PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December, 2001, Ada, OK. A song written by Ada fourth graders
has been recorded and released as part of a compilation CD entitled
“Universal Love 4 Kids.” The CD includes thirteen tracks donated
by nationally known and recognized children’s recording artists,
and proceeds from its sale will go directly to the New York Police
& Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund, which assists the families
of fallen New York City firefighters and police officers.
Early this November, award-winning children’s songwriter Monty
Harper, of Stillwater, OK, spent two days at Washington Grade
Center in Ada working with fourth graders as part of a workshop
sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. The students chose “America”
as their theme and wrote two songs under Harper’s direction. Each
song was passed from class to class as it took shape throughout
the day. Students performed their original tunes for parents and
family at an evening concert at the end of the second day.
“I made quick recordings of the songs for the school, and I thought
that was that,” said Harper. “But a few days later, Art Halperin
contacted me by e-mail, asking if I would donate a song for a
project benefiting the families of New York police and firefighters.”
Harper knew of Halperin through his roll as writer and producer
on his daughter Meeka’s award winning children’s recordings. Halperin
has written and recorded on many national and international albums
and has performed throughout the world. Producer and talent scout,
the late John Hammond, Sr.(who discovered Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen,
among others) signed Halperin as the first artist on Hammond/CBS
label. As a performer he has shared the stage with Eric Clapton,
Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt and other legendary artists.
Harper was eager to offer a song to the project, and one of the
songs written by Ada students, “Freedom Shines on America,” immediately
came to mind. “The kids had a lot of feelings about the events
of September 11, and about the strength and resilience of our
great nation. These came through in the song in such a positive
way,” said Harper. “It really fit Art’s project better than any
of my own songs, but I was reluctant to mention it at first because
I didn’t have a polished recording to send.”
Harper e-mailed the lyrics anyway, and Halperin was impressed
enough to want to hear the song. In the end he offered to produce
a recording. “I was thrilled,” said Harper. “I sent him my vocal
on CD and he added all the instruments and backing vocals. It
really sounds great!”
“Freedom Shines on America” is now available as one of the tracks
on the CD, Universal Love 4 Kids. The CD can be heard and purchased
online at: http://www.MP3.com/universallove4kids
“This CD is a compilation of some of the Greatest Children's Artists
alive today!” said Halperin. “In the wake of the Sept. 11th attacks,
I contacted several artists about a compilation album I decided
to put together to help raise money for the families in need...
Meeka, Bill Harley, Katherine Dines, John McCutcheon, Red Grammar,
Sooz, Monty Harper, Emmanual Ghent, Kids For Peace, Dana, Lisa
Atkinson. These artists, wanting to help, responded immediately
by donating the songs that are on this children's compilation.”
The idea for a children’s CD grew out of a larger project which
began with the song “Universal Love,” written and recorded by
Halperin, and includes a second CD for adults. More information
is available at the Universal Love Song website at: http://www.universallovesong.com
“One hundred percent of the money we get from CD sales goes directly
to the New York Police & Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund,” said Halperin. “Whether you buy this CD or not, please feel
free to listen to these songs as often as you like. MP3.COM will
pay us each time the song is played and in turn, we will donate
all proceeds to the NYPFWC fund.”
Halperin, a resident of Westchester County, New York, lives within
sight of the smoke rising from Ground Zero. His inspiration for
the project came from a desire to respond in some positive way
to the September 11 attacks. “In times of trouble many people
turn to music for comfort,” said Halperin. “Created in the wake
of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, Universal Love
was produced in hopes that love and light may spread more powerfully
and quickly than hurt and fear.”
This page is part of MontyHarper.com, © 2002.