Jackson Single to Benefit Terror Victims
Sept. 17 -- Michael Jackson has announced plans to record a "We Are the World"-like single to raise money for survivors and families of victims of last Tuesday's terrorist attacks.
The pop star has lined up support from Destiny's Child, Mya, and Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, who all plan to record the song, titled "What More Can I Give," according to a statement released Sunday.
"I believe in my heart that the music community will come together as one and rally to the aid of thousands of innocent victims," Jackson said. "There is a tremendous need for relief dollars right now and, through this effort, each one of us can play an immediate role in helping comfort so many people."
Goal to Raise $50 Million
Jackson's New York-based spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, said the song will be released as soon as possible, and more celebrity singers are lining up to participate. The goal is to raise $50 million for relief efforts with the new song.
"We Are the World," which featured a host of popular music stars, has raised $65 million for the USA for Africa fund that aids victims of starvation in Africa since its release in 1985.
"We have demonstrated time and again that music can touch our souls. It is time we used that power to help us begin the process of healing immediately," Jackson said.
The rival boy bands 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys have already united over the death of set carpenter Danny Lee, who was aboard one of the the hijacked airplanes that crashed into the World Trade Center's twin towers. Lee, who worked for both groups, was remembered by the Backstreet Boys at a Toronto concert on Wednesday night.
In light of Tuesday's tragedy, Britney Spears has canceled her promotional tour of Europe and South America, the Australian Associated Press reported on Saturday.
On Friday, Alanis Morissette, who was scheduled to appear in Washington on Sept. 12 for a hearing about the future of music and intellectual property, announced via her Web site that she is planning a fund-raising concert.
