Jackson plans record for attack victims

Michael Jackson wants to raise $50m (£34m)

Michael Jackson has called together a group of some of the world's leading pop stars to record a song in aid of the families of victims of last week's suicide attacks in the United States.

Jackson will be joined by, among others, Britney Spears, Destiny's Child and Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys on the song What More Can I Give.

They aim to raise about $50m (£34m) for survivors and families of victims of the attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington.

Britney Spears has pledged support

Jackson's New York-based spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, said the song will be released as soon as possible.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Jackson said: "I believe in my heart that the music community will come together as one and rally to the aid of thousands of innocent victims.

"There is a tremendous need for relief dollars right now and through this effort each one of us can play an immediate role in helping comfort so many people."

Among the other musicians to have pledged their involvement on the single are Justin Timberlake of 'N Sync and Mya.

More are expected to become involved this week.

'Souls'

Jackson's initiative is reminiscent of his work on the all-star American charity single We Are The World.

He co-wrote and performed the song in 1985 to aid victims of the famine in Ethiopia.

Nick Carter (centre) will represent the Backstreet Boys

Scores of US pop stars participated on the song which raised $65m (£44m) for the USA for Africa relief fund.

It followed the Live Aid concert organised by UK star Bob Geldof.

That was held simultaneously in Wembley Stadium, London, and the JFK Stadium, Philadelphia and raised about £40m for famine relief.

In his statement about his new venture, Jackson said: "We have demonstrated time and again that music can touch our souls.

"It is time we used that power to help us begin the process of healing immediately."

Reaction

Following the terrorist attacks, many celebrities demonstrated respect and sympathy for the victims.

This included cancelling concerts and public appearances organised for last week.

Madonna will donate concert profits

Some, such as Britney Spears, also issued statements of condolence.

Madonna cancelled one concert on her Drowned World Tour. She then said she would donate the proceeds from others in Los Angeles to the relief effort.

The Backstreet Boys, who lost one of their stage crew on one of the hijacked flights, plus Sade, Earth, Wind & Fire and Lynyrd Skynyrd are among other musicians who have pledged funds.

Jackson and the other singers also plan to record a Spanish-language version of What More Can I Give.