New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Universally acclaimed singer/songwriters
Michael McDonald and Willie
Nelson are joined by
David Hidalgo of Los Lobos for their rendition of the classic track "Dreams of the San Joaquin." The trio are now debuting a new video for the single - directed by Micah
Nelson - via CBS "Sunday Morning;" watch the video below:
The song, written by Randy Sharp and Jack
Wesley Routh and made famous by both
Kenny Rogers and
Linda Ronstadt, tells the story of a worker in the fields of San
Joaquin Valley during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression in the '30s and '40s.
"The migrant farm worker is as responsible if not more for maintaining our country's position as one of the largest agricultural economies in the world," McDonald explains. "The labor that falls squarely on their shoulders allows farmers to bring produce to our stores and food to our tables as reasonably priced as possible. COVID has ravaged this quadrant of the American workforce disproportionately."
He continues, "RAICES and United Farm Workers Union are working hard to bring vaccine awareness and financial help to provide distribution to this demographic so hard hit by COVID-19.
"Willie
Nelson adds, "This was a collaboration of love and a prayer for understanding. It sends a message of hope that we all need to hear. I've always loved Mike's voice and enjoyed making this with him and my son Micah."
"This collaboration of love shows that even our oldest friends are still bringing new understanding to our cause," notes Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers. "After a particularly brutal year for farm workers, their support is priceless."
Ana
Maria Rea-Ventre, Vice President of Advocacy at RAICES, says, "This heartfelt rendition of 'Dreams of the San Joaquin' is a beautiful reminder of all that the migrant community of over eight million people sacrifices to give their families a better life. May we all be moved by this song to fight with our migrant brothers and sisters, to whom our country owes so much."
