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Today, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of WAR’s legendary album and song, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” Playing For Change unites the current and original remaining members of WAR with over 30 musicians from across the globe, for a powerful new Song Around The World. Just in time for the holiday season, and in a moment when the world may feel more divided than ever, this collaboration reminds us of the simple truth at the heart of the song: music has the power to heal us, connect us and celebrate what truly matters – love, friendship and compassion.
Watch “Why Can’t We Be Friends (ft. WAR and Friends)” Here
In this special performance of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” WAR, led by founding member and frontman Lonnie Jordan, and former band members Howard Scott, Harold Brown and Lee Oskar are joined by Playing For Change Band’s Titi Tsira, soulful trombonist Big Sam, the vibrancy of Mariachi Tierra Noble, and the amazing new talent of River Eckert, alongside Keiko Komaki, Ellis Hall, Domou Grand Dakar, Tonho Matéira, Washboard Chaz and many more. From New Orleans to South Africa, this rendition transcends borders and generations through the universal language of rhythm, as it captures the unwavering groove, harmony and humanity that made WAR one of the most influential bands of all time.
“Fifty years on, ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’ feels more powerful than ever,” says WAR’s longtime producer Jerry Goldstein. “It’s a beautiful message, and we’re grateful to share it with the world and bring people together through the music.”
Since its chart-topping release in 1975, Why Can’t We Be Friends? has served as a joyful counterpoint to the notion that difference must divide us, reminding listeners that empathy and collaboration remain our greatest tools for change. While the album received a 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition earlier this spring, in between the band performing on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and receiving their coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this new arrangement of the title track proves that WAR’s universal message is timeless – and that their music is more than art. It’s a pathway to unity, connection and hope.
As WAR enters its sixth decade – with more than 50 million albums sold, 20 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations, a GRAMMY Hall of Fame entry, four #1 LPs, nine Top 10 and twenty Top 40 songs – their signature fusion of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, rock and street music remains undeniable. After all, “when it comes to low rider Cali-cool multiculturalism, WAR wrote the biggest, loudest book,” says Variety. But it is their ability to craft songs of social consciousness that continues to shape movements and incite change, as this latest collaboration not only honors the enduring impact of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” but inspires a new generation to keep asking, and living by, this question.
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