Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers helped some elementary school music students from Southern California live out a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy recently when he took part in a special recording session organized by the Adopt the Arts foundation.
Videos by American Songwriter
Rodgers joined the organization’s co-founder, ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, and eight kids who are members of The Changels—Adopt the Arts’ honor choir—to record a version of the 1979 Bad Company hit “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
The session took place at GoodNoise Studio in Palm Springs, California, and was co-produced by Sorum and multi-instrumentalist Bruce Witkin. Rodgers contributed vocals to the track along with the Changels members. Sorum played drums, while Witkin played guitar, keyboards, and bass. Respected session musician Brett Smith Daniels played lead guitar on the track.
Sorum and Witkin previously were touring members of Hollywood Vampires, Alice Cooper’s supergroup with Johnny Depp and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry.
A video of the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” performance, featuring footage from the session, has been posted on the Adopt the Arts foundation’s YouTube channel.
The session was filmed as part of an in-the-works documentary about The Changels, which looks at the impact music education has on children during their formative years.
The musical collaboration was part of an Adopt the Arts initiative offering students in underserved areas the chance to experience interactions with music-industry professionals outside of the classroom. The program includes mentoring sessions, recording opportunities, and concert performances.
The Changels are made up of a diverse group of elementary students who attend schools in the Palm Springs area that have partnered with Adopt the Arts. The collective records songs that focus on themes of hope and unity.
More About Rodgers’ Adopt the Arts Collaboration
Rodgers shared his feeling about collaborating with The Changels in a statement.
“Music has the power to transform lives—I’ve experienced it myself and seen it countless times throughout my career,” said the 75-year-old rocker, whose old band recently was chosen for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Working with these young, talented and very engaged singers is an opportunity to pass along not just technical knowledge, but the passion, joy and spirit that comes from musical expression.”
Sorum also commented about the collaboration, while acknowledging the positive impact the Adopt the Arts initiative has.
“We’re not just teaching these kids about music—we’re showing them how music can open doors and create community,” Matt maintained. “Having Paul Rodgers join us is incredible. These are formative experiences that build confidence and skills these kids will carry with them throughout their lives.”
Rodgers Recalls How He Wrote “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy”
In addition to the “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” video, a clip of Rodgers and Sorum answering questions about their careers and love for music from the Changels members has been posted on the Adopt the Arts YouTube channel.
At one point during the video, Rodgers was asked how he wrote “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
He recalled that Bad Company had a little downtime before starting a new tour, and their manager had asked him to try to write a couple of new tunes.
Rodgers said that while trying to write, he began playing around with a synthesizer guitar. The instrument made various sounds when you clicked different switches. He decided to click all of the switches at once, which produced a unique sound that prompted him to think, “Wow, it’s a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy this thing.”
Rodgers realized that the phrase would make a great title for a song, and he proceed to start thinking about things he liked about rock ‘n’ roll that he could incorporate into the lyrics.
Paul finished his story by noting, “I wrote about all the things I like about playing on stage. It’s a song about making music, really.”
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” appeared on Bad Company’s fifth studio album, Desolation Angels. The song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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