Limited edition vinyl is special enough. Add a great cause and an incredible collection of musicians, you’ve got yourself A Benefit For Equality Vol. 1.
A Benefit For Equality Vol. 1 celebrates Black artistry within the Blues genres and features a compilation of tracks including music by Jontavious Willis, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, Mud Morganfield, Keb’ Mo’, Cedric Burnside, Sugaray Rayford, Fantastic Negrito, Ruthie Foster, T-Model Ford, and Ironing Board Sam.
Proceeds of the album sales will go to the NAACP, an organization dedicated to “political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights” and the elimination of race-based discrimination.
See the statements below from those involved with the project:
“We are proud to be associated with the NAACP and the wonderful artists represented on A Benefit For Equality. This illustrates that intersection of artistic merit and social activism we all seek.” – Twist & Shout Records (Denver, CO)
“I’m honored to be a part of this collection of great blues artists to support the NAACP. It’s a great cause and I’m grateful they’d have me! I’m also excited to partner with all the great independent record shops that’ll sell this thing— they’ve always had my back and I appreciate that so much. Thank you!” – Cedric Burnside
I’ve always loved when the music community can rally around important causes that will help the community, the country and the world. “Black Lives Matter” is an issue that needs all the attention we can give it till we can live together harmoniously and equal. This project is a well curated cross section from the blues music community that will help the NAACP efforts to try and make equality a reality….and that makes this collection that much more powerful and important – Music Millennium (Portland, OR)
“I am truly honored to be asked to support the efforts of the NAACP. My life has been momentously changed by their efforts through the years. I am proud to have been asked and wish my grandmother was here to witness this. Thank you and I look forward to working with the NAACP and all the other great artists on this project.” – Sugaray Rayford
“Independent record stores allow all of our voices to be heard and to matter.”– Ruthie Foster
The limited pressing of 500 copies were made available exclusively at independent record stores with the release date of February 5. However, the vinyl has already sold out with $3,600 raised for the NAACP.
