Sara Bareilles is among a group of singers, Broadway stars, comedians, actors and other notable New Yorkers lending their voices for a cover of a Billy Joel classic.
The new version of "New York State of Mind" was crafted to tout New York, help promote a post-COVID comeback and stir civic participation.
Idina Menzel, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ben Stiller, Andy Cohen, Stephen Colbert and Joel's daughter, Alexa Ray, are among the many stars to appear on the track.
“To sing Billy Joel's iconic song alongside my community members at a time when the city needs us all was so meaningful to me," Bareilles said. "I'm so grateful this project came to life in such a big way.”
The music video was filmed in several locations across the five boroughs including the Brooklyn Museum, Columbia University, Maimonides Park, New York University, Red Hook Winery, Steinway & Sons Factory, and Coney Island's Wonder Wheel.
The project was arranged by the grassroots organization NYCNext.
The group notes on its website that Joel penned the love letter to New York when the city was on the verge of economic collapse in the 1970s.
"In this equally challenging time, we realized that this song was precisely the rally cry that New York needs," the group said. "And so, with Billy’s support and approval, we set out to create an all-new recording and music video that we hope will inspire, lift the spirits of New Yorkers, and motivate them toward civic action."
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram