to promote a multitude of causes. Think of those causes that resonate with you and seek music and artists that promote these causes. You will find a link somewhere!