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'Before the Goldrush’ Revisits Classic Singer-Songwriters to Benefit Teach For America

CAREY OTT among 26 contemporary music artists pays homage to James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and others

Before the Goldrush pays tribute to artists and mentors alike with a collection of tracks performed by contemporary musicians in homage to the singer-songwriters who inspire them. Contributions include songs written by James Taylor, Leonard Cohen, Tim Buckley, Joni Mitchell, and others who laid the groundwork for today's generation of musicians.

“It's rare to meet an artist whose creativity wasn't buoyed by a teacher,” said Gary Guthrie, the project’s producer. “Whether it was an art teacher, band director, literature professor, speech coach, or the kindergarten teacher who told them that it was OK to color outside the lines, there's usually someone who provided a key with which to open the artistic soul.”

A virtual open call was made to singer-songwriters around the world to participate in the project. Some are the children of teachers, some are teachers themselves, but all believe in the importance of great teachers in shaping the next generation.

Many of those in the participating musicians’ audiences are recent college graduates who have joined the Teach For America corps. Teach For America's corps members commit two years to teach in under-resourced public schools and become lifelong leaders in the pursuit of educational excellence for all children.

Before the Goldrush features tracks from established artists and those whose work is gaining traction through touring and song placement on TV shows and in movies. A complete list of the artists and their tracks is attached.

Before the Goldrush is a digital-only release. It will be available October exclusively through Amazon.com, with other music e-tailers to follow. All profits go to Teach For America.

“Before the Goldrush” – front page profile and Artist Track List

Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in expanding educational opportunity. This year, 6,200 corps members are teaching in over 1,600 schools in 29 regions across the country while more than 14,000 Teach For America
alumni continue working from inside and outside the field of education for the fundamental changes necessary to ensure educational excellence and equity. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org.