The Doobie Brothers have recorded a new song to benefit the People’s Fund of Maui, a charity that helps those affected by the devastating wildfires that swept through the island last summer. The band also donated $100,000 to the fund, showing their generosity and solidarity with the Maui community.
The song, titled “Lahaina”, is a tribute to the historic town on the west coast of Maui, where many of the band members have lived or visited over the years. The song was co-written by Pat Simmons, who lives on Maui, and Michael McDonald, who used to live there. Simmons says, “I’ve been a resident of Maui for 28 years now and I wanted to make a tribute to the place I’ve called home for so long and help bring awareness and donations for the recovery and relief efforts there. This song is a look back at what Lahaina has meant to all of us. So many people have walked the streets of Lahaina and have felt that aloha spirit and we hope that one day we will walk those streets again.”
The song features a star-studded lineup of musicians, including Maui resident Mick Fleetwood on drums, who lost his restaurant and retail store in Lahaina due to the fires. Other guests include native Hawaiians Jake Shimabukuro on ukulele and Henry Kapono on vocals, as well as the band’s original members Tom Johnston and John McFee.
The People’s Fund of Maui was started by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who both own properties on the island, to provide financial support to those displaced by the fires. The fund has raised over $2 million so far and has helped hundreds of families with housing, food, clothing and other essentials.
The song “Lahaina” is available for streaming and download on all major platforms, and all proceeds will go to the People’s Fund of Maui. The Doobie Brothers hope that their song will inspire more people to donate and support the Maui community, as well as celebrate the beauty and culture of the island. As Simmons says, “We love Maui and we want to do our part to help it heal and recover.”
[Source: Classic Hits Today]