Guitar legend creates anthem to benefit St. Jude

PHOENIX - Dec. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- With the wave of a baton, “The Maestro of Rock” has transformed himself into a musical Santa Claus this holiday season, bringing good cheer and tidings as well as money on behalf of children’s research.

Dick Wagner, the legendary guitarist and songwriter who has penned some of the greatest rock songs of the 20^th Century, recently crafted “If I Had The Time (I Could Change The World),” an infectious and soulful anthem for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“When I was asked to write a song to benefit the St. Jude children, I thought about what a song can mean in the context of our inner lives, the part that is willing to give, to help others in a time of need,” Wagner said. “This song reflects the notion that we can do something positive to help change lives. By downloading this song, we can all make a difference – one download at a time. We can literally change the world for a child.”

Wagner hit up a legion of celebrity musicians who donated their time to record the song under the moniker of Rockers for St. Jude All Star Band & Choir. They include: Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Lee Sklar (James Taylor) Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Trini Lopez (Lemon Tree), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart), Merilee Rush (Angel of the Morning), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), Jean Beauvoir (The Plasmatics), Laurie Beebe Lewis (The New Mamas and the Papas), Jim Dandy (Black Oak Arkansas), The Angels (My Boyfriend’s Back), Dick and Dee Dee (Mountain High), Chris Sanders (Knight Fury), Fred Mandel (Elton John), Ray Colcord (Lou Reed), Nadir D’Priest (London), David Shankle (Manowar), Neil Turbin (Deathriders), Chris Holmes (Wasp), Billy Hinsche (Beach Boys), Black Oak Arkansas, Raymond Calhoun (Gap Band), Micki Free (Shalamar), Tony Valentino (the Standells), Donna Loren, the Artimus Pyle Band, Tim Bogert (Beck, Bogert and Appice), Prescott Niles (The Knack), Richie Onori (The Sweet), John Claude Gummoe (Rhythm of the Rain), Michael Angelo Batio (#1 Guitar World Magazine Best Shredder), Sal Valentino (Beau Brummels), Ross the Boss Friedman (Manowar), Chris Holmes (WASP), Bob Kulick (KISS), Vinny Martell (Vanilla Fudge), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons), Ted Neeley (Jesus Christ Superstar), and more.

In addition to the musicians and choir, Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood donated the recording studio time and Warren Huart (Aerosmith) donated his engineering and mixing talents.

Wagner says the experience of recording with such esteemed artists and the reward of giving back to children is worthy of an encore.

“I don’t think Rockers for St. Jude should be a one-time deal. I would like to do something every year or maybe even put together an entire album next time we get together,” Wagner said. “There is more love in the human heart than can ever be given away.”

“If I Had the Time (I Could Change the World)” is available for download worldwide on iTunes, Amazon.com, cdbaby.com, and on digital download sites around the world. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and your download is your donation.

To purchase the song (digital download) to support St. Jude: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/if-i-had-time-i-could-change/id744968422

About Dick Wagner

Guitarist Dick Wagner lent his playing (and in some cases, songwriting) talents to some of rock’s biggest albums, including Lou Reed's “Rock N Roll Animal,” Alice Cooper's “Welcome to My Nightmare,” Aerosmith’s “Get Your Wings” and Kiss' “Destroyer.” His work has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Etta James, Tina Turner, and Lita Ford, among others. For more information about Dick Wagner and his discography, visit http://www.wagnermusic.com/