A multi-media charity art project, Playing for Change was created in 2004 by producer/engineers Mark Johnson and Enzo Buono. Hoping to break down musical and social barriers and promote a peaceful worldview, the duo traveled around the globe recording street musicians playing the same songs with the idea of creating a pastiche of the recordings. The project's first single, a cover of Ben E. King's classic "Stand by Me," featuring the Santa Monica street performer Roger Ridely, became a YouTube sensation. Since that time, Playing for Change has continued to release music and videos featuring various musicians from different backgrounds. Featured along the way have been many lesser-known artists like New Orleans musician Grandpa Elliot Small, as well as such bigger names as guitarist Keb' Mo' and U2's Bono. In 2007, Johnson formed the non-profit Playing for Change Foundation to help give back to the various musicians and communities involved in the project.
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