Every Day Heroes: Playing For Change

I think this organization deserves more attention then a blog in a music challenge. So I thought I dedicate a EDH post to them as well introducing some of their most prominent musicians. You can find the founding story right here and here

Grandpa Elliot

Grandpa Elliot

full Bio

PFC Bio (the we in this is of course the PFC crew)

PFC BIOGRAPHY
Grandpa has been a New Orleans street icon for decades. His music and comforting presence have touched countless hearts throughout the years. When you think of the French Quarter you think of Grandpa. Many locals and frequent visitors to the Quarter consider Grandpa the saving grace and passionate force behind the revitalization of the city since Hurricane Katrina. His voice reminds us all that music can help the soul persevere through many hardships.
How we met:
Our first trip to New Orleans was in fact a mission to find Grandpa. We knew of his reputation in the New Orleans street music scene and knew his voice would be a great addition to “Stand By Me.” We made our way over to Royal and Toulouse, and found him entertaining a crowd on the corner. While he was on a set break, we approached him and struck up a conversation and introduced ourselves and the project. With a voice that tickles the soul and a harmonica that lifts the spirit, Grandpa continues to dazzle audiences from street corners to stages across the country.

Clarence Bekker

Some of you might know Clarence already from before he joined the PFC movement, he has had a few hits already under the name of C.B Milton

You should look from about 3:30.  This is a slowed down version of the Euro House that it originally was.

Full Bio can be found here

Clarence Milton Bekker

PFC BIOGRAPHY
Clarence comes from Suriname, and moved to Amsterdam at the age of 6. He started his singing career with legendary Dutch band, Swing Soul Machine, where he was the youngest singer in 20 years. He grew into a dance music artist called CB Milton where he made three albums in the 1990s. Currently, Clarence is living in Barcelona, Spain, collaborating with bands like 08001 and local DJs like Taito Tikaro.
How we met:
While filming Pierre Minetti performing his original song, “Don’t Worry,” in Barcelona, he recommended we meet his friend Clarence Bekker; Pierre thought Clarence would be a good addition to “Don’t Worry,” and “Stand By Me.” That turned out to be one of the best connections we ever explored! In a friend of Pierre’s garden, Clarence’s spirited voice and passionate soul blew us all away. He is now one of the main voices representing Playing for Change.

Keb’ Mo’

Keb’ Mo’

Full Bio can be found here

PFC BIOGRAPHY
Singer-Songwriter and guitarist Keb’ Mo’s music is a living link to the seminal Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River and across the expanse of America–informing all of its musical roots–before evolving into a universally celebrated art form. Born Kevin Moore in South Los Angeles to parents originally from the deep South, he adopted his better known stage name when he was a young player who became inspired by the force of this essential African-American legacy. In the storied tradition of bluesmen before him including Muddy Waters–formerly McKinley Morganfield–and Taj Mahal, who began his days as Henry St. Clair Fredericks, Moore became known as Keb’ Mo’. His acclaimed self-titled 1994 debut album introduced that now famous appellation to the world, and his latest album, 2006′s Suitcase, brings it to new heights.
Mo’s music is also a purely post-modern expression of the artistic and cultural journey that has transformed the blues, and his own point of view, over time. His distinctive sound embraces multiple eras and genres, including pop, rock, folk and jazz, in which he is well versed. In total, it owes as much to contemporary music’s singer-songwriter movement, encompassing his longtime friends and collaborators Bonnie Rait and Jackson Browne, as to the spirit of blues godfather Robert Johnson that dwells in his work. For Keb’ Mo’, the common bond between these influences is the underlying storytelling ethic, the power of song to convey human experience and emotional weight.
How we met:
“Keb’ Mo’ has been a friend and mentor of mine since 2000. He once told me that the important thing is to get up in the morning and let the inspiration take care of itself. As Playing for Change has continued to evolve over time it has always had the wisdom and love that Keb’ Mo’ evokes at the center of its heart and purpose. He is truly someone who makes you want to be a ‘Better Man.’” – Mark Johnson

and finally Sherieta Lewis

Full Bio found here

Sherieta Lewis

PFC BIOGRAPHY
Sherieta is a singer/songwriter and vocal arranger from Kingston, Jamaica. Although she has only recently launched her solo musical career, she is no stranger to the reggae music industry, penning lyrics for artists such as Etana, Luciano, Marica Griffiths and Jah Cure to name a few and has also done background vocals for the likes of Tarrus Riley, Diana King, Duane Stephenson and a host of other reggae music greats. Sherieta has released a number of her own singles, namely ‘In the name of Love’, ‘Lies’, ‘Reggae is Life’, all receiving positive responses and quite a bit of airplay across the world.
“Music is my life. It’s what I do best and I love it with all my heart” is what Sherieta says when asked “Why music?” With an unbreakable commitment to spread positive messages through powerful lyrics and strong and convicting vocals, Sherieta has set out to take the world by storm.

These are just a few of the many artists that have joined PFC. Among them are not just the “unknown street artists” but also big names as Bono, Stephen Marley (and in a way Bob as well) and use of footage from John Lennon was also granted to this group of amazing people that try to bring this world together with music.

Please read more and join the movement by clicking above banner