Hosted by Vanessa Williams, the show features new performances by Martina McBride, Jordin Sparks, Train and more; memorable musical highlights from the past 25 years and interviews with many of the artists and others who have made the series the most successful music fundraising series of all time.
“A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years of Bringing Joy to the World” premieres on GMC TV, Dec. 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
The in-depth look at the people and moments that have made the series a success includes interviews with Jimmy and Vicki Iovine, who produced and conceived the first album in 1987, as well as members of the Shriver family – Maria, Tim, Bobby and the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver - who founded Special Olympics in 1968.
Other artists featured in the special include, BB King, Bob Seger, Colbie Caillat, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Darius Rucker, Darlene Love, Eric Clapton, Hootie & the Blowfish, John Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi, Madonna, No Doubt, Randy Travis, Ronnie Spector, Run-DMC, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Sting, The Pointer Sisters, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Tracy Chapman, Train, U2, Whitney Houston and Wyclef Jean.
Noted Tim Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman of the Board and CEO: “Over the past 25 years, seven ‘A Very Special Christmas’ albums have generated over $109 million in royalties and investment proceeds for Special Olympics and its athletes, making it one of our largest single sources of funding.”
“A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years of Bringing Joy to the World” also features an exclusive performance by platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks performing the Christmas classic, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” backed by a choir.
“I grew up listening to the ‘A Very Special Christmas’ albums, which always include some of my all-time favorite artists singing the Christmas songs I love,” said Sparks. “I’m truly thrilled to be a part of this anniversary celebration and to support Special Olympics.”
“I am deeply honored to serve as host for this delightful musical special chronicling 25 years of ‘A Very Special Christmas,’” said Williams. “I am very passionate about Special Olympics and have had the pleasure of recording songs for two of the albums, including one recorded live at the White House, which remains a highlight of my career.”
Created by Jimmy and Vicki Iovine and Bobby Shriver, along with Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, the “A Very Special Christmas” series has brought together top musical artists, who donated their time and talent, as well as publishers and record labels, which gave their consent and waived royalties.
Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Sting, Run-DMC, Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Wyclef Jean, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Mary J. Blige, Eric Clapton and Tracy Chapman are just a few of the artists who have recorded songs for the series, including, music videos and three television specials filmed in Los Angeles and at the White House in Washington, DC.
Recalling the time in 1987 when U2 was first approached to participate in the original “A Very Special Christmas” album, Bono said: “When Jimmy Iovine came to us with this idea and I discovered the kind of people who were at the heart of the project, I knew it was something we couldn’t turn down.”
This year, for first time in the series’ history, two albums were released simultaneously. “A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years Bringing Joy to the World” features songs performed by Christina Aguilera, Francesca Battistelli, Michael Bublé, Cheap Trick, Vince Gill, Jewel, Amy Grant, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, One Republic, Rascal Flatts, Train, Martina McBride, Jordin Sparks Lauriana Mae, Jono, Grayson Sanders and the Wonder Girls.
A second album, “A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth,” features songs by Christian artists Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, BarlowGirl, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Jason Castro, Group 1 Crew, for KING & COUNTRY, Dara Maclean, Jamie Grace, Mark Schultz, Natalie Grant, NEEDTOBREATH, Point of Grace, and Sidewalk Prophets. Both albums were released Oct. 16.
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