By Cameron Lee

March 14, 2020

The Alzheimer’s Association have released a gripping collection of new recordings called Music Moments, featuring several award-winning artists. The project couldn’t come at a better time, as the multi-genre selection of heartwarming cover songs honor the emotional connection between music and life.

Among the featured artists participating in the project are Charlotte’s own Anthony Hamilton (“Stand By Me”), Jason Isbell (“Hello in There”), Sting (“Sittin’ On”), Sharon Van Etten (“If My Love Could Kill”), Lee Ann Womack (“Dreaming My Dreams With You”) Band of Horses (“Annie”), and more (see the full tracklist below).

In an effort to raise more awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and create public conversation for the cause, the content is available in two parts: a compilation album and behind-the-scenes video series. Each song is paired with a touching short video of the artist recounting the significance of the song and how music can impact lives through expressing poignant stories.

For Hamilton’s rendition of the Ben E. King classic soul song “Stand By Me,” he recalls hearing it for the first time at his grandmother’s house in Charlotte, North Carolina on a “big long radio with the velvet speakers.” In the video he explains how music can impact people and everyday life: “Music has the ability to create change. It brings people together who normally wouldn’t see eye to eye. In our private spaces we listen to the same songs and it provokes a feeling in you, and you go out into the world and start to see things different.”

“The Alzheimer’s Association knows that we all have experiences with music that are significant and meaningful,” said Michael Carson, chief marketing officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “The Music Moments album, and the stories behind the songs, set the stage for sharing experiences and fueling important conversations. Ultimately, these conversations are critical to reducing stigma about Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. We are relentless in our pursuit to increase awareness and advance the cause.”

The album is produced by Grammy Award-winning music supervisor Randall Poster and is available to download and stream here. The Alzheimer’s Association is also encouraging listeners to share their own music moments with #MyMusicMoment on social media.

Check out the full tracklist, listen to the Music Moments project, and learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association.

Anthony Hamilton (“Stand By Me” originally by Ben E. King)

Sting (“Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay” originally by Otis Redding)

Band of Horses (“Annie” originally by Peter Townshend & Ronnie Lane)

Brett Eldredge (new version of his track “Raymond”)

Jason Isbell (“Hello in There” originally by John Prine)

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (a new acoustic version of her track “Hard to Grow Up”)

Lee Ann Womack (“Dreaming My Dreams With You” originally by Waylon Jennings)

Nile Rodgers & CHIC (“Hey Jude” originally by The Beatles; also recorded at Abbey Road)

Sharon Van Etten (“If My Love Could Kill” originally by Lucinda Williams)

The Head and the Heart (previously unreleased track “Backwards Breathing”)

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