A Very Special Christmas is the title of an ongoing series of Christmas music compilation albums that benefit Special Olympics. It features songs performed by artists from a variety of genres, such as U2, Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, Madonna, No Doubt, Whitney Houston, Run–D.M.C., Willie Nelson and Bruce Springsteen.
A Very Special Christmas was the brainchild of music producer Jimmy Iovine, who wanted to produce a Christmas album as a memorial to his father. The idea of the record benefiting Special Olympics was suggested by Iovine's wife Vicki, as she was a volunteer for the organization. Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, the founders of A&M Records, along with Bobby Shriver, helped the Iovines realize the project. Since the release of the first album in 1987, the series has raised over $100 million for Special Olympics, more than any other benefit series. The album cover art is designed by artist Keith Haring.
In 1995, the jazz-oriented Jazz to the World was released by Blue Note Records. The following year, World Christmas, which focused on diverse artists from around the globe, was released by Blue Note subsidiary Metro Blue Records. Although they are not part of the main A Very Special Christmas series, the proceeds from these albums also benefit Special Olympics.
Jazz to the World
World Christmas
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| A Very Special Christmas | ||
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| Compilation album | ||
| Released | 1987 - 2003 | |
| Genre | Christmas music | |
A Very Special Christmas is a series of compilation albums of Christmas music. It features Christmas carols and songs sung in various styles by such music superstars as U2, Stevie Nicks, Bon Jovi, Madonna, No Doubt, Whitney Houston, Run-D.M.C., Willie Nelson and Bruce Springsteen.
A Very Special Christmas, the first in the series of compilations, was released in 1987. It was a benefit album, supporting the Special Olympics. Since the release of this first album in 1987, the entire series has raised over $55 million, more than any other benefit series. The cover art is by Keith Haring.
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Neither the album A Very Special Christmas with Rosemary Clooney by Rosemary Clooney nor A Very Special Christmas by 12 Rods is associated with this series.
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