Legendary Musicians Release Benefit Album for Folksinger Anne Feeney

A group of well-known musicians from diverse genres have come together to release a new album of songs written by hellraising Pittsburgh-based folksinger Anne Feeney.

After decades of relentless touring and organizing, Feeney has been fighting cancer--and winning--for the past several years, making it impossible for her keep up her near constant tour schedule. Her daughter, Amy Sue Berlin, curated the compilation, titled "War on the Workers" after one of Feeney's most beloved songs.

The album features new cover recordings by iconic acts like punk rock heroes Anti-Flag, Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul, and Mary), acclaimed songwriter Dan Bern, folk legend Holly Near, and social justice power duo Emma's Revolution.

Listen to the album at annefeeney.bandcamp.com/releases.

"For decades, I've held Anne in great esteem: for her determined heart, her passionate commitment to justice and the way she's lived the messages of the folk tradition (just as Peter, Paul, and Mary did) putting her life and her presence out there to speak about and sing about what needs to be shared," writes Peter Yarrow in the liner notes for the album.

"I decided to put together this tribute album for my mother, Anne Feeney to honor the extremely hard work she has done her whole life for the labor movement," said Amy Sue Berlin, "Wherever there is a gigantic protest going on, you can always find my mom on the front lines raising hell. I have never witnessed a more powerful, dedicated, articulate, hilarious woman on this planet. Her music is a platform to educate and unite the people."

Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Anne Feeney is the granddaughter of an intrepid mineworkers' organizer, who also used music to carry the message of solidarity to working people. After two decades of community activism and regional performances at rallies, Anne took her message on the road. Since 1991 she's traveled to the frontlines in 42 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden. Her anthem "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" is being performed by activists everywhere, and was recorded twice by Peter, Paul and Mary. Dubbed the "minister of culture" to the movements for economic and social justice and human rights, Anne is "the best labor singer in North America" according to Utah Phillips. Anne has played for crowds of hundreds of thousands, at some of the largest protests and rallies of the last century, and shared the stage with legends like Pete Seeger, Billy Bragg, Loretta Lynn, Danny Glover, and Peggy Seeger. Her music is regularly featured on Democracy Now.

Other musicians featured include Trout Fishing in America, Evan Greer, Rebel Voices, Connie & Anna Cohen, John Elliot, The Hot Nut Riveters, Chris Chandler, Peter Wilde & Nancy Silvers, Brian Cutean, Collean Kattau, and Eric Schwartz. Proceeds from the album will go directly to Anne.

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