Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” Strikes Success For This Detroit Kids Choir
Pharell’s Williams’ infectious hit song “Happy” seems to have spread even to the youngest ears. As swarms of YouTube covers pour in for Billboard’s No. 1 song, perhaps the happiest, purest cover of “Happy” is from a group of elementary students attending the Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences.
In the video below, watch more than 40 students sing beautifully and dance in sync to the track, featuring two powerhouse solos. The video was posted online by Edward Bone, father to daughter Aisha, whose solo is featured in the video. The song’s already passed 250,000 views on Youtube.
This Detroit children’s choir has previously done versions of Jay Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” (which they called “Detroit State of Mind”) and the Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love?” – but their “Happy” rendition is the one getting them national attention. Now, according to Deadline Detroit, the elementary school choir is getting calls from BET, The Today Show, and The Ellen Degeneres Show.
“We’re talking to a ‘Today’ producer about the arrangements,” says Maurice Morton, the school’s CEO. Morton says they need to decide whether to fly the students to New York, or to go ahead and film the segment at the school, or – if they should invite the man himself, Pharrell Williams, to join in on the segment.
Choir director Angela Kee says this whirlwind of attention is “exciting for the kids” and adds that “Detroit has talent.” In addition, CEO Morton has this to say about his gifted student body:
“Here’s an inspiring example people can see of the revival of Detroit. They realize [Detroit’s] talents are touching so many people around the country and the world. It’s a teachable moment, allowing them to realize they can do anything.”
Do you think Pharrell will join the kids in the segment? Williams seems to enjoy and relish in all of the “happy” that his song is spreading through the world, even initiating his own “Happy Day” to raise awareness and to spread the infectious melody of his song to all corners of the world.
Join the @UNfoundation and me at http://t.co/xAy8AQiAE1 for #HAPPYDAY and help us create a happier world while helping those in crisis.
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) March 18, 2014
Image via Official Facebook
