The B-52s’ Kate Pierson releases cover of Patti Smith’s ‘People Have the Power’

The B-52s’ Kate Pierson has released a cover of Patti Smith’s classic tune “People Have the Power,” featuring the teens of Uniting Voices Chicago, a nonprofit that “empowers and unites youth from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and celebrate their common humanity through the power of music.”

“[Its] dream of peace, empowerment and hope feels more urgent now than ever,” Pierson says of the tune, which Smith wrote with her husband, the late Fred “Sonic” Smith. “And what better way to bring this to a new generation than to feature the powerful young voices of Uniting Voices Chicago.”

“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. Every time, she lifts the audience into absolute ecstasy,” she adds. “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.”

Finally Pierson notes, “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!”

“People Have the Power” is now available via digital outlets.

Proceeds from the song will go to Uniting Voices Chicago and Sandy Hook Promise.

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