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Last Updated: Wednesday, 11 August, 2004, 08:57 GMT 09:57 UK
Blige joins anti-Bush song remake
Mary J Blige
Mary J Blige is joined by fellow artists Eve and Missy Elliot
Rap and R&B stars Mary J Blige, Missy Elliot and Eve are recording a song to encourage voters away from President Bush in the run-up to the US election.

The trio are re-recording the hit Wake Up Everybody, which was used during the 1976 election to mobilise black voters to back Jimmy Carter.

It will feature on a benefit album for America Coming Together, a campaign group promoting a change of president.

Songs by Marvin Gaye, Linda Rondstadt and Yoko Ono will also be on the album.

Wake Up Everybody was a hit for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and has been used by the Democrats on a number of occasions.

Harold Melvin and his band performed it at the Democratic Convention in 2000.

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds will be producing the updated track.

"This song is the spirit of the country and all these artists have the will to change it," Edmonds said.

A number of musicians are taking part in anti-Bush concerts including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and the Dixie Chicks under the name Vote for Change.

Backed by the America Coming Together campaign, the collective will visit 28 cities during the run-up to the US elections in November.




SEE ALSO:
Musicians reveal anti-Bush dates
09 Aug 04  |  Entertainment
Singer Lee Jones attacks Bush
07 Jan 04  |  Entertainment
Blige attacks 'disrespectful' divas
31 Oct 03  |  Entertainment


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