Voices That Care

In July 1991, as Operation Desert Storm unfolded in the Gulf, the nation was unified in support of the troops, with people from all walks of life coming together to do their part. Amidst this atmosphere of patriotism and solidarity, an initiative was launched to create a charity single that would raise funds for the United Service Organizations (USO) – an organization that provided comfort and entertainment for the country's service members, veterans, and their families. "Voices That Care" was the brainchild of music producer and arranger David Foster, who rallied a diverse group of entertainers to record a special single. The list of participants read like a Who's Who of 1990s pop and country stars, including Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Michael McDonald, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, and the cast from the popular soap opera "General Hospital," to name just a few. The production process was a whirlwind of creativity and camaraderie, with rehearsals taking place in a Los Angeles studio. Behind the scenes, David Foster worked tirelessly to coordinate the various schedules of his high-profile talent, while simultaneously crafting a unique and uplifting arrangement for the single. In contrast to the chaos and destruction unfolding thousands of miles away, the atmosphere within the studio was one of joy, warmth, and mutual respect. As the participants began to rehearse together, they quickly discovered that the experience was more than just about making music – it was about coming together for a noble cause. The energy in the room was palpable, with everyone feeding off each other's passion and commitment. As the song took shape, David Foster made sure to balance the talents of the various artists to create a memorable ensemble piece. He opted for a powerful melody, one that would evoke the emotions of the nation and leave a lasting impression on listeners. The end result was a heartfelt ballad that spoke directly to the hearts of those serving overseas and their loved ones back home. Throughout the production process, the single was kept under wraps, with only a select few knowing the full extent of the project. But as the rehearsals progressed, news began to trickle out, and the excitement grew. When it was finally announced that a star-studded charity single would be released to support the USO, the response was overwhelming. On August 6, 1991, "Voices That Care" was released, and it quickly became a bestseller. The single's soaring melody and uplifting message resonated with the nation, selling over 1 million copies in the United States and raising millions for the USO. It was a remarkable achievement, one that cemented the power of music to bring people together and inspire collective action. In the months and years that followed, "Voices That Care" continued to inspire, with its proceeds supporting the USO's efforts to boost morale and provide comfort to the troops and their families. The single's impact was felt far beyond its initial success, with it becoming a symbol of the nation's gratitude and solidarity during a time of great uncertainty. As the story behind "Voices That Care" reveals, this remarkable charity single was more than just a song – it was a testament to the power of unity and the enduring spirit of the American people. In the face of adversity and uncertainty, it served as a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a meaningful difference and bring about lasting change.