This Is for My Girls

Album: Single release only (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • During her time at the White House, Michelle Obama has led the Let Girls Learn movement and its 62 Million Girls initiative, a campaign targeted towards helping millions of adolescent girls around the world complete their education. This female-empowerment anthem was written for her by Diane Warren, whose previous credits include "If I Could Turn Back Time" and "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing". It was released on March 15, 2016 ahead of the First Lady's keynote speech at the SXSW festival about her Let Girls Learn initiative.
  • Vocalists featured on the all-star anthem include Missy Elliott, Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, Glee actress Lea Michele, Disney star Zendaya, teenage Motown artist Jadagrace, and Beyoncé protégés Chloe & Halle. "It's kind of like 'We Are The World ' meets 'Lady Marmalade' with these strong voices and strong women," Warren told Billboard magazine. "When was the last time you heard a song like this or a record that had this many amazing divas on it? I'm really proud."
  • Clarkson was the last singer added to the song. "It happened so fast - literally Kelly Clarkson was singing her part in Nashville while we were almost mastering it," Warren recalled. "So we dropped her vocals in. It was that crazy."
  • All proceeds go to the Let Girls Learn Fund as every one of the featured artists waived their fees.
  • Kelly Rowland explained during a Boys & Girls Club event in New York how she came to be on the track. "Diane Warren actually called me, told me exactly what it was for and I was like, 'I'm in'," she said, as reported by Billboard magazine. "It was just that simple. I love Diane Warren."

    "I am a huge, huge Michelle Obama supporter," Rowland continued. "If she sneezes on something, I want to be right there for it 'cause I feel like she's just a woman of purpose, intelligence, who stands by her word, and she's just amazing. She's right up there with God."

Comments: 1

  • Moosehead from Scshe has big arms!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.