In an extraordinary effort, accomplished with unprecedented speed, global icon Mary J. Blige, world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, and esteemed producer David Foster have bridged genres and continents to record an emotional duet of the Simon & Garfunkel classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in order to benefit earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, available exclusively at iTunes.com/Target. Blige, Bocelli and Foster will perform the song live on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 31, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, broadcast on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The historic performance will mark the 40th anniversary of the original hit receiving the Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Target and iTunes have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind download opportunity of the studio version of the song, arranged and produced by Foster, that will be available for purchase and download exclusively at iTunes.com/Target following the Grammys broadcast. In addition, a once-in-a-lifetime live video performance will also be available exclusively at iTunes.com/Target following the telecast. All U.S. proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to aid Haitian earthquake relief and recovery efforts.
Said Blige, a nine-time Grammy winner: "My prayers go out to all who are suffering. I'm lending my voice to help inspire others to join me in making a difference to rebuild the lives of the people in Haiti. I feel that I am them and they are me and I would want to be helped in this same capacity." Added Bocelli: "Today in this very sad moment, we all come together, and through our music we work to rebuild not only the physical structures but the lives of those who have been devastated by this horrible disaster. For the past several years I've collaborated with a charity in Haiti and last year met the incredible people who work there. After the earthquake, they reported to me a situation well beyond despair. I think it's up to each of us to do whatever it takes to assist after this catastrophe. I am extremely honored to be a part of the recovery efforts and lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti." Foster concurred: "We all need to contribute in our own way to help alleviate the devastation and grief of the families of Haiti, and through this song we strive to bring hope to those who need it most."
The project was led by Jimmy Iovine, Ron Fair and Steve Berman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, who brought together a philanthropic partnership including Target, iTunes, Sugar Records, The Recording Academy, Warner Music Group, CBS and Paul Simon.
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