Playing For Change is a multimedia music project that was created with the core belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. Conceived in 2004 by producer and sound engineer Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, the project started with the simple idea of recording street musicians from different parts of the world and blending their performances into a single track. This innovative concept not only showcased the diverse talent scattered across the globe but also demonstrated the unifying power of music. Their first notable release, a rendition of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me," became an internet sensation, symbolizing the project's ethos and the potential for global collaboration.

Over the years, Playing For Change has grown into a respected name in world music, focusing on bringing together artists from various backgrounds to collaborate musically and promote social change. Their covers of classics like "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2, "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan, among others, have attracted attention for both their musical quality and the message of global unity and peace they convey. The group has released several albums, including "Live Outside, Vol.1," featuring performances that were literally recorded in open air, embodying the project's ethos of bringing music back to its roots. Through their music and the Playing For Change Foundation, the project continues to support music education programs around the world, furthering their mission of creating positive social change through the universal language of music.

Genres

Musical Advocacy

Related Artists

Bob Dylan

The Beatles

U2

Dave Matthews Band

OneRepublic

Fleetwood Mac

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Nirvana

The Lumineers

Pink Floyd

Jack Johnson

John Mayer

Latest Release

Biko

Playing For Change

Single - Released November 15, 2024