“Music expresses that which cannot be said and is impossible to be silent.” Victor Hugo wrote in 1864, before BWA ROC 4 Humanity was a thing.
Songs have long been great vehicles for social change, either through their lyrics and rock concert benefits.
In a world propelled by unparalleled global challenges, music has continued to serve as a powerful catalyst for change. BWAROC 4 Humanity fundraisers feature performers who shed light on the consequences of social injustice; whether saving our planet or feeding the underserved, the events serve as an anthem for unity. From inspiring compositions that call for empathy and understanding to empowerment songs, the unique line-up of Better World Awards humanitarian performers showcases the immense impact that music can have in raising awareness. We inspire listeners to donate to the issues that matter most in our society. BWAROC 4 Humanity fundraisers help amplify the impact of music, empowering those without a voice.
Fundraiser concerts such as LIVEAID and BANDAID, helped contribute to massive funding for worthy causes. Thank you for inspiring us, Bob Geldof, producer of LIVE AID. Thank you, David Foster (Tears are Not Enough) and Harry Belafonte for your inspiration alongside Quincy Jones (We are the World). Steven Van Zandt, and Arthur Baker, thank you for sparking social change in Sun City.
We want to acknowledge and thank artists over the years who have contributed songs with social impact. Their songs inspire listeners to Reach Out and Change
Blowin’ in the Wind, Bob Dylan (1963)
We shall overcome, Pete Seeger (1963)
Mississippi Goddam, Nina Simone (1964)
Give Me Shelter, The Rolling Stones (1969)
Give Peace a Chance, (1969) Credited to Lennon-McCartney, Performed by the Plastic Ono Band
Imagine, John Lennon (1969)
Big Yellow Taxi, Joni Mitchell (1970)
War, Edwin Starr (1970)
Reach Out and Touch somebody’s hand make this world a better place if you can?, Diana Ross (1970)
Bangladesh, George Harrison (1971)
What’s going on?, Marvin Gaye (1971)
Lean on Me, Bill Withers (1972 )
Get up, Stand up, Bob Marley (1973)
Heaven is 10 Zillion Years Away, Stevie Wonder (1974)
Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2 (1983)
Do They Know it’s Christmas?, Bandaid (1985)
Sun City, (Steven Van Zandt and 54 artists including Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Keith Richards, Bono (1985)
We are the World, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. (1985)
Tears are Not Enough, Northern Lights (Bryan Adams, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Anne Murray, Dan Hill (and over 50 artists) ( 1985)
Man In The Mirror, Michael Jackson (1987)
Janie’s Got a Gun, Aerosmith (1989)
We’re All in the Same Gang, West Coast Rap All-Stars (1990)
Just a Girl, No Doubt (1995)
Wannabee, Spice Girls (1996)
Cry Freedom, Dave Matthews Band (1996)
Scar Tissue, Red Hot Chilli Peppers (1999)
Beautiful, Christina Aguilera (2002)
Where Is The Love, The Black Eyed Peas (2003)
Long Way To Go, Gwen Stefani (2004)
Born This Way, Lady Gaga (2011)
Same Love, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2012)
Till it Happens to You, Lady Gaga (2015)
Holy War, Alicia Keys (2016)
Formation, Beyonce (2016)
Black Happiness, Yoon Rae (Tasha)( 2016)
1-800-273-8255, Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid (2017)
What About Us, P!NK (2017)
Chained to the Rhythm, Katy Perry (2017)
Minzy, Superwoman (2017)
Hold Out Your Hand, Brandi Carlile (2018)
Safe, ft. Kesha – Chika (2018)
Colors, Black Pumas (2019)
Land of the Free, The Killers (2019)
Mother’s Daughter, Miley Cyrus (2019)
Earth, Lil Dicky (2019)
Rich, White, Straight Men, Kesha (2019)
You Need to Calm Down, Taylor Swift (2019)
God Control, Madonna (2019)
Black Parade, Beyonce (2020)
The Bigger Picture, Lil Baby (2020)
Freeze Tag, feat Cordae & Phoenlix (2020) Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper
9th Wonder, Kamasi Washington (2020)
This is America, Childish Gambino (2018)
I Can’t Breathe, H.E.R. (2020)
Shameika, Fiona Apple (2020)
Lockdown, Anderson Park (2021)