Featuring Springsteen's new solo recording of "The Ghost of Tom Joad."
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From Verve, the soundtrack of the documentary airing on the History Channel, brings together artists ranging from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Newman and Eddie Vedder to John Legend, Jackson Browne and Lupe Fiasco for exclusive live performances. The film, based on the work of Howard Zinn, celebrates democracy, based on the lives and experiences of ordinary Americans who, through their words and actions, changed the course of history, from the founding of this country to the civil rights movement and beyond.
"The music artists came to this project because of the hope they have for what 'The People Speak' will do for a new generation," said Chris Moore, one of the film's executive producers, along with Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and others. "Writing speeches and books is one way to bring about change; music is another. There is a long history of music serving as an inspiration for others to stand up and make a difference. One song can affect people unlike anything else."
Springsteen reprises the John Steinbeck/Woody Guthrie-inspired "The Ghost of Tom Joad" with just a guitar and harmonica in his New Jersey home recording studio. Dylan sings Guthrie's "Do Re Mi"; and Dylan's early '60s gems "Masters Of War" and "Only A Pawn In Their Game" are performed by Vedder and Robinson, respectively.
"The musicians are an eclectic group but they have one thing in common," said Moore. "They understand the intrinsic power of their music. It's cool to have them all on one album but it's even better that they're singing about something. They came together for 'The People Speak' because of Zinn's book. They loved it and were excited by it. He e-mailed and called them and they said, 'We'd love to do this.' They understand that the power of the people to speak out can make our world a better place."
BOB DYLAN -- Do Re Mi
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN -- The Ghost Of Tom Joad
EDDIE VEDDER -- Masters Of War
PINK -- Dear Mr. President
RANDY NEWMAN -- Sail Away
LUPE FIASCO -- American Terrorist
JACKSON BROWNE -- The Drums Of War
JOHN LEGEND -- What's Going On
EXENE CERVENKA & JOHN DOE -- See How We Are
TAJ MAHAL -- Blues With A Feeling
ALLISON MOORER -- Brother Can You Spare A Dime
RICH ROBINSON -- Only A Pawn In Their Game
