Stonewall Inn – the site of the historic riots that changed history – has released an official song to commemorate its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The official anthem, ‘Stonewall’ is a UK-US collaboration co-written by San Francisco artist and singer David Corbell and Sheffield’s Grammy-winning producer, Eliot Kennedy who has penned multiple chart hits for acts including Bryan Adams, Take That and the Spice Girls.
Proceeds from the song will go the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.
David Corbell, said: “I was honored that the owners at Stonewall Inn in New York, Stacy Lentz and Kurt Kelly, selected me to create the official anthem. It’s a powerful song of resistance, celebrating the Stonewall pioneers. LGBTQIA+ rights and human rights are under attack in the current political environment. Music is a way to bring people together and we hope our anthem will inspire and uplift with its message of strength in the face of adversity.”
Celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots take place around the world on June 28. On that date in 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City. At the time, sex acts were illegal between two men or two women in every US state apart from Illinois. It became the most important day in LGBT+ history as the crowd fought back and kick-started the fight for LGBT+ rights around the world.
David added: “Our anthem celebrates the strength of the brave men and women who stood up against oppression and police brutality. We hope the song captures the spirit of Stonewall. As a long time Castro resident and LGBTQIA+ activist, I hope the song resonates far and wide, and continues the message of those human rights’ pioneers.”
Stonewall 50 celebrations coincide with Pride marches around the world, including New York City Pride on June 30, with London hosting Pride on Saturday July 6, where David Corbell will be singing live from Trafalgar Square.
‘Stonewall’ is available now on all streaming and music download sites, including Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play stores, as well as a music video on YouTube.
Listen on Spotify <https://open.spotify.com/album/2UaQL0Kzh0N3FUFId0Fniq> or download on all platforms here: hyperurl.co/jczbqp <http://hyperurl.co/jczbqp>
Pictures show David Corbell.