Top musicians play for peace album

TORONTO - Paul McCartney, Avril Lavigne and Celine Dion are among the top musicians contributing music to an album benefiting a Canadian charity for child victims of war.

Artists are providing exclusive material and relevant tracks for the upcoming Peace Songs album. Some have re-recorded their own versions of classic songs about peace, while others, like McCartney, have developed new compositions and others have offered existing tracks.

Lavigne recorded Bob Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door" for the album.

Proceeds will go to War Child Canada, a Canadian charity dedicated to providing humanitarian support to war-affected children around the world.

"Whatever the politics, whatever the rights and wrongs of war, children are always the innocent victims," McCartney said in a statement. "I am delighted to be able to make this small contribution to a magnificent project."

Some of the musicians include: Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, David Bowie, Bruce Cockburn, Leonard Cohen, Gord Downie, In Essence, Garou, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), K-OS, Chantal Kreviazuk, Kyprios, Moby, Our Lady Peace, and David Usher.

"We are very concerned for the well-being of Iraqi children and all innocent people caught in the crossfire of war," Dr. Samantha Nutt, executive director of War Child Canada, said in a release. "We are extremely grateful for the support of such talented artists in our efforts to help these vulnerable children and families who are at great risk".

The album is scheduled to be released on April 15. See Related MACCA-News Articles:

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