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Bob Dylan is putting some jingle in the pockets of charities.
Credit: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
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Jolly Old St. Zimmerman has the Christmas spirit this year. Robert Zimmerman, who later took the name of Bob Dylan, has recorded a holiday album called "Christmas In The Heart." And he's giving the royalties to fight hunger and help the homeless. In perpetuity, as in, forever.
Royalties from sales in the United States will go to Feeding America.
Two international charities, CRISIS and the World Food Programme, also will receive grants through Dylan's label, Columbia/Epic.
The Dylan Christmas album already has raised about $125,000 in royalties for CRISIS. The initial proceeds will provide about 15,000 meals for homeless folks in the United Kingdom this Christmas, along with another 500,000 meals for school kids in the developing world.
"The problem of hunger is ultimately solvable," Dylan said in a statement, "which means we must each do what we can to help feed those who are suffering and support efforts to find long-term solutions."
The money to CRISIS is being distributed by Charities Aid Foundation America through a donor-advised fund. It's the first time a DAF has been used in such a way, foundation folks say. Either way, we're sure the homeless and hungry won't mind if it's the second or third time.
Dylan says he chose the charities because "they get food straight to the people. No military organization, no bureaucracy, no governments to deal with."
How has the music been received, considering that Dylan is Jewish and he's pretty much done it all. Why release a Christmas album now, with 15 holiday standards?
CultureMap, an online magazine based in Houston, Texas, had this to say:
"Once I got over the initial shock of hearing Dylan in such a warm and fuzzy setting, I soon realized that his haggard croak and simple arrangements added new life to these old chestnuts ...
"That he manages to redefine these beloved yuletide songs all the while staying respectful to what's come before is a testament to his great taste and remarkable execution. How's that for a refreshing dose of holiday cheer?"
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