Heartland of America CD Is a Musical Treasure; Celebrities Sing to Raise Money for Blind Children

Heartland of America CD Is a Musical Treasure; Celebrities Sing to Raise Money for Blind Children

OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- What do U.S. Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, "Rock's Boy Genius" Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and legendary actor and singer of the 1950's, Gordon MacRae have in common?

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061116/NYFNSU11 )

These four Nebraskans, plus 16 other celebrities all sing on the CD Nebraska Celebrities Sing for Sight, to raise money for blind children.

A mixture of pop, show tunes, country western, lite rock and more, this album is the brainchild of Karen Sokolof Javitch, songwriter and former teacher of the blind. She is donating all proceeds from the CD to NFVIC - Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children.

"This was a great way for me to combine my love of songwriting, children and Nebraskans," Sokolof said.

Twenty celebrities donated their time and talent to this project. Oberst of Bright Eyes contributed his song First Day of my Life. Chuck Penington, of Mannheim Steamroller, wrote and recorded One More Time, a song for MacRae. Nelson recorded a country western song of Sokolof's called Western Town in Nebraska, which is going to be featured in the movie "Out of Omaha," while Crouch makes his musical debut on the album.

Sixteen other Nebraska celebrities are included: movie and television actor John Beasley; Broadway actress Joanna Young; State Senator David Landis; American Idol triplets -- Erin, Mandy and Missy Maynard; Omaha World-Herald columnist Mike Kelly; singers Cory Sanchez; Earl Bates; Krissy Cole; and husband-wife singing team Jim and Pam Kalal. The late anti-cholesterol crusader, Phil Sokolof sings a medley recorded live at an Omaha Press Club Event. Also singing a duet are Omaha Community Playhouse actors Dick Boyd and Elaine Jabenis. "From A Child's Eyes" features the late saxophonist, Preston Love.

You don't have to be from Nebraska to appreciate this CD. Order at www.jmrproductions.com or call 402-393-3893.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061116/NYFNSU11
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: JMR Productions

CONTACT: Norma Johnson of JMR Productions, +1-402-393-3893, or fax,
+1-402-393-3926

Web site: http://www.jmrproductions.com/

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