Kate Pierson sings Patti Smith’s “People Have The Power” with Uniting Voices Chicago. The B-52s vocalist got the idea to record the song after discussing contemporary politics with her SongVest label head Roy D’ Souza. The collaboration between Pierson and the youth choir is an act of creativity and charity as the proceeds from the single will be donated to Uniting Voices Chicago and Sandy Hook Promise. Pierson shared her feelings about her version of Smith’s song in a statement. “The reason this song means so much to me is that it demonstrates that we really do have the power to change the world, especially through art and music – and that’s why I’m so thrilled to be working with these exceptional young people who are using their voices and actions to express compassion and understanding. Having the voices of the next generation of global leaders featured on the song takes us into the future, a future built on unity and love.”

Pierson released her sophomore solo album, Radios & Rainbows last year and has plans for more live shows in support of it. 

Kate Pierson reminisces about her clubbing days with “Take Me Back To The Party.” Her forthcoming solo album, Radio and Rainbows, includes the dance-happy single. Pierson co-wrote the song with noted songwriter Jimmy Harry, and the B-52’s legend described it in her words.

“I wanted this song to connect with B-52s fans,” says Pierson, who likens its sound to “Planet Claire” and “Dance This Mess Around.” “It’s a disco song that conjures a younger Kate back in the day when I just couldn’t wait to get into clubs,” she says. “It takes me back to my Party Girl past! I just love a good dance song.”

The video is a montage of people dancing in various scenarios, including one of John Travolta’s scenes from Saturday Night Fever in the ’70s and The Nicholas Brothers doing their acrobatic tap dancing.  “Take Me Back To The Party” is part of an overall positive theme of the album because Pierson wanted to release something uplifting during a challenging time. It was nine years ago when she released her first solo album, Guitars and Microphones. Fans have been listening to Pierson for almost 50 years as one of the voices of alternative legends The B-52s. Radio and Rainbows is a continuation of her need to write songs, which goes back to the ’90s when the band took a hiatus. Pierson has collaborated with friend Sia, bassist Tracy Wormworth, singer-songwriter Bleu, and more to bring her current vision to life. Radio and Rainbows officially drops on September 20th.