Red Hot Releases Billy Porter's Soaring Rendition of Juliet Roberts' Club Classic, "Caught In The Middle"

"30 years ago no one even wanted to talk about HIV and AIDS let alone celebrate the community with music and dance...That's why the work that RED HOT does is so important. Thank you for leading the way." - Billy Porter

New Album Red Hot + Free Out July 2nd, Continuing the Fight Against HIV/AIDS with Contributions From Allie X, Amadou & Mariam, Amanda Lepore, Bright Light Bright Light, Cakes Da Killa & Honey Dijon, Gloria Gaynor, Louis The Child, SOFI TUKKER, Tituss Burgess, Ultra Naté & Dozens More

Today, the Red Hot organization is honored to unveil Billy Porter's resounding rendition of Juliet Roberts' chart-topping club classic, "Caught In The Middle." As the very first track created and conceived exclusively for Red Hot + Free - the HIV/AIDS-fighting non-profit's double album of dance music out July 2nd - the pairing of Porter's performance with the production of Bill Coleman and John "J-C" Carr's 808 BEACH delivers a soaring statement that captures the essence of post-pandemic love, liberation and this month's Pride celebrations.

Read more at Rolling Stone and listen to "Caught In The Middle" here: https://youtu.be/F6f6a31W1oU

Since 1990, Red Hot has used music, pop culture and the release of 20 charitable, collaborative compilation albums to reduce stigmas, raise more than $15 million for hundreds of humanitarian groups, and support those whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. On joining the long lineage of Red Hot artists, Billy Porter says:

"I live at the intersection of art and activism. 30 years ago no one even wanted to talk about HIV and AIDS let alone celebrate the community with music and dance. There has to be joy in the middle of the pain, and hope that things can and will get better. That's why the work that RED HOT does is so important. Thank you for leading the way. I'm so happy to be a part of carrying on the tradition."

Go behind the scenes of Billy Porter's "Caught In The Middle" recording session here, and watch an in-depth conversation with Red Hot + Free executive producer and 808 BEACH member Bill Coleman here, discussing dream projects, the responsibilities of an LGBTQ icon, and how being Black and queer has changed in the past three decades.

Bill Coleman adds, "When we embarked on creating what would become Red Hot + Free nearly 3 years ago, I knew we had to have Billy. His energy, fortitude and all-around New York fierceness embody the spirit of our album and Red Hot's consistent missions to raise awareness. To be able to produce this thumping cover of one of our absolute favorite '90s club jams is not only a welcome gift creatively, but an energetic and festive nod to our friends who are no longer with us. 'Caught In The Middle' is our purposely reverent and unvarnished soulful house rave up with a Sylvester-inspired tempo to simply party to and play loud. I just love hearing Billy soar within the grooves! We hope everyone bops to it."

With proceeds benefiting the Ally Coalition, Trevor Project and SAGE, Red Hot + Freeis not only meant to lift spirits and unleash souls from this past year's lockdown, but to celebrate the LGBTQ community, the Black queer movements and the inclusive club scenes that continue to influence contemporary culture and modern music history. In addition to "Caught In The Middle," Red Hot + Free features SOFI TUKKER x Amadou & Mariam's melting pot of "Mon Cheri," the gospel-house testimony of "U Try Livin' (Pressure)," remixes of Ultra Naté's "Free (Live Your Life)" and Vagabon's "Water Me Down," new versions of songs from Allie X, supergroup CRICKETS (JD Samson, Roddy Bottum, Michael O'Neill), Cakes Da Killa with Honey Dijon, Casey Spooner, a fresh take on Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," plus collaborations between Bright Light Bright Light & The Illustrious Blacks, Louis The Child & Foster The People, Tituss Burgess & Imani Coppola and so much more.

As Entertainment Weekly says, "the 18-track HIV/AIDS benefit album is here to save your summer." Find the full tracklist below and pre-order Red Hot + Free here.

Red Hot + Free Tracklist

Disc 1:

"Mon Cheri" - SOFI TUKKER and Amadou & Mariam

"U Try Livin' (Pressure)" - Black Guy White Guy x 808 BEACH

"Elastic" (808 BEACH Dangerous Power Mix) - CRICKETS

"Start It Up" (Red Hot Extended) - Body Language

"Super Duper Party People" (Alan Braxe Extended Mix) - Allie X

"Pressure" (RedTop Mix) - Sam Sparro

"Free (Live Your Life)" (Felix Da Housecat x Chris Trucher Remix) - Ultra Naté

"Caught In The Middle" - Billy Porter

"Every Color" (Dombresky Remix) - Louis The Child & Foster The People

Disc 2: