Broadway comes together to release benefit song for Orlando

Many celebrities are speaking up and getting involved after the shooting in Orlando — from donating time and money or speaking up against gun control.

As a result, several Broadway stars joined forces to release a benefit single. Seth Rudetsky and his husband, James Wesley came up with the idea. Seth is a SiriusXM radio host and James is a producer.

Seth and James were inspired by another benefit song. In 1985, due to the tragedies in Africa, “We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.

The Broadway stars who were available and came to be part of the benefit single are listed below.

The Broadway stars are covering Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now is Love”. Burt Bacharach is a popular composer. Originally released in 1965, the song was made popular by Jackie DeShannon. Listen to the original song here.

The sales will benefit the LGBT Center of Central Florida. The Center sent out counselors to several locations throughout the area. They also provide services to the family and friends of the victims. Learn more about what services are available on their website. They also provide a link to the gofundme account established for the families.

Broadway stars also signed this poster at the recording studio.

On June 20, 2016, the song will be available for download on the Broadway Records website. “What the World Needs Now is Love” will also be available iTunes. However, it has not been announced when it be available. In addition to the single, Playbill will be releasing a music video. Follow Playbill’s Twitter to to stay updated.

On June 15 2016, Blake Ross tweeted a clip of recording process. Blake is the editor in chief of Playbill.