Beyonce's Unreleased Recording of "God Bless The USA" Now Available Exclusively on the iTunes Store

NEW YORK, May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Moved by recent news events and the re-opened wounds of 9/11 families, Beyonce announced today the release of her recording of the Lee Greenwood-penned "God Bless The USA."  Both artists and Columbia Records are donating their proceeds to New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund. The single is available exclusively today on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110505/NY96919 )

Beyonce was a performer at the Answer The Call concert at Madison Square Garden on September 11, 2009, which also benefitted New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund.

"I cannot think about anything more appropriate to do to help these families," said the entertainer.  "Almost ten years later, it is still so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones."

"On behalf of New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund's Board of Directors and the families of our fallen heroes, we are truly grateful for Beyonce's choice to support our charity and 'answer the call'," said Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman of the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund.

Beyonce's recording of "God Bless The USA," can be heard tonight on Piers Morgan Tonight on CNN during the 9:00 PM/EDT program. The broadcast repeats at Midnight.

ANSWER THE CALL

The New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund - founded in 1985 by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub, is a volunteer based not for profit dedicated to helping the families of fallen New York Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS and Port Authority Police killed in the line of duty. With less than 5% overhead, 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the families of New York's Bravest and Finest. In 1985 the charity provided 320 families with annual financial assistance; in 2011 the commitment has grown to approximately 700 families. This charity provides assistance to grieving families of fallen firefighters and police officers immediately after they suffer the loss of their loved one, as well as, annual support and a network of friends ready to lend a hand. The charity's goal is to raise enough funds to provide meaningful annual assistance to its beneficiaries for the remainder of their lives and NEVER FORGET the sacrifice made by their loved one.

New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund

Visit: www.answerthecall.org

www.beyonce.com

www.beyonceonline.com

SOURCE Columbia Records