That’s What Friends Are For
By: Rohini Raja
In 1985 Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder came together to release a charity single called “That’s What Friends are For”, for the American Foundation for AIDS research. The album raised over $3 million for the foundation and landed at #1 for four weeks on ‘The Billboard Hot 100’. It even culminated into a 1990 benefit concert, ‘That’s What Friends Are For Arista Records 15th Anniversary Concert’, which raised over $2.5 million for various AIDS organizations.
Music and sound are very interestingly integral to the evolution of human consciousness and the elevation of society. This particular musical movement paved the way for inclusivity, love and acceptance to become pillars of the modern-day social fabric. And all through the power of sound! Who would have thought! So the next time you hear a sound or a song, think to yourself, how has this led to my evolution as a person towards being more compassionate and inclusive towards people different from me?
This World AIDS Day, we salute these music heroes for their contribution towards society through the powerful medium of sound.
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for
Article reference: ’12 Songs About HIV/AIDS That Were Part of a Movement’
By Tracy E. Gilchrist
SONIC BRANDING | WORLD AIDS DAY | POWER OF SOUND | BRANDMUSIQ