A powerful performance. Of course, every time this date on the calendar rolls around in September, it's a time to reflect and remember those we lost on the tragic day that is 9/11. A horribly dark, sad day in our country that forever changed the trajectory of all of our lives, especially those who are old enough to remember it. And in the wake of this horrific tragedy 23 years ago, many Americans stepped up to help their fellow citizens and country in general, including many Hollywood celebrities (I know, kind of hard to imagine now, sadly). In fact, many of them gathered for
America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit show, which was created by the heads of the four major broadcast networks in Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS, and syndicated across the networks. George Clooney even organized some of our most famous musicians to perform, and others to staff the telephone bank. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, the telethon raised money for the victims and their families, mostly the New York City firefighters and New York City police officers, and aired on September 21st, 2001 (and later released on DVD). Over $200 million was raised and given to the United Way's September 11 Telethon Fund, with people like Céline Dion, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, Billy Joel and more delivering touching performances. But of course, my favorite was the closing number. Preceded by powerful introduction by Clint Eastwood,
Willie Nelson ended the show with a moving ensemble version of "America the Beautiful." Backed by people like Tom Petty, Tom Cruise, Neil Young and Sylvester Stallone, Reba, Goldie Hawn, Jim Carrey, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Chris Rock, Eddie Vedder, Mark Wahlberg, Robin Williams, Stevie Wonder, Penelope Cruz and more, along with his trusty guitar Trigger, Willie brought the house down. It only makes that he be the last one to go, delivering a simple, yet incredibly powerful, rendition of a song that truly encapsulates the best parts of our country... and this was certainly a time when Americans needed to feel that, and be reminded of our strength and resilience as the greatest country the world has ever seen. There's really only so much I can say about it that can truly convey how stunning and beautiful it is, but nothing comes close to seeing it for yourself. God bless Willie Nelson, and God bless America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fihSpdEx8 And you should check out this video too, which includes Mariah Carey's backing vocals that were just the right touch to highlight the beauty of the song and give it real depth and richness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG0UH4Ydfg4
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