"Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world."
The project was started in 2004. In 2005, they approached a New Orleans musician, Grandpa Eliott, to record his version of "Stand By Me". Then, other musicians from around the world were asked to add tracks to the recording. It became an Internet and YouTube hit. Of course, this was the song most of the audience was waiting for, and it did not disappoint. The entire crowd was dancing in the aisles. However, the song that was even more moving was the cover of the Four Non Blondes, "What's Up":
And I try, oh my God do I try
I try all the time
in this institution
And I pray, oh my God do I pray
I pray every single day
for a revolution
