Celebrity Charity Singles

Soundcheck | Mar 25, 2011

U2, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry are among the megastars teaming up to benefit earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. But their compilation, “Songs for Japan,” will have a long road to match the success of early efforts like “We Are The World” and Live Aid. We look at why contemporary charity singles and albums tend to fall short. 

Guests include Atlantic writer Kevin Fallon and Billboard editorial director Bill Werde. Plus: music writer Amanda Petrusich gives us an overview of relief efforts spearheaded by New York musicians.

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