Reach Up L.A.

Album: single release only (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Siedah Garrett wrote and recorded this as the theme song for the 2015 Special Olympics held in Los Angeles. Garrett told Billboard magazine that she tried to incorporate the athletes' point of view into the lyrics. "You've got to think of what it means to the people who are performing their tasks, of being challenged and challenging each other and challenging themselves," she said. "It's about uplifting and supporting these athletes who have not been dealt a full deck of cards with regards to their health and physical and mental and emotional state. The fact that they're even goal-oriented and intent on not only surviving but thriving is so amazing."
  • Garrett is best known for co-writing Michael Jackson's 1987 hit "Man in the Mirror" and dueting with him on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You." This is her second composition for the Special Olympics, having collaborated with Quincy Jones on "I Know I Can" for the 2007 games. "I feel like lightning has struck twice in my life with regards to the Special Olympics," she said. "I feel really blessed to be part of something so massive and so important and so encouraging. It makes me feel light and happy inside. When you see these athletes doing what even they never thought they could, you can't not smile and often cry tears of joy for them. It's a really awesome experience."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.

Mike Love of The Beach Boys

Mike Love of The Beach BoysSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist of The Beach Boys talks about coming up with the words for "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Kokomo" and other classic songs.