Playing for Change was created to inspire and connect people through music. Since 2002, co-founders Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke have done just that, by creating a movement in their mobile recording studio, capturing and filming musicians around the world. Their band, the Playing for Change Band, also tours across the world, spreading their message and inspiring audiences everywhere.

In addition to the recording studio and band, they also give back with the Playing for Change Foundation – a non-profit organization dedicated to building schools and educating children on art, music, and more. A-T is a proud sponsor of Playing for Change and has provided audio equipment over the years to help support these efforts, including the ATH-M50x professional headphones and a variety of microphones.

While Playing for Change has had several outstanding performances, we’ve rounded up some of the best Playing for Change songs. Check out the videos below to see some of their most popular and most inspiring performances.

“The Weight”

This performance - featuring singer, songwriter, and The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, as well as an original member of The Band, Robbie Robertson - is an all-time favorite. Not only does this performance feature legends in the industry, but also musicians spanning across five different continents.

 

“Ripple”

Performed with Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, this is a classic song with a Playing for Change twist with artists recording in multiple countries like Italy and Argentina to the United States. Honoring the 50^th anniversary of the 1970s classic, the Playing for Change Band included this song in their album “Listen to the Music.”

 

“Listen to the Music”

This spin on a classic from The Doobie Brothers features none other than original band member Tom Johnston. This new rendition pieces together a variety of instruments and cultures from around the world to produce a truly unique piece.

 

“Natural Mystic/Just a Little Bit”

 

This Song Around The World incorporates a unique mix of voices and talent, drawing from the old and incorporating the new. A unique rift on Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” is combined with artist Paula Fuga’s “Just a Little Bit” to convey the transition from darkness to lightness, according to Playing for Change. This song also features Jack Johnson, who harmonizes with Fuga throughout for a beautiful listening experience.