Michael Jackson Reaches Out for Charity Single
Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, James Brown, Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Ciara, Babyface, R. Kelly, Yolanda Adams, the O’Jays and Mary J. Blige will all be appearing on Michael Jackson‘s charity single to benefit Hurricane Katrina relief, according to the pop star’s spokesperson.
But while a spokesperson for Wyclef confirmed that he will be taking part in the recording of the song, “From the Bottom of My Heart,” other artists are less certain. R. Kelly and Jay-Z are in early discussions with Jackson, and representatives for other artists could not yet confirm their involvement.
“It pains me to watch the human suffering taking place in the Gulf region of my country,” Jackson said in a statement, explaining the inspiration for the track. “My heart and prayers go out to every individual who has had to endure the pain and suffering caused by this tragedy.” The pop star, who has been in Bahrain since his June acquittal of child molestation charges, will be returning to the States to record the song.
Jackson co-wrote “We Are the World,” which raised more than $60 million for African famine relief in 1985. Produced by Quincy Jones, that single featured more than three dozen artists, including such heavyweights as Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers and Paul Simon.
All proceeds from the pending Katrina single will go to relief efforts.