NILE RODGERS PRODUCES
BENEFIT TRACK

Michael Jackson isn’t the only recording artist putting together an all-star anthem to benefit for victims of the Sept. 11 air attacks and their families.

Producer Nile Rodgers assembled an impressive list of stars to re-record his classic song "We Are Family." The track was recorded Saturday (9/22) and Sunday (9/23) in New York and Los Angeles, respectively. Over 75 artists, musicians, entertainers, actors, athletes and David Hasselhoff gathered in New York (on Saturday, Sept. 22) and in Los Angeles (on Sunday, Sept. 23) to participate in the recording. Performers included artists Taylor Dayne, Jackson Browne, Queen Latifah, Vitamin C and the Pointer Sisters, actresses Carmen Electra and Gina Gershon, and WNBA star Lisa Leslie.

The track was co-executive produced by Tom Silverman for Tommy Boy Music and Sumthing Else Musicworks.

"We Are Family" will be released in a week, most likely beating the King of Pop’s benefit track "What More Can I Give" (hitsdailydouble.com, 9/17) to the punch. The single will sell for $3.99 and proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and less-specifically to the "responsible outreach and educational work of credible, non-political, not-for-profit organizations that promote tolerance, combat misfortune and defend the freedoms of all Americans."

"I'm completely humbled, overwhelmed and thankful for the selfless contribution of all the people who came out here in L.A.—from Red Cross volunteers and Muhammad Ali's daughter May May, to the artists, athletes, entertainers and everyone behind the scenes," Rodgers said. "We hope this new release of ‘We Are Family’ will help people feel better. And after they feel better, make them think better."

An accompanying music video is being directed by Spike Lee and will be released with the song, along with a documentary about the recording sessions produced by Globalvision's Danny Schechter.

"We need to give accolades to Nile Rodgers, who had a vision laid out for others to see," said Montel Williams, who helped Rodgers co-ordinate the event and participated in both the LA and NY recording sessions. "It was clear from being in L.A. that we're all family, and that the spirit goes from east to west."