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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jeff Walker - AristoMedia - 615.269.7071 - jwalker@aristomedia.com
Christy Watkins - AristoMedia - 615.269.7071 - christy@aristomedia.com
Mike Martinovich - This Is My America - 615.327.3004 - mikeconsortium@comcast.net
This Is My America Honors Memory, Vision of Journalist Daniel Pearl
Daniel Pearl Foundation Calls Song "Inspiring," Lyrics "Amazing"
Nashville, TN - Feb. 6, 2009 - The memory of acclaimed journalist and musician Daniel Pearl is honored in song on the historical, three-disc compilation set This Is My America.
Titled "A Bridge Across," the track features narrative and lyrics sung by Dolly Parton, with orchestrations by Carl Marsh and performances by the Nashville Symphony, as well as a special instrumental performance by Grammy Award-winning fiddler and violinist Mark O'Connor.
O'Connor, an honorary board member of the global Daniel Pearl World Music Days network of concerts held each October, played the custom-made, handcrafted Daniel Pearl Memorial Violin on "A Bridge Across." The violin was created in 2002 by luthier Jonathan Cooper to honor Pearl's memory and lifelong peacemaking efforts. Pearl was working as a journalist in Pakistan when he was kidnapped and murdered seven years ago this week.
"We hope 'A Bridge Across' reaches the hearts of millions of Americans who share Danny's vision of international friendship and his love of bluegrass and American roots music," says Judea Pearl, Daniel's father and President of the Daniel Pearl Foundation.
Adds Daniel's mother Ruth, who serves as CFO of the foundation, "The inspiring music, Dolly Parton's warm voice, and the heartwarming lyrics truly represent Danny's spirit. We only wish he could listen to it - maybe he is."
Nashville songwriters Tom McBryde and Lynn Wilbanks wrote the moving "A Bridge Across" in early 2008. In the song, Parton sings,
"A bridge across a border
A hand reaching out
One heart at a time
To erase the doubt."
"It's a song that we hope will serve to honor the memory of Daniel and help build bridges between all people. We wanted to create something that expressed how the work and dedication of one man has continued to inspire so many," says co-writer Wilbanks.
Each year, two Daniel Pearl Memorial Violins are awarded to top young musicians at the Mark O'Connor String Camp. For the next year, the recipients play the instruments at public performances as a means of educating others about Daniel Pearl and his foundation. The musicians return the instruments the following year at the camp so that they can be awarded to other promising young talents, perpetuating the vision and spirit of Daniel Pearl, an accomplished violinist himself. One such winner, Samantha Robichaud, used the violin to compose background music for the narrative intro to "A Bridge Across."
About the Daniel Pearl Foundation:
The Daniel Pearl Foundation was formed by Danny's family and friends to continue his mission and
to address the root causes of this tragedy, in the spirit, style, and principles that shaped Danny's
work and character. These principles include uncompromised objectivity and integrity; insightful and
unconventional perspective; tolerance and respect for people of all cultures; unshaken belief in the
effectiveness of education and communication; and the love of music, humor, and friendship.
For more information, visit www.DanielPearl.org and www.DanielPearlMusicDays.org
About This Is My America:
This Is My America is a musical journey through America's history. It is much more than another
contemporary collection of patriotic hits; it is an epic concept album that provides unique insight
into the Story of America, as told through the original interpretations of the songwriters and performers.
For more information and to buy the album, visit: www.ThisIsMyAmerica.com
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