"Heart Of America," a Song of Hope; Michael McDonald

(MARKET WIRE)

"Heart Of America," a Song of Hope; Michael McDonald

Sat Oct 15, 2005 23:20

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"Heart Of America," a Song of Hope; Michael McDonald, Wynona Judd and Eric Benét Join Terry Dexter and the First Full Gospel Choir of New Orleans
Song to Be Part of NBC "Today" Show's Habitat for Humanity Campaign -- One Man's Mission to Help
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=97375

NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/10/2005 -- "Heart Of America," a moving single which brings together three of this country's most soulful voices, Wynona Judd, Eric Benét and Michael McDonald, along with Terry Dexter and the First Full Gospel Choir of New Orleans, has just been released on Reprise/Friday Records. The song, available on iTunes and in stores later this month, will also be part of the Warner Music Group and NBC "Today" Show's ongoing campaign to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.

In the midst of citizens helping victims of the recent hurricanes, there stands businessman and songwriter Tim Blixseth, a man whose mission to help only starts with his two million dollar donation to Habitat for Humanity.

"Heart Of America," written by Tim Blixseth, Edra Blixseth, Eric Benét and Walter Afanaseiff, started off when Blixseth "woke up with a tune in my head." He called music pals Eric Benét, Wynona Judd, and Michael McDonald and went into a studio in Los Angeles with famed producer Walter Afanaseiff and recorded the inspiring and haunting song "Heart Of America." Blixseth, a man with a grand vision, brought in a 90-piece orchestra and arranged for Gulfstream to donate planes to bring in the choir from New Orleans.

On the other side of the country in New York City, Warner Music Group had joined forces with NBC's "Today" Show and Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Rockefeller Plaza (renamed Humanity Plaza for the week). Fifty homes were built in one week by volunteers, including employees of Warner Music Group, and they are already headed down to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

On October 19th, Benét, McDonald, Judd, Dexter and The First Full Gospel Choir of New Orleans will perform "Heart Of America" on the "Today" Show at Rockefeller Plaza.

All proceeds from the song will go directly to Habitat for Humanity. "I'm blessed enough that it's easy for my wife Edra and I to just send a check," said Blixseth, recently listed on the Forbes Wealthiest Americans List. "Music is a healing force and anyone who buys the single or downloads it on iTunes is also making a contribution. I know what it feels like to have nothing. That's how I started. I'm honored to give back any way I can. And I think 'Heart Of America' is a song that really embodies the best that this country has to give," he concluded.

For more information, contact:
Liz Rosenberg
Warner Bros./Reprise Records Publicity
(212) 275-4616
Email Contact

SOURCE: Warner Bros. Records
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'Heart of America' A Song Of Hope
Net Music Countdown - Oct 11, 2005
NEW YORK, NY Wednesday Oct.12.2005 /netmusiccountdown.com/ -- "Heart Of America," a moving single ... The song, available on iTunes and in stores later this month ...

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Hurricane Katrina
FEMA officials wouldn't listen;
http://www.apfn.org/APFN/KATRINA.HTM

100% OF INCOME FROM SONG WILL GO TO AID VICTIMS OF KATRINA
Operation Home Delivery: Habitat's Hurricane Recovery Effort

How is Habitat for Humanity responding to the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast?
Habitat for Humanity has launched Operation Home Delivery, which will involve a three-pronged effort:
http://www.habitat.org/