Look To The Stars News: John Lennon

WhyHunger Celebrates Successful Hungerthon

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

2011 marks a banner year for WhyHunger with the most successful Hungerthon in the annual event’s 26-year history! Aided by its partners at SiriusXM, CBS Radio (including NYC’s WFAN 660 and WCBS 880), and charitybuzz, WhyHunger raised a record $764,000 for the fight against hunger and poverty, via its online auction and two-day radiothon.

This year’s top Hungerthon earners, some of which brought in bids over $20,000, included:

Bruce Springsteen-autographed guitar

Yoko Ono's Globe Of Goodwill Project Benefits Children With Disabilities

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Icelandic charity The Benefit Society of Children With Disabilities has launched its ninth Globe of Goodwill project – this time spearheaded by Yoko Ono, and titled “Draw Your Own Map.” The project sells hand blown glass ornaments decorated by Ono and celebrated Icelandic artists.

Ono herself made the announcement at a crowded Reykjavik Art Museum in Iceland on October 11, encouraging the audience to do what they can to make the world a better place. Being nominated to head the yearly Globe of Goodwill project, which dates to 2003, is in itself an honor. Every year the Globe Of Goodwill is awarded to a worthy role model whose work has challenged traditional values and views, inspired others to think differently, and bettered the lives of their fellow citizens and society as a whole.

Songs For Japan Raises $10 Million For Earthquake Victims

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

Songs For Japan, the unique, star-studded album collection created to help raise money for victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, continues to benefit the survivors through Japanese Red Cross Society.

Yesterday in Tokyo, senior executives from four major music companies – EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group – met with Japanese Red Cross Society Vice President, Yoshiharu Otsuka, to recognise the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan. The occasion was a reception hosted by Frances Moore, chief executive of worldwide recording industry organisation IFPI.

A music industry-wide initiative, Songs For Japan is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five #1s from more than 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.

Imagine There's No Hunger With Yoko Ono

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:45:00 +0000

On November 1st, Yoko Ono Lennon, Hard Rock International and WhyHunger invited the world to join them as they launched Imagine There’s No Hunger, a global campaign to raise awareness and funding for the fight against childhood hunger and poverty.

At Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square, Yoko Ono Lennon, joined by Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International and Bill Ayres, Executive Director of WhyHunger, showed her support by providing the first “Tweet” in a Global Movement to “Imagine a World Without Hunger.” The event was also marked by a moment of silence and white balloons, a tribute to John Lennon’s release of 365 balloons during his and Yoko Ono Lennon’s first full art exhibition.

Celebrating John Lennon’s extraordinary vision articulated in his 1971 release “Imagine,” the campaign, which runs through December 31, 2011, invites fans to participate by taking a moment to Imagine a nourished and abundant world, where “the world will live as One.” Fans can further show their support by purchasing the campaign’s signature limited-edition bracelet, joining in the celebrations at various Hard Rock locations around the globe, tweeting, posting or even texting the word IMAGINE to 50555 to donate directly to WhyHunger.org and help feed a hungry child.

Charity To Benefit From John Lennon Celebrity Tribute Album

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Theatre Within has announced the November 15th release of a live album chronicling the sold out, star-studded 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute, Live from the Beacon Theatre NYC.

The 15-song release will be available digitally via iTunes, Amazon and other major online music outlets. The album can be pre-ordered now at iTunes. Proceeds from the sales of the digital release will be shared with the Japanese Red Cross for its ongoing Earthquake/Tsunami Relief efforts.

“John would have loved that Theatre Within has produced a special live album of his songs to benefit the Japanese Red Cross and the people still suffering from the tsunami and earthquake,” states Yoko Ono.

John Lennon Educational Bus Visits Black Eyed Peas Concert

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus pulled up to the Black Eyed Peas’ Concert 4 NYC at Central Park’s Great Lawn on Friday, September 30th to work with students from the Black Eyed Peas’ Peapod Foundation.

Taboo meets students outside the John Lennon Educational Bus

Forty Years Ago Today - George Harrison's Concert For Bangladesh

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Forty years ago today, George Harrison took to the stage with a host of his celebrity friends for what is regarded as the first large scale multi-artist benefit concert – The Concert For Bangladesh. Look To The Stars Feature Editor Tim Saunders looks back at the climatic and political events that led up to the concert, and the on-going effects the show has had on celebrity charity events.

In early November, 1970, the Beatles were just about to break up and something wasn’t right in the South China Sea.

As Paul McCartney prepared his legal suit for the dissolution of the Fab Four after months of tempestuous fighting within the band, merchant shipping reported a storm was brewing to the south east of India. Moist, hot air was rising off the warm sea, sucking up water vapor as it went. When it reached a few hundred meters in height, it began to cool, condensing and becoming saturated. The low pressure system that was forming started to react with the high pressure system around it, swirling round like some celestial being was mixing a cake.

Stars Donate Items To Celebrity Charity Auction To Help Joplin

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

A number of stars – including Johnny Depp, Yoko Ono, Patricia Arquette, Bono, Jeff Probst, Justin Timberlake, Eminem and Jack Johnson – have donated items to a great auction raising money for the people of Joplin, the Missouri town where an estimated 30% of the buildings were destroyed and over 150 people were killed by a tornado on May 22.

Items going under the hammer include an book about U2 signed by Bono, a script signed by the cast of General Hospital, a rare Lady Gaga Born This Way picture disc, posters signed by Ry Cooder and Martina McBride, a basket ball signed by the Lakers, a guitar signed by Foreigner, the chance to meet Coldplay, Maroon 5 and Uncle Cracker, the chance to Skype with OneRepublic and much more. Sean Lennon has donated a signed guitar, while Yoko Ono has signed a photo of her with John Lennon.

Proceeds from the auction will go to United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. Last week, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt donated $500,000 to the people of Joplin in the wake of the tornado.

EMI Artists Band Together For Japan

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Artists and songwriters from one of the biggest music companies in the world, EMI, have united for an incredible worldwide celebrity charity auction of personal items and memorabilia to raise funds to help the Red Cross support people affected by last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The charity auction, which will be managed by eBay, features items from some of the world’s biggest stars, including Coldplay, Norah Jones, Katy Perry, Garth Brooks, George Harrison, Darius Rucker, John Lennon, Gorillaz, Iron Maiden, Jane Birkin, the Beach Boys, David Guetta, Michael Franti, Lady Antebellum, The Chemical Brothers, Depeche Mode, Celtic Woman, 30 Seconds To Mars, Rosanne Cash, Daft Punk, Herbert Grönemeyer, Angela Gheorghiu, Keith Urban, Good Charlotte and The Beatles.

Songs For Japan: Stars Donate Tracks To Charity Album

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:30:00 +0000

In what stands as a major global music relief effort to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, over 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music have joined together for the worldwide release of “Songs for Japan,” an unprecedented compilation of 38 chart-topping hits and classic tracks.

The digital album is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the album’s sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The “Songs for Japan” track listing features an all-star lineup:

Petra Nemcova, Yoko Ono And Boyz II Men Lend Celebrity Charity Support To Japan

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Petra Nemcova, Yoko Ono and Boyz II Men are urging fans around the world to donate to victims of the devastating tsunami that has killed an estimated 10,000 people in Japan.

Millions remain homeless today following the disaster as temperatures plummet to freezing.

Petra Nemcova – who survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami but lost her boyfriend – is encouraging people to donate to her charity, Happy Hearts Fund. Nemcova established the charity following the 2004 tsunami to aid children who suffer hardship as a result of natural disasters. The charity has helped build 50 schools in nine countries since it was founded.

Mia Farrow's Tribute To Charity And John Lennon

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Mia Farrow is an acclaimed actress and humanitarian activist who, for the past 10 years, has served as a Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF. She has travelled extensively to places such as Darfur in Sudan, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where she has met with the victims of conflict and worked to bring greater international attention to humanitarian crises.

Recently, she completed a personal project to match photographs taken during her travels to the John Lennon song, “Imagine.” The video can be seen here.

Cyndi Lauper And Friends Celebrate John Lennon At Celebrity Charity Concert

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Driven by the fundamental belief that peace and change are possible through the universal language of music, the Playing For Change Foundation together with the support of Theatre Within have announced their plans to launch the POWER TO THE PEOPLE campaign.

Thanks to the generous support of Yoko Ono, the initiative seeks to advance John Lennon’s vision of peace by raising awareness and funds to develop and sustain Playing For Change Foundation’s vital music education programs in schools around the globe. A portion of proceeds will also benefit Theatre Within’s mission to produce events to benefit important charities and social causes.

The campaign was announced last week as part of Theatre Within’s 30th Annual John Lennon Tribute concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York. The concert, which benefited Playing For Change Foundation, brought together a rare gathering of artists who came together to celebrate the life, music and creative spirit of John Lennon. The all-star lineup of performers spanned nearly four generations, ranging from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame music icons Jackson Browne and Patti Smith to acclaimed artists Cyndi Lauper, Aimee Mann, Keb’ Mo, Joan Osborne, Martin Sexton, and many others.

Ozzy Osbourne's Charity Birthday Song For John Lennon

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Ozzy Osbourne has celebrated John Lennon’s 70th birthday early by releasing a version of the former Beatle’s song “How?” for charity.

Proceeds of the song, which first appeared on Lennon’s 1971 album Imagine, will go to Amnesty International. Ozzy has recorded a music video – shot on the streets of New York City – to accompany the single, which is currently available from iTunes.

“Lennon was a driving force for humanity,” said the rocker.

Yoko Ono Donates Glasses To Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:35:00 +0000

Yoko Ono is just one of a number of A list stars who have donated something from their personal wardrobe to raise funds for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal.

The diminutive star has chosen a pair of her own iconic Porsche Carrera sunglasses and signed them for the charity’s unique Clothes Throw event, which starts with a special online auction this Sunday 3rd October for seven days. An auction item of this stature rarely comes along and organisers are delighted that Yoko Ono, who is Honorary Patron of the charity, has donated these signed sunglasses, like the ones she wore on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in the 1980s.

“I am delighted to be able to support this important fundraising initiative by donating a pair of my favorite sunglasses- the ones that John loved to see me wear,” said Yoko. “As Honorary Patron of Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, I know how much the funds are needed to support the pioneering work of this wonderful hospital.”

John Lennon's 70th To Be Celebrated With Charity Concert

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

John Lennon’s 70th birthday will be celebrated with a massive charity concert in New York.

The concert, on November 12, will be held at the Beacon Theatre and will feature Jackson Browne, Patti Smith, Cyndi Lauper, Aimee Mann and many more.

Lennon’s birthday is on October 9, and a number of events will be held from that date to celebrate the former Beatle’s 70th.

LTTS Exclusive: Blurred Vision Talks Charity, Pink Floyd And Peace In Iran

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Following the footsteps of other artists who’ve used music to influence change, Toronto-based band Blurred Vision has effectively harnessed the power of the Internet to start an on-line revolution promoting peace and change for the people of Iran via their version of the iconic Pink Floyd song, ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. And it seems to be working.

Their version of the song, Another Brick In The Wall – Hey Ayatollah Leave Those Kids Alone, has garnered international attention, earning them a nomination for Best Music Video at the Soho Shorts Film Festival In London. And with 60% of the population in Iran under the age of 30, Blurred Vision have essentially become the voice of a generation pleading for help.

Look to the Stars was pleased to speak with Sepp from Blurred Vision. He, along with his Iran-born brother Sohl, use only their first names in order to protect family in Iran – family whom they haven’t seen in about twenty years.

Top Stars Donate Songs For Tsunami Relief Album

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The tsunami? Wasn’t that fixed years ago? Not so, says Los Angeles-based non-profit Aid Still Required (ASR), citing tens of thousands who are still looking to restore their lives in Southeast Asia following the disaster.

With an endorsement from former President Clinton’s United Nations Office for Tsunami Recovery, ASR has enlisted the help of many of the World’s favorite musicians to champion this forgotten issue, including Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Maroon 5, John Lennon (estate), Avril Lavigne, Shawn Colvin, Phantom Planet, Ani DiFranco, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ray Charles (estate), Hunter Payne and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

“We’ve all seen it,” says Bonnie Raitt. “Money pours in when a disaster first occurs. But then the World’s attention turns to other matters and the real work of rebuilding goes underfunded. I’m involved with this project because it will help thousands restore their lives in a sustainable manner.”

Yoko Ono Named As Autism Charity Ambassador

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Yoko Ono became Autism Speaks’ first global ambassador last week.

“I have long believed that art is a great way to raise global awareness,” the Japanese artist and widow of John Lennon told a crowd of about 100 who gathered at the reception at a mid-town Manhattan hotel.

Last year at the United Nations, Ono presented a 2.1-meter-high jigsaw-like mural called PROMISE with 67 pieces to represent the estimated 67 million who are suffering from autism around the world. She raised more than $60,000 by auctioning off one piece at a time.

Stars Come Out For Charity Cocktail Party

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Celebrities flocked to the March 6 ‘Montblanc Charity Cocktail’ event hosted by Harvey and Bob Weinstein in West Hollywood to benefit UNICEF.

Montblanc has been known for generations as a maker of sophisticated, high quality writing instruments, and for their unwavering support of UNICEF.

One year ago, Montblanc committed to raise US$1.5 million for UNICEF between February 2009 and June 2010 through its global Signature for Good initiative. This initiative features twelve of the world’s brightest stars photographed portraying a heroine from one of literature’s timeless classics.

Hard Rock Serves Up John Lennon For Charity

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Last week, Look To The Stars brought you the news that Yoko Ono had donated John Lennon’s Give Peace A Chance to charity. Now we can reveal that she has also donated another of the singer’s songs to another charity campaign.

The World Hunger Year (WHY), along with Hard Rock Cafe, has released Serve4, the latest in their series of albums designed to fight hunger around the world. Yoko Ono has donated John Lennon’s Gimme Some Truth to the album.

“This is a beautiful step towards world peace,” she said. “By imagining there’s no hunger, like what John sang in his song, we express our strong desire to bring a world in which children will never again suffer from hunger or poverty. Let’s come together and help spread this message around the world. John would have loved the fact that so many illustrious and good meaning partners and organizations have stood up to make this effort together.”

Yoko Ono Gives Song To United Nations Peacebuilding Fund

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the unifying spirit and 40th anniversary of the Plastic Ono Band’s universal anthem, “Give Peace a Chance,” Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and Julian Lennon have partnered with EMI Music and Sony/ATV Music Publishing to donate net proceeds from the sale of a commemorative 40th Anniversary digital single to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

Beginning today, iTunes will exclusively offer the single’s special anniversary edition for download purchase, with net proceeds benefiting the PBF through December 31.

Says Yoko Ono, “I am thrilled that so many in the music business are readily supporting ‘Give Peace a Chance’ on its 40th anniversary. It is indeed a time when we are all getting more aware of the necessity of doing something to achieve world peace, no matter how small. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I feel deeply that we are all one, regardless of where we stand.”

Yoko Ono Donates iPod To Charity Auction On John Lennon's Birthday

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Yoko Ono has given her support to a small Liverpool charity that is planning a fundraising initiative at a Beatles landmark to celebrate John Lennon’s birthday on Friday.

The Henshaws Society for Blind People will hold a concert at The Cavern Club on October 9 – World Sight Day and Lennon’s birthday – which will feature a number of local bands and a special auction. Going under the hammer will be a John Lennon-engraved 16GB ipod touch and a personally signed postcard donated by Ono, as well as football shirts, artwork and more.

“The Cavern gig last year was such a huge success but this year it’s bigger and better,” said Henshaws fundraiser Nikki Andrews. “We’re so glad that Yoko Ono has given her support on such a significant day.”

World March For Peace Starts In New Zealand

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The World March for Peace and Non-Violence kicked off in Wellington, New Zealand, today, beginning a trek that will visit 90 countries on 6 continents, ending in Argentina on January 2 of next year.

Marchers braved chilling winds in the country’s capital to start the march, which has been endorsed by world leaders and celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Viggo Mortensen, Desmond Tutu, Martin Sheen, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Carter, Lou Reed, Yoko Ono, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Bryan Adams and many more.

The 160,000-kilometre (99,419 mile) march has been organized by World Without Wars. A core group of 25 marchers will complete the entire journey, carrying with them a “nuclear abolition torch” taken from the Hiroshima Flame which was lit from embers following the 1945 nuclear explosion in Japan. The primary goals of the World March include:

Beatlemania Returns For Charity

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Beatlemania has hit the headlines once again this week, with the release of the Fab Four’s remastered CD collection, their Rock Band video game, and a popular British presenter’s efforts to re-record their hits for charity.

A whole new generation of fans are currently being exposed to the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo through the release of Rock Star, and a number of limited edition Xbox 360 consoles are available to benefit Doctors Without Borders. The consoles are available at eBay.

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.