The B-52 member teamed up with Uniting Voices Chicago for an inspired rendition of the song, which will benefit the nonprofit and Sandy Hook Promise
In 1988, Patti Smith sang, “The power to dream, to rule/To wrestle the world from fools/It’s decreed: the people rule.” It rang true back then and continues to now, as the B-52’s Kate Pierson reminds us on her newly-released cover of “People Have the Power.” Accompanied by the teen choir from Uniting Voices Chicago, Pierson creates a bridge between generations in hopes of inspiring unity.
“It’s dream of peace, empowerment and hope feels more urgent now than ever,” Pierson shared in a statement. The idea of covering “People Have the Power” came to her during a conversation with Roy D’Souza, head of SongVest Records about the current political landscape. “The lyrics are beautiful, poetic and visionary — but still the meaning rings clear — people do have the power — and we need to use it now!”
Pierson didn’t take the responsibility of covering Smith lightly, either. “Taking this on was daunting. Patti Smith has always been one of my greatest inspirations — as a performer, a poet, a writer — and I’ve seen her perform this song many times,” she said. “Every time, she lifts the audience into absolute ecstasy. I knew the only way I could approach a cover was to create something different enough to be true to myself, yet still honor the soul and message of the original.”
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Pierson’s rendition of “People Have the Power” is elevated greatly by the inclusion of the Uniting Voices Chicago teen choir. With their contributions to the song, she said, “something electric happened.” Proceeds from the cover release will benefit Uniting Voices Chicago and Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit taking action to protect children from gun violence.
“The reason this song means so much to me is that it demonstrates that we really do have the power to change the world, especially through art and music — and that’s why I’m so thrilled to be working with these exceptional young people who are using their voices and actions to express compassion and understanding,” Pierson said. “Having the voices of the next generation of global leaders featured on the song takes us into the future, a future built on unity and love.”