Written by Shane Smith, Editor, Stonewall Gazette
This past week notable musicians Rick Haze, Julian Velez, Brandon Parsons, Eli Lieb, Brandon Skeie, Christina Aguilera and Melissa Etheridge created new works of art in which they expressed their grief and support for the families and victims of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre.
Some of these artists are Gay. Some Straight. Some Black. Some White. Some Christian. Some not. All gave from their hearts to honor the dead and the survivors, with their beautiful, original lyrics and music.
Even in the face of such an unfathomable tragedy these singer-songwriters found a way to put words, thoughts, pictures and melodies together, for those of us who could not, in an effort to help us ease our collective pain. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.
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"One Pulse" by Rick Haze - ft. Julian Velez (Orlando Tribute Song)
Singer-songwriter Rick Haze says that his song, "One Pulse", was a real labor of love as it was written, recorded, planned, and filmed in under 48 hours of the Orlando Pulse shooting! Additionally, the music video was filmed a few blocks from where the actual shooting took place. Haze says, "This song is dedicated to all the victims and their families. We all stand as one. One Pulse."
You can follow Rick Haze on Twitter
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"Forty-Nine Times" - Words and music by Brandon Parsons
I was impressed with and extremely moved by singer-songwriter Brandon Parsons' tribute song, "Forty-Nine Times". After hearing his haunting vocals the lyrics will etch into your soul. Parsons is a Christian rock musician from Harrisburg. PA. I was not able to find much biographical information about Parsons other than in 2012 he was selected as “Top Male Artist” in the Archimedia STAR contest. Via Youtube Channel: Brandon Parsons
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Christina Aguilera Releases Song 'Change', Donates Proceeds To Victims of Orlando Shooting
Christina Aguilera joins the list of celebrities who want to spread the love after the horrible happenings in Orlando last weekend. “The horrific tragedy that occurred in Orlando continues to weigh heavily on my mind,” the 35-year-old singer wrote on her website. “I am sending so much love and so many prayers to the victims and their families.” She continued, “Like so many, I want to help be a part of the change this world needs to make it a beautiful inclusive place where humanity can love each other freely and passionately.” Keeping her word, Xtina announced the release of a new song called “Change,” and revealed she will be donating part of the proceeds to all the families affected by this tragedy. The song, which was co-written by Aguilera, Fancy Hagood and Flo Reutter, demands an end to discriminatory violence. According to People magazine, all earnings on U.S. iTunes downloads for the next three months will be donated to the National Compassion Fund. The label and publisher will also be donating proceeds. (LatinTimes)
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LIVE: Melissa Etheridge Performs Orlando Tribute Song 'Pulse'
Melissa Etheridge released “Pulse” to honor the victims of the Orlando shooting and on Wednesday she debuted the song for a live audience during the filming of her episode for the live public television concert series Infinity Hall Live at the Warner Theater in Torrington, CT. The footage from that show is now available online. “I’m going to do a song I just wrote. I just wrote this song,” said the Grammy winning artist. “Unfortunately, I don’t know how we look at it. It was based on the incredible, deep sadness and emotion I felt Sunday morning, when I woke up.” Referring to the tragedy in Orlando, the multi-talented artist had a mission with the song to spread healing over the situation. “This is for you. This is for everyone. This is for the whole damn human race.” (Entertainment Weekly) Video via Youtube Channel: Hester
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"Pulse" by Eli Lieb and Brandon Skeie
The survivors of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre wll continue to mourn their dead for a long time to come. This beautiful song by Eli Lieb and Brandon Skeie will, I hope, help to heal some of their pain. The track is available for free download.
Earlier this week, I posted "Pulse" by Eli Lieb and Brandon Skeie which has been trending on the site at number one for five days now!