Artwork for Sir Ivan’s new song | Photo: Provided
The synth and beat immediately sets in and the song starts: ‘Everybody get together/Try to love one another/Right now.’
Dance recording artist Sir Ivan released his new single this week and it doesn’t shy away from its message.
Get Together, a techno-remake of the Youngbloods’ 1969 hit, is all about love — and condemning hate.
Chet Powers, also known as Dino Valenti, wrote the song as an impassioned plea for peace, brotherhood, and coming together in love. It’s no coincidence it came out in the midst of the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement, a decidedly tumultuous period in the United States.
Sir Ivan’s take on the song is a dance version, while keeping its message and upbeat tone in tact. Listen to it below.
The Kingston Trio first recorded the original song in 1964, soon followed by David Crosby. We Five and Jefferson Airplane then also did their own versions of the song.
It found most of its success with the Youngbloods. They originally released their version in 1967. They re-released it two years later and it peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Wanting to make everyone feel safe
Sir Ivan chose this song with the weight of today’s current events.
‘As in the 1960’s, we are undergoing a time of deep divisions in our country. There’s never been a better time to get together,’ he said.
All proceeds from the song are going to Ivan’s Peaceman Foundation.
Ivan founded this organization ‘to battle hatred and violence – especially against those who are perceived as outsiders’. Another goal of the Foundation is to help those suffering from PTSD.
The Foundation distributes their raised funds to various charities who work in these areas. Some groups that have received support from the Peaceman Foundation include the Elton John AIDS Foundation, GLSEN, The Trevor Project, and more.
‘As the son of a Jewish Holocaust survivor who suffered the murders of 59 family members, I’ve always been an activist for people who have been persecuted,’ he said, explaining his passion for this work.
‘I was brought up with a heightened awareness of the harm that being perceived as different can cause. Through my music and influence, I want to demonstrate the importance of acceptance and understanding. Vulnerable communities, the LGBTQ community in particular, need to feel safe from hatred and through my music and my philanthropy, I am working to help get people together and make everyone feel safe.’
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