Is this the first charity record?
Released in 1963, 21 years before Band Aid, this must be one of the few records “Issued By The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees.”
A truly international effort, including contributions from Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Maurice Chevalier, Nana Mouskouri, Luis Alberto Del Parana, Edith Piaf and Caterina Valente amongst others.
The release includes a sheet detailing the work of the UN around the world, and a written introduction from Yul Brynner, Special Consultant to the High Commissioner and Chairman of the Honorary Selection panel at the time.
“The artists donated songs, some specially written and composed, others exclusively reserved for this record. The phonographic industry co-operated wholeheartedly and released the artists from their contractual obligations for this unique purpose.”
The UN logo on a record label is a rare thing indeed.
Any suggestions of earlier charity records, or is this the first?
CarlosTheDJ.com 
well I didnt know that. I’ll be recommending a 2014 remix tomorrow at the office
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