Announced today, Blue Élan Records will release a collection of singles, under the title We Are The Highway, beginning with today’s “Safe and Sound” performed by Grammy-nominated singer, Janiva Magness. The collection all feature five cover versions of songs written and performed by Chris Cornell, in an effort to uphold Cornell’s legacy and keep the promise as a way to make positive change through music, made to him by Blue Élan co-Founder, and personal friend, Kirk Pasich.
Proceeds and independent donations for these singles will be given to the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation by Blue Élan in the hopes that it will also bring awareness to this charitable foundation that now, more than ever, is necessary to help children in need. As Kirk states, “We cannot think of a better musical way to do that than sharing the music of Chris Cornell, in his memory, and to help children.”
Chris Cornell was a client of prominent insurance coverage attorney and co-founder of Blue Élan Records, Kirk Pasich. What started as a business relationship quickly turned to a friendship over their shared love of music. Kirk has made it his mission to uphold Cornell’s legacy and keep the promise as a way of making positive change through music. With that in mind, several Blue Élan artists and friends have chosen songs from Cornell’s catalog. These songs have inspired each artist’s own journey to survive, to persevere, and to thrive in hopes of maintaining the promise of the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation.
Chris Cornell was one of the chief architects of modern rock, who inspired millions through music in his time with legendary acts such as Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and his solo releases. In addition to being a musical powerhouse, Chris Cornell was also committed to helping children in need through organizations like the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 2012 to raise funds and to support charitable organizations serving children who are facing homelessness, poverty, abuse, and neglect worldwide.
In addition to their shared love of music, Pasich and Cornell also shared a passion for helping children in need. This is why Blue Élan Records is honoring Cornell’s memory by supporting and shining a light on one of the causes he loved: helping vulnerable children.
Of covering “Safe and Sound,” Magness commented, “It is prophetic and almost bizarre to me that Safe and Sound was written in 2007. Thirteen years ago! Yet today, right here today, it is completely on point…. As survivors, we begin seeing the world with a clarity that can be too much and yet many of us somehow survive that too. Still holding the idea of hope, like a life preserver. Radical hope. Hope for ourselves, our loved ones and even humanity on the whole. ‘So we can say we finally found a world around us, Safe and Sound.’ I hope you find even a little of what I have found in this song. If you do, I know it will help.”
We Are The Highway Singles:
June 24 Janiva Magness “Safe and Sound”
July 8 Roan Yellowthorn “Can’t Change Me”
August 19 Cherie Currie & Brie Darling “Black Hole Sun”
September 16 Mustangs of the West “I Am the Highway
October 16 Chelsea Williams “Like A Stone”
