Warner MusicJudy Collins‘ hit rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which is marking its 50th anniversary, will be re-released on May 29 in a new version featuring singers from all around the world — and you can participate yourself.
Collins will be joined by a so-called Global Virtual Choir to perform the song, and all proceeds from the release will go to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Here’s how it works: first, go to Globalvirtualchoir.com and choose either Part A or Part B of the song. Then, record yourself performing that part with the backing track of “Amazing Grace” that’s on the website, and submit it. Your voice will be part of the choir, and if you submit a video as well, it’ll also be part of a 3D Visualizer video. You have until May 22 to send in your submission.
Judy first recorded her version of “Amazing Grace” — originally written in 1772 — on her 1970 album Whales & Nightingales. It soon became a Vietnam War-era anthem, hitting #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining on the charts for 15 weeks.
“I didn’t know what else to do about the war in Vietnam,” Collins has said. “I had marched, I had voted, I had gone to jail on political actions and worked for the candidates I believed in. The war was still raging. There was nothing left to do, I thought… but sing ‘Amazing Grace.’”
Judy notes in a statement, “I am sending this song out to all the doctors, nurses and patients. We will survive this with love and music and amazing grace.”
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