*Today, R&B/Soul Artists Goapele, Raheem DeVaughn, Anthony David, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine, Kindred, Cam Anthony, Algebra, Omar and Cam Anthony released We Still With Bill, a soulful tribute to the acclaimed and beloved artist Bill Withers, who passed away on March 30th.
Produced remotely by Wyatt Closs (Big Bowl of Ideas), Tone Walters (Tonesetters), Stephen Chavers (National Education Association) and Anasa Troutman (Culture Shift Creative), We Still With Bill features the collective of progressive Black artists performing Withers’ classic hit “Lovely Day,” a song with an optimistic message that is particularly relevant today. The video seeks to amplify organizations that are driving COVID-19 relief efforts by providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other vital resources to frontline workers, as well as unrestricted grants to impacted artists and activists.
“As an artist, Bill Withers crossed genres of blues, R&B, soul, and jazz to create a catalog that is treasured and frequently covered by generations of artists all over the world,” said Singer-Songwriter Anthony David, who produced the music track used in the video with Eddie “Gypsy” Stokes. “With his passing and especially in this moment, his words and melodies invoke a sense of solace and healing and deliver a message of love and hope that is sorely needed.”
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Below are the specific organizations that the project is supporting:
- Protect All Workers, which has launched petitions geared towards delivering more vital resources/PPE to frontline workers, and to demand expanded access to healthcare and economic supports for working people and families of every race and socioeconomic background
- The Artist + Activist Relief Fund, which is providing unrestricted grants between $250 to $750 to struggling artists and activists across mediums and which, to date, has sent out more than $150,000 in grants to 462 artists and activists
- Dear Frontline, a digital postcard website where viewers can send a message of thanks and appreciation to healthcare workers while choosing artwork and designs created by everyday visual artists
Said Wyatt Closs, Senior Creative Director at Big Bowl of Ideas who organized the project:
“We’re so grateful to each artist for donating their time and talent to celebrate Bill Withers and help raise public consciousness around ways to support everyday people and families through this global crisis. Even amidst all of the devastation and suffering around us, we hope his words serve as a joyful reminder that lovelier days lie still ahead.”
source:
Janet A. Dickerson
Art. Culture. Advocacy. Philanthropy.
Co-Founder & Principal, Human Impact Solutions
www.humanimpactsolutions.com
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