Playing for Change Spread Love Around the World, One Heart and Song at a Time

Playing for Change

Mark Johnson is the co-creator of Playing for Change, the organization best known for creating the viral video of street musicians from around the world performing 'Stand by Me.' The multimedia project has also expanded into the non-profit world, launching music schools and programs in several developing nations, and the Playing for Change Band will kick off a tour on Feb. 12 in St. Paul, Minn. Johnson was gracious enough to pen the following essay for Spinner, explaining the roots of Playing for Change, its impact and its future.

Music is our greatest tool for healing broken countries, cultures and hearts. The worldwide movement of Playing For Change began seven years ago on the streets of Santa Monica, Calif., with one man and his guitar. The musician's name was Roger Ridley and he was singing the timeless classic, 'Stand by Me.' I asked Roger why, with so much talent, he was singing on the streets. He replied, "Because I'm in the joy business, I come out here and bring joy to the people."

Shortly after recording and filming Roger, we headed to New Orleans to see what music we could find after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We met another street legend named Grandpa Elliott and asked him to participate in the PFC project. Grandpa had been performing on the streets for 60 years! He added his soulful voice and harmonica to our 'Stand by Me' recording and video. We then headed to New Mexico to record the Zuni Indians and add their drums to 'Stand by Me' as well as some other of our songs. They added such a unique dimension to the music and taught us that no matter who we are or where we come from, we are all united through music.