Finding solutions to make our schools and our communities safer from gun violence can’t just be down to the families impacted by these tragedies, it is down to all of us. This is the hope behind this Detroit Youth Choir's version of “Sweet Child O’ Mine”.
This rendition was inspired by 11 Year Old Uvalde Victim, Layla Salazar who was one of the nineteen children and two teachers tragically killed at Robb Elementary in Ulvade, Texas. Each morning as her Dad Vinnie Salazar drove Layla to school in his truck, they would sing-along together to “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses.
Layla's story and imagery has been included in this film with permission of her father.
If you would like to donate to Layla Salazar’s family GoFund me page, you can here: www.gofundme.c...
And you can donate and learn more about Sandy Hook Promise and the programs they provide here: www.sandyhookp...
The Detroit Youth Choir’s Artistic Director, Anthony T. White, said, “This song asks a simple question; “Where do we go now?” While progress has been made, this is no time for complacency, as the lyrics of the rap in the song say: “It can’t take 10 years to ask what’s next.” This version of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is a poignant call to action from today’s youth to all grown-ups to stay at the table, show respect to one another and continue to work together to find solutions to make our schools and communities safer from gun violence.”
DETROIT YOUTH CHOIR
Terry Ancton, Syncere Bell, Chauncey Bowers, Cailey Brown, Le-Andre Brown, Geneece Davis, Skylar Ellis, Kimmia Felder, Olivia Flood, Joshua Flowers, Jayda Forney, Carley Foster, Trinity Glenn, Sevyn Graham, Mya Horne, Miles Humphries, Dayton Jackson, Olivia Jones, Ahja Lewis, Sydney McCarrell, Danielle McKay, Gabriel Mumpfield, Uchechi Okike, Mikaylah Parker, HayLee Richardson, Kayla Roach, Keenan Roy, Tylar Smith, Alanna Stevenson, Kennedie Tate, Payton Tatum, Christopher Timmons, Daelin Whitfield, Aris Williams, Arzyria Turner, Coryn Pruitt, Caimile Moreland, Sahrye Thomas, Jaylen Fenderson, Kaeden Williams.
DETROIT YOUTH CHOIR SOLOISTS (in order of performance)
Shyel White
Manuel Rivera
Gwendolyn Jackson
Kaili Pickett
RAP LYRICS AND RAPPER
Indigo Yaj
DETROIT YOUTH CHOIR STAFF
Anthony White: Artistic Director
Donnell Mosley: Musical Director (DYC productions)
Brandee Pruitt: Logistics coordinator
Darrius Washington: Choir instructor
Ryan Bowie: Assistant. Director
Ashia Lee: Head Choreographer
Diamond Carswell: Choreographer
Carmelita Flemister: Choreographer
Shalayla Williams: Choreographer
Daniel Valentine: Program Director
Stephen Shepherd: Director of Operations
LaVell Nero: Choir Manager
MUSICIANS
Jasmine Johnson: Cello
Davin Adams: Violin
Elora Adams: Viola
YESSIAN MUSIC - Musical Arrangement, Production, Recording and Mixing
Gerard Smerek: Song Producer, Executive Producer, Global Creative Director, Mixer, Recordist, Engineer
Mark Chu: Music arrangement & adaptation, track production, all programming & playing
IndigoYaj: Additional Choir Vocal Arranging.
Mike Baluha: Pro Tools Recording Engineer.
Jeff Dittenber: Vocal Editing Engineer.
Katie Vantine: Pro Tools Assistant Engineer, Production Assistant.
Lars Makie: Music Licensing Supervisor
Brian Yessian: Partner/Chief Creative Officer
IMAGINATION - Concept, Creative and Lead Agency.
Alistair Wilson: Managing Director & Executive Producer
Rob Bullen: Chief Financial Officer
Joe Caruso: Head of Production
Jonny Ellison: Creative Director
Joey Sheridan: Art Director
Eve Gebowski: Graphic Design Intern
Nick Sullivan: Film and Editorial Director
Destiny Bruderick: Film Editor
Nicole O'Hara, Tiffany Leen:: Research support
FILM PRODUCTION
Everett Stewart: Director
Get Super Rad: Director of Photography
Naya Moreno: Producer
Jeff Tabb: Camera Operator
Kyle Adcock: Assistant Camera Operator
Rick Saliga: Assistant Camera Operator
Angie Hartley: Production Design
Archie Wilson: Poster Artist
Delaney Cavanaugh: Set Dresser
Kirk Yoshonis: Gaffer
Cooper Arent: Grip
Brandon Parker: Production Assistant & BTS Photography
Josh Cousineau: Production Assistant
Ny’Ea Reynolds: Production Assistant
Rohan Makhecha and DetroitPhoto: Set Photography
ORIGINAL STRATEGIES, PR
Joanna Rosholm
Carly Wienner
SPECIAL ]ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Salazar Family, Sandy Hook Promise, Aimee Thunberg, Gary Withers, Patrick Reid,, Brandi Haggins, Caroline Morales, Lauren Vrazilek, Christina Twelftree, Leslie DeShazor, Camila & Matthew McConaughey, Guns N’ Roses & Universal Music.
10 май 2023
