Pensacola Beach
November 14, 2019
I first heard Playing for Change on Margaritaville Radio and was blown away by their song. I checked them out on YouTube - I was moved to tears by the beauty of many of their songs. The ones that I am sharing here are covers of songs that we all know. I hope you find these tunes as moving as I do.
Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.
Playing For Change was born in 2002 as a shared vision between co-founders, Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, to hit the streets of America with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of inspiration and the heartbeat of the people.
In 2005, Mark Johnson was walking in Santa Monica, CA when he heard the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By Me.” Roger had so much soul and conviction in his voice; Mark approached him about performing “Stand By Me” as a Song Around the World. Roger agreed, and when Mark returned with recording equipment and cameras he asked Roger, “With a voice like yours, why are you singing on the streets?” Roger replied, “Man I’m in the Joy business, I come out to be with the people.”
Ever since that day the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians and building a global family.
Creating Songs Around the World inspired Playing for Change to unite many of the greatest musicians to form the Playing For Change Band. These musicians come from many different countries and cultures, but through music they speak the same language.
Wix won’t let me include any more videos! Check them out on Youtube - I especially like their covers of soul tunes.