Anthony Kearns Performs 'O America' With Guitarist Laurence Juber On New CD

Tenor Anthony Kearns' stirring rendition of "O, America" with guitarist Laurence Juber is now available courtesy of Pacific Records, as reported in Rolling Stone.

The recording can be downloaded on Amazon Music, iTunes, Spotify and other music content providers.

Kearns, a member of the double-platinum-winning PBS super-group The Irish Tenors, and Laurence Juber, former lead guitarist of Paul McCartney and Wings, opened the "America Salutes You: Guitar Legends II" concert in Los Angeles last December with a stirring performance of 'O, America' -- an anthem with lyrics by Brendan Graham [of "You Raise Me Up" fame] and arrangement by William Joseph.

"It was a privilege to perform with Laurence Juber and those other incredible musicians, many of whom I have admired my whole life," said Kearns, now living in Florida. "Their combined artistry was as powerful as any symphony orchestra. What made it even more outstanding was that we were all coming together to support a worthy cause."

Kearns was the only classical singer among the all-star line-up of guitar legends such as Stephen Stills, Sammy Hagar, Billy Gibbons, Dave Navarro, Joe Bonamassa, and others. Kearns' participation on stage with the rock-and-roll greats was reminiscent of the wildly-successful benefit concerts in the 1990s and early 2000s featuring renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti with U2's Bono, Sting, and other musical giants in support of charitable causes.

"I love the emotion and goodwill that is created when artists of different musical genres come together for a common cause," Kearns said. "I had a lot of fun with these legendary artists, including Billy Gibbons who helped put it all together, and Lauren Juber, who helped me create a bit of magic. I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure it wasn't a dream!"

Bob Okun, founder and executive producer of the project, commented, "I was thrilled to have Anthony Kearns return to the 'America Salutes You' series to sing 'O, America.' With his incredible delivery and interpretation, the song is really relevant to those who have answered America's call."

Martin Guigui, the show's music director who spearheaded the project at Pacific Records, added, "Bob and I wanted the album to end on a powerful note to show the commitment of the entertainment community to America's military and emergency responders. Anthony Kearns helped us do that."

Proceeds from CD sales will go to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, The David Lynch Foundation, Headstrong, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Entertainment Industries Council. This was Kearns' second appearance in the 'America Salute You' series. Mr. Kearns' appearance was arranged by Kirsten Fedewa and Associates, L.L.C, a public relations and talent management firm headquartered in Washington D.C.

The full America Salutes You Tracklist is below:

1. "Sharp Dressed Man" - Billy Gibbons
2. "Black Magic Woman" - Emily Estefan
3. "Roadhouse Blues" - Sammy Hagar, Robby Krieger and Joe Bonamassa
4. "Light My Fire" - Robby Krieger and Haley Reinhart
5. "Backdoor Man" - Orianthi, Dave Navarro, Robby Krieger
6. "I Get Evil" - Joe Bonamassa and Vernon Reid
7. "Love The One You're With " - Stephen Stills, Billy Gibbons, Haley Reinhart, Robby Krieger and Orianthi
8. "Crosstown Traffic" - Vernon Reid
9. "Hotel California" - Don Felder and Orianthi
10. "Low Rider" - Billy Gibbons and Friends
11. "Oh America" - Anthony Kearns and Laurence Juber

Photo, left to right: guitarist Laurence Juber with tenor Anthony Kearns. (Courtesy Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.)

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