The multi-artist benefit single “What More Can I Give” will be made available today (Oct. 27) for download through the non-profit organization Music for Giving. Completed in 2001, recording of the single was orchestrated by Michael Jackson and featured the talents of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Carlos Santana, Beyoncé Knowles, Usher and Brian McKnight, among others.
For a $2 donation, the single can be downloaded from originally wrote the song in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Also taking part in the recording were 3LW, Anastacia, Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman and Michael McCary, Nick Carter, Aaron Carter, Gloria Estefan, Billy Gilman, Hanson, Ziggy Marley, Ricky Martin, Reba McEntire, Mya, ‘N Sync, Tom Petty, Jon Secada, Shakira, Thalía and Luther Vandross.
It is unknown why the song never saw an official release, which Jackson had initially hoped would raise as much as $50 million for 9/11-related relief organizations. Some reports suggested it never saw the light of day due to disagreements between Jackson and Sony Music, the parent company of his label, Epic Records. Jackson has publicly feuded with the company since the release of his 2001 studio album, “Invincible,” which debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 but sold a disappointing 2.1 million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Jackson performed the song on Oct. 21, 2001, at the star-studded United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert in Washington, D.C. Produced by Clear Channel Entertainment, the event grossed about $3 million in ticket sales and benefited the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and the Pentagon Relief Fund.
As previously reported, Jackson’s biggest hits have been collected on “Number Ones,” an 18-track CD or 15-track DVD. Due Nov. 18 via Epic, the CD will include the brand new single “One More Chance.” The title is No. 59 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
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