From 9/11 to Global Peace: How Rick DellaRatta's Jazz is Changing the World

How one musician's response to tragedy became a worldwide movement for positive change

In the heart of Times Square, where tourist attractions and bright lights dominate the landscape, sits a musician whose impact reaches far beyond the neon-lit streets of New York. Rick DellaRatta, founder of Jazz for Peace, has transformed a moment of crisis into a global movement that has empowered over 850 causes worldwide.

A New York Story

While Rick now calls Times Square home, it was in the East Village—less than a quarter mile from the World Trade Center where his journey began. As he witnessed the events of 9/11 unfold, DellaRatta channeled his emotions into a poem he called "Jazz for Peace." Little did he know this would become the foundation for a worldwide movement.

"If you take one positive step, that will lead to another positive step, to another positive step," Rick reflects, describing how a single poem evolved into an international force for change.

The Birth of Jazz for Peace

What started as a poem read to 8,500 people at a jazz festival in Savannah, Georgia, soon became a musical piece, then a series of concerts, and eventually a global initiative. Rick's initial goal was modest: help a handful of outstanding causes in New York City. He was stunned to discover there were over 80,000 registered nonprofits in New York City alone.

The movement gained momentum quickly:

• Michael Bloomberg, then Mayor of New York City, provided a letter of support

• Barack Obama recognized the initiative's groundbreaking work, particularly noting their success in bringing Israeli, Palestinian, and American musicians together at the United Nations

• International leaders, from Kenya's Prime Minister to Brazilian officials, endorsed the program

Breaking Barriers Through Music

Jazz for Peace's approach is unique: using the universal language of music to cross boundaries of race, religion, and culture. "Through the arts and culture, we can cross boundaries and appeal to anyone on any side of any issue," Rick explains. "We bring them together through the things they actually agree about."

This philosophy led to one of their most significant achievements: uniting Israeli and Palestinian musicians for a landmark performance at the United Nations an event that Congressman Barack Obama described as "one of the most significant cultural events of our time."

The Digital Age Impact

In recent years, Jazz for Peace has adapted to the digital age, achieving over a million impressions weekly on social media. Rick's book, "Paving the Path for Peace Through Music," has further amplified their message, leading to increased global engagement and support.

His approach to peace-building has garnered widespread support, with a recent proposal receiving 96% approval in a public vote. As Rick notes in one of his famous quotes, "Sometimes, the will of the people should be considered because, A, governments are not always right, and B, the will of the people is not always wrong."

The Secret to Sustainable Impact

One of Rick's key insights into running a successful global organization is his approach to working with volunteers. Rather than assigning tasks based solely on organizational needs, he focuses on aligning volunteers' passions with their roles. "If they get interested and passionate about something and they're enjoying it, that's going to go a lot further," he explains.

Looking Forward

Today, Jazz for Peace continues to evolve and expand its impact. The organization welcomes collaboration with "outstanding causes that are willing to follow easy guidelines," as Rick puts it. Their work stands as a testament to how music can bridge divides and create positive change on a global scale.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved with Jazz for Peace, Rick welcomes emails to [email protected]. Additional information can be found at jazz4peace.org or rickdellaratta.com.

As our interview concluded, Rick treated us to a special performance combining "A New Kind of Love" with a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, demonstrating firsthand how jazz continues to serve as a universal language of peace and understanding.

Rick DellaRatta's story reminds us that sometimes the most powerful movements start with a single step or in this case, a single poem written on one of our nation's darkest days.

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