Global Music Movement for Peace and Connection

Playing for Change is a global multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through the universal language of music. Founded in 2002 by Mark Johnson and Whitney Kroenke, the project began with the idea of recording street musicians around the world and weaving their performances together into one song—demonstrating that music has no borders.

The viral success of their first major video, “Stand By Me” (2008), featuring musicians from across the globe, launched what has become a worldwide phenomenon. Since then, Playing for Change has produced countless “Songs Around the World,” featuring artists from more than 50 countries collaborating across cultures, languages, and traditions.

Beyond their recordings and concerts, Playing for Change established the Playing for Change Foundation, which has built and supported over 50 music and arts schools, programs, and projects in 17 countries. The foundation provides children in underserved communities with access to free music education and the opportunity to cultivate creativity, hope, and peace through the arts.

Playing for Change has performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages and collaborated with legendary musicians such as Bono, Keith Richards, Manu Chao, Keb’ Mo’, and Ringo Starr. Their message is simple yet powerful: music unites us all.