Stars shine in fund-raiser

Associated Press

NEW YORK – In an extraordinary benefit across the television dial, entertainers from Tom Hanks to Bruce Springsteen united Friday to raise money for victims of the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks.

Making understated appeals for donations, actors told stories of innocent people killed and heroic acts. They alternated short speeches with singers who performed on sets decorated by hundreds of burning candles.

“We are not healers,” Hanks said. “We are not protectors of this great nation. We are merely artists, entertainers, here to raise spirits and, we hope, a great deal of money.”

Singer Paul Simon, wearing an “FDNY” cap, sang a spooky version of his venerable hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Mariah Carey sang “Hero” in her first public appearance since her breakdown.

Texan Willie Nelson led an all-star version of “America the Beautiful” but it fell to a Canadian, Celine Dion, to sing “God Bless America.”

The unprecedented event was being shown on more than 30 TV networks, including all of the six biggest broadcasters ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN and the WB simultaneously. “America: A Tribute to Heroes” was also being heard on more than 8,000 radio stations.

It was reminiscent of the Live Aid concerts for famine relief in 1985, but that wasn’t available across such a wide spectrum of networks.

Within the first 15 minutes, Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and the rock band U2 performed on stages in New York, Los Angeles and London.

“This is a prayer for our fallen brothers and sisters,” Springsteen said opening the telecast, before singing a new song, “My City of Ruins.”

Wonder condemned hatred in the name of religion before singing “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” Neil Young performed the late John Lennon’s hit, “Imagine.” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played their defiant, “I Won’t Back Down.” Wyclef Jean, dressed in stars and stripes, sang Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.”

With such stars as Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts and Jim Carrey and a two-hour limit, it was hard to fit in everybody interested in pitching in. Celebrities such as Meg Ryan, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone were relegated to the phone bank, answering contributors’ calls.

A phone number, 866-TO-UNITE, and Web site, www.tributetoheroes.org, were flashed across the screen for donations. Organizers said they probably wouldn’t have an estimate of how much was contributed until early next week.

The special, pulled together in less than a week with artists donating their time, was telecast live without an audience and went off with barely a hitch

Actor Will Smith appeared with the boxer he’s portraying in an upcoming movie, Muhammad Ali, to remind viewers not to target all Muslims in the wake of the Sept. 11 attack.

“I wouldn’t be here representing Islam if it were terrorist,” Ali said. “I think all people should know the truth, come to recognize the truth. Islam is peace.”

“Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer, dressed in black and fighting for his composure, talked about John F. Kennedy. His show’s executive producer, David Angell, was killed in one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center.

Sting dedicated his song, “Fragile,” to World Trade Center victim Herman Sandler, a friend whom he imagined dying as he lived, “heroically, helping other people.”

Julia Roberts, after saluting people at the Pentagon who saved lives, said, “Life is so precious. Please, please, let’s love one another. Live each day. Reach out to each other. Be kind to each other. Peace be with you. God is great.”

When Long Island native Billy Joel sang “New York State of Mind,” a New York City firefighter’s hat sat on his piano.

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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