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GRAMMYs

Amy Allen

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Amy Allen Drops "Heaven" For Nat'l Recovery Month amy-allen-debuts-divine-single-%E2%80%9Cheaven%E2%80%9D-raise-awareness-national-recovery-month

Amy Allen Debuts Divine Single “Heaven” to Raise Awareness for National Recovery Month

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The rising pop singer/songwriter’s Jon Bellion-co-written single from her upcoming solo debut LP follows years of writing hits for the biggest names in pop
Dan Reilly
MusiCares
Sep 25, 2020 - 9:37 am

After years penning hits for the likes of Harry Styles, Halsey, and Selena Gomez, Amy Allen is taking the leap into the spotlight with her forthcoming solo debut, finally writing for nobody but herself. And today, she’s releasing “Heaven,” her most deeply personal single yet. 

Based on a real-life experience, it’s a plea to a friend who’s struggling with addiction, “Heaven” is an ode to a lover who’s fallen victim to drug addiction. “You’ve never been to heaven but you got pretty close last night,” she sings to the friend, trying to wake them up to the fact that their luck of surviving is running out. Allen is putting the song out now, as September is National Recovery Month, and she’s using it to raise awareness for MusiCares’ resources for those in the industry who need help, and the non-profit To Write Love on Her Arms, which aids those struggling with addiction, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression, and more.

MusiCares caught up with Allen on the eve of the release of "Heaven" to discuss the song, her album, and her message for people who are having trouble with substance abuse.

You've said "Heaven" is a very personal song. What can you tell us about the real-life inspiration for it?

I think it’s a very human experience to grow up connecting the dots about substance abuse by watching someone you love struggle through it. I tried for so many years to avoid writing about it because I was afraid I would say the wrong thing, or it would be too dark and no one would want to listen. But about a year and a half ago, I reached a point in my life where I couldn’t think about anything else. Eventually, I just broke down and shared this one lyric I had, “You’ve never been to heaven but you got pretty close last night,” with my friend Jon Bellion and we wrote it.

What was the writing process of this song like? It must have felt like a big moment to decide to sing about something so personal.

The writing process was actually incredibly cathartic. At the time, I hadn’t talked much about this topic because I wasn’t the one struggling with the addiction, so it never really felt like my story to tell. But since writing it, I’ve realized most people I know have experienced that unbearably painful waiting game where are you watching someone you love walk such a fine line every day of their life and you would do anything to take their place but you can’t.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFi6Jalg3X2

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A post shared by Amy Allen (@amyallen)

If someone is struggling right now, what message or messages do you have for them?

Lean on the people you love.

What do you think the music industry can do to be better, as a community, to take care of each other? Are there any changes you'd like to see?

I think the world should have more open conversations about it. Maybe if more people in the music industry used their platforms to speak more openly on addiction, it would lead to more families letting down those “everything’s okay, nothing’s wrong here” walls and more conversations could be had.

How did you get involved with MusiCares and To Write Love On Her Arms? What can you say about their resources in these areas that people should know about?

I went to the annual MusiCares event last year [Person of the Year] and was blown away with how emotional and beautiful the entire night was. Aerosmith was playing so that was a plus, but it was so heartwarming to see people coming together within the music industry to support. And a friend of mine told me about TWLOHA because since recovery she had been reading and loving the blog on the site. I fell in love with it too and have been a supporter ever since.

Personally, how do you take care of yourself to stay mindful and healthy, especially during a year as tough as this?

I try to talk to someone in my family every day. I live in L.A. and they’re all in Maine and Boston, so hearing their voices helps me stay centered and more mindful of myself and what matters the most to me at the end of the day.

Can you share any other details on your debut LP? What else can your fans look forward to this year and into 2021?

I’m just so psyched for the whole album to be out. It’s obviously exciting to put out singles, but I wrote the album with the intention of someone listening to it start to finish and walking through a story. It had meant a lot to me to make it and I hope it resonates with people not just in 2021 but for years and years to come.

Committing To Kindness: MusiCares Teams Up With Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation For The #BeKind21 Challenge

'Why? Because It's Christmas' album cover

Why? Because It's Christmas Album Cover

Photo Courtesy of Artists

 
News
Tony Lucca On Mickey Mouse Club Alumni Holiday LP 90s-mickey-mouse-club-members-reunite-holiday-album-why-because-its-christmas

'90s "Mickey Mouse Club" Members Reunite For Holiday Album, 'Why? Because It's Christmas'

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Featuring more than a dozen former Mouseketeers, the 17-track holiday album will benefit MusiCares and other charitable organizations
Ana Monroy Yglesias
MusiCares
Dec 8, 2020 - 10:12 am

Disney Channel's "The All-New Mickey Mouse Club," which ran from 1989-1996, is forever cemented in pop culture psyche as the kid's variety show that launched the careers of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling. Yet they weren't the only talented, charismatic young people in the show's cast to continue on to careers in film and music.

Always In The Club, a group composed of former cast members from "The All-New Mickey Mouse Club" across the years, brings together the show's alumni to keep spreading joy and to fundraise for important causes. On Why? Because It's Christmas, more than a dozen former Mouseketeers reunited virtually to create a 17-track holiday album, released Nov. 27, that delivers cheer and financial support to those directly impacted by COVID-19. Proceeds from the album will be donated to MusiCares, the Brave Of Heart Fund and Cast Member Pantry.

GRAMMY.com checked in with singer/songwriter/producer and "Mickey Mouse Club" alum Tony Lucca, a performer and co-producer on the album, who spoke about Why? Because It's Christmas, his time on the iconic show and the vital connection between art and service.

What sparked the idea for the Why? Because It's Christmas benefit album? What does it mean to you to be able to give back to those impacted by COVID-19?

It stemmed from the fun and excitement we, the cast of the "Mouse Club," shared during our MMC30 reunion in Orlando last year. Our castmate, Tasha Danner, had casually suggested we do a cast holiday record together, and the wheels got turning instantly. Fortunately, it was Dale Godboldo, along with Chasen Hampton and Always In The Club president, Lisa Cannata, who were doing the turning.

Always In The Club is an organization that serves as a philanthropic conduit for various charitable organizations year-round, pandemic or not. Having them as the driving engine of this collaboration provided for a very clear intention for us to get behind creatively. As for the three organizations that we chose to [donate to], I simply can't imagine any other causes that could possibly be more near and dear to our hearts as a team: those within the music industry, those on the frontline of this horrendous pandemic and our fellow Disney cast members.  

"I've always maintained the belief that empathy lies at the heart of creativity."

What does the connection between art and service look like to you?

I've always maintained the belief that empathy lies at the heart of creativity. It's why so many artists, musicians, songwriters, actors, painters and authors tend to ally themselves with noble causes throughout their careers. No one's ever obligated to serve or "give back" as they find success in their line of work, but it's no surprise to me that artists tend to be the ones that do.

Related: MusiCares Launches "Help For The Holidays" Initiative On Giving Tuesday 2020

What did it feel like to virtually reunite and collaborate with your fellow "Mickey Mouse Club" alumni on a Christmas album during a year that's felt very isolating and dividing?

From the very first Zoom conference we had, seeing each other "face-to-face," sharing in the enthusiasm this project was no doubt going to require, I can't tell you how much fun it was and a rather welcomed distraction! As a producer on the record, having a front-row seat to each and every performance, I would just sit there and radiate pride and appreciation for just how much talent exists amongst this group. It was great to see how much growth and maturity has taken place and wonderful to hear these endearing and familiar voices again. It truly was a pleasure. 

What is your favorite song from the project? Who decided which Christmas classics to include?

Well, I think "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is one of the best group songs "The Mickey Mouse Club" has ever presented. It's just so much fun and came out so timelessly wonderful. I love that it starts off the record and really sets the tone.

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that I'm also really proud of "Auld Lang Syne." [Editor's Note: Lucca performs this song on the album.] I've always been a fan of that song and kind of always saw it as the holiday season "bonus track." I'm also a fan of "firsts" when I make records, and this recording marks the first time I ever recorded myself playing slide guitar. I thought the "Amazing Grace" melody laid real nicely over the "Auld Lang Syne" progression, and the slide seemed like the best way to do that.  

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time in the "Mickey Mouse Club"? If you could give that younger version of yourself any advice, what would it be?

I learned the beauty and value [of] the art of collaboration, of taking pride in your role, your work, your contribution to the bigger picture. I learned how to show up and take chances. Looking back, I'd say I could've savored so much more of it at the time. Granted, we were kids, teenagers. It's not really in our nature to savor too much at that age. But yeah, I'd probably have quite a few more stand-out memories had I had realized how quickly and easily it can and will eventually all go away.  

To learn more about MusiCares and how you can support music professionals in need, visit musicares.org.

MusiCares & ELMA Honor Hugh Masekela With Matching Fund

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Alicia Keys

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Alicia Keys Signed Piano Headed To Rochester, NY winning-bidder-place-alicia-keys-signed-piano-inner-city-rochester-ny-venue

Winning Bidder To Place Alicia Keys Signed Piano In Inner City Rochester, NY Venue

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The MusiCares charity auction winner will place the beautiful Steinway & Sons upright in Rochester's Avenue Blackbox Theatre to expand its musical learning program for youth and adults
MusiCares
Aug 31, 2020 - 12:00 pm

When the final auction bell rang on Aug. 15 for the beautiful Steinway-designed Boston 126E upright piano, signed by 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, it signaled more new beginnings than an end. The final sale generated $35,000 for MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief efforts, which seek to alleviate some of the enormous financial burden placed on people in the music industry who are adversely impacted by the global pandemic, and the piano itself will go to an inner city venue in Rochester, NY, where it will inspire and motivate people of all ages.

"Having performed professional style concerts as a singer at nursing homes for over 25 years, I am aware of the power of music to change lives," said auction winner Andy Nahas. "I bid on this piano on behalf of MusicPower, a charity I established to support exceptional music related initiatives such as MusiCares. I'm further excited because we've chosen to donate the piano to another impressive initiative called the Avenue Blackbox Theatre in Rochester, New York, which will launch an expanded music learning program for inner city youth and adults upon receipt of Alicia's beautiful Steinway piano."  

Donated by Steinway and used by Keys in her home for three months, you may have caught a glimpse of this bright, turquoise upright in Keys' recent Amazon livestream event and in a promotion for the 2020 New York Census. The piano has actually been part of Keys' musical life, photobombing her social media and being practiced and performed on by Keys herself in her home. 

"I feel so blessed that this piano—which has so many personal memories for me—is going to be auctioned for MusiCares, which has helped so many artists and creators and the music community during the pandemic," Keys said. "I can’t wait for whoever gets this piano to feel the magic inside of it."

The Steinway-designed Boston piano captures Steinway DNA through the unique patents and expertise that have made the Steinway heritage synonymous with musical excellence since 1853. Keys’ signature elevates the piano to a one-of-a-kind collector’s item, and its success as an auction item is a testament to both the artist’s reputation and to the goodwill of MusiCares’ supporters seeking to help music professionals during this very difficult time.

"This auction was even more successful than we initially anticipated," said Ron Losby, President and CEO of Steinway & Sons. "We have Alicia Keys and her stunning musical spirit to thank. What’s more, the generosity of the winning bidder is simply staggering. Not only did the winner gift $35,000 to MusiCares, he also has committed to place the piano at an inner-city venue in Rochester, New York. Alicia’s piano will inspire and motivate many people for years to come."

From its new home in Rochester, the magic piano will nurture performing arts interest among youth and adults, providing the opportunity to create music for those who might not otherwise have that exposure.  

"We expect this autographed piano will inspire and motivate many people to make music creation an important part of their lives," Nahas continued. "A big thank you to Alicia Keys, Steinway, and MusiCares for offering this multiple win opportunity!"

Elton John, Billie Eilish, Cher, U2 & Many More: MusiCares Auction Items Announced

Bid On Exclusive Experiences With Lee Ann Womack, David Ellefson Of Megadeth, Halestorm & More To Benefit MusiCares

Ringo Starr performs at the 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock in 2019

Ringo Starr performs at the 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock in 2019

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

News
Ringo Starr Announces Birthday Charity Concert ringo-starrs-80th-birthday-virtual-charity-concert-feature-paul-mccartney-sheryl-crow

Ringo Starr's 80th Birthday Virtual Charity Concert To Feature Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., And More, Will Benefit MusiCares And Black Lives Matter

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Streaming on Starr's birthday (July 7), the show will feature "at-home performances and unearthed concert footage" from some of his best friends and closest collaborators
John Ochoa
MusiCares
Jul 1, 2020 - 10:19 am

This month, Ringo Starr is commemorating his 80th birthday with a little help from his friends. The former Beatles drummer and nine-time GRAMMY-winning artist is celebrating the big event by hosting Ringo's Big Birthday Show, a virtual charity concert featuring "a mix of at-home performances and unearthed concert footage," according to Rolling Stone, from some of his best friends and closest collaborators, including Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., Sheila E., Ben Harper and others. 

Streaming on YouTube Tuesday (July 7), Starr's birthday, starting at 8 p.m. EST, the charity concert will benefit MusiCares, Black Lives Matter Global Network, The David Lynch Foundation and WaterAid.

The hour-long show, which will also include chats with the event's guests, will feature the debut of a new, guest-heavy version of "Give More Love," the title track to Starr's 2017 album, which will include Jackson Browne, Jeff Bridges, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and others, Rolling Stone reports. Artists like Steve Earle, Peter Frampton and Judy Collins will also perform a series of tribute performances, which Starr will debut on his YouTube channel.

Starr's birthday has become an annual celebration of "peace and love" since 2008 when the legendary artist asked his fans to join him in Chicago and say or think the phrase at noon local time.  The "peace and love" celebrations have since spread to "more than 20 countries around the world and on social media, to 'create a wave of Peace & Love across the planet,'" Rolling Stone reports. For his birthday last July, Starr hosted a special "peace and love" celebration at the iconic Capitol Records building, The Beatles' longtime label home, in Los Angeles; the event featured performances from Ben Kyle, The Jacks and Sara Watkins. Starr is once again asking his fans and friends to say, think or share "peace and love" at noon local time on his birthday. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Starr's annual birthday celebration is going digital in 2020. "This year is going to be a little different," he told Rolling Stone. "There's no big get-together, there's no brunch for 100. But we're putting this show together – an hour of music and chat. It's quite a big birthday."

Last November, Starr and his All-Starr Band announced a 2020 tour, which was later canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares.

GRAMMYs

Angela Aguilar

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Angela Aguilar's New Video To Benefit MusiCares angela-aguilar-releases-que-no-se-apague-la-m%C3%BAsica-home-concert-benefit-musicares

Angela Aguilar Releases "Que No Se Apague la Música" At-Home Concert To Benefit MusiCares

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From her home in Zacatecas, Mexico, the teen superstar offers up a dynamic performance dedicated to the music community, the doctors and nurses fighting the pandemic and her loyal fans
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
Jun 3, 2020 - 11:16 am

GRAMMY-nominated ranchera singer Angela Aguilar has taken the perform-at-home format to a new level, releasing her elaborate new concert-at-home video, "Que No Se Apague la Música," to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The seven-song set from outside her home in Zacatecas, Mexico, proves even without an audience, Aguilar dazzles and endears, complete with costume changes, guest appearances, heartfelt messages to viewers and an eclectic mix of songs to keep the music from stopping amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 

Along the way, Aguilar welcomed cameo song introductions from a few friends. GRAMMY winner Jesse Huerta of Jesse & Joy introduced Aguilar's version of his duo's song "Corre,' folk singer Angeles Ochoa teed up the Tomás Méndez-written ranchera classic "Paloma Negra" and singer/actress Ana Bárbara offered her well-wishes before Angela kicked into "Fruta Prohibida" with her brother, Leonardo Aguilar, on guitar and vocals, keeping Aguilar musical dynasty going strong.

https://twitter.com/AngelaAguilar__/status/1267624361369808896

GRACIAS por ver #QueNoSeApagueLaMusica, donar, compartir y por supuesto, cantar #Conmigo mis angelitos❤️!!!

Si aún no lo han visto, aquí pueden hacerlo: https://t.co/AgbaeTOMY3 pic.twitter.com/B7Aho5Mkcv

— Ángela Aguilar 🇲🇽 (@AngelaAguilar__) June 2, 2020

The concert set out to raise money for the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund to help music creators and professionals affected by the Coronavirus crisis. Thanks to support from various artists, organizations and charites, the fund has raised millions so far, but much more is needed.

Last year, Aguilar was nominated for her first career GRAMMY when her sophomore album Primero Soy Mexicana earned the nod in the for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) category. Earlier this year, Aguilar released Baila Esta Cumbia, a seven-song tribute to Selena.

You can watch Aguilar's concert special "Que No Se Apague la Música" and make a donation on her YouTube page.

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares. 

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.