If you are a Julian Lennon fan yet have never heard of the song 'Children of the World' don't be too surprised. The song was initially created back in 1993 for a Japanese anime movie. Although Japan might have been thrilled at the time, it is unlikely to have reached a global audience. Recently, however, Julian Lennon, the son of Beatles member John Lennon, decided to donate the song to help children in Japan.
Julian Lennon had the following to say in a statement:
"Japan has always been close to my heart. It's a wonderful country with wonderful people and I have been there many times over the past 20 - 30 years. I have also had chart success there many times!"
The Grammy nominated artist's firm connection with the country is also based on his family's history of travels there for decades.
'Children of the World' was released on the charitable album 'Shine On! Songs Volume One'. Lennon co-wrote the song along with Nick Wood, who's music production firm produced the album.
"I have many friends in Japan; some are musicians and producers. Those personal connections are one of the reasons I'm involved in 'Shine On!'"
said Lennon.
The organization behind the album, The Tyler Foundation for childhood cancer, was established in 2006 and has since established a number of innovative psycho-social support programs throughout Japan. Despite being a young organization, they have received strong support from the international music community.
Co-founder and director, Mark Ferris, said,
"The impetus for this project was that renowned composer Alan Menken and famous lyricist Sir Tim Rice donated two songs to the Foundation. And then a good friend of mine, Nick Wood, who is an internationally known producer and runs a music business called SYN in Japan, suggested we can make this the basis of an album. So one of their songs appears on the album. As for the other songs, I wrote nine and Nick has written another two of the songs."
In addition, American Idol contestant Scott MacIntyre dedicated his performance to the organization at the 2010 Billboard Live concert in Tokyo. Reggae singer Maxi Priest did the same thing in 2011. And then there was Lennon. The album also was created by a number of Emmy, Grammy, and Academy award-winning artists and includes other internationally recognized musicians.
Yet, it is hard pressed to say the organization doesn't deserve the support. Last year Japan had it rough when an earthquake and tsunami hit its north-eastern coast and left many families in ruins. After the devastation, the Tyler Foundation sought to use its experience in treating stress in children with cancer, to help children in these areas recover psychologically. The situation gained international news coverage and support from all over the globe.
So, it just goes to show that disasters may happen all of the time, but sometimes they are strong enough to shake even the music industry.
Julian might agree. He stressed just how important it was for him to support the cause,
"I was pleased to be able to help as anything any of us can do to help fight cancer is worthwhile."
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