Denver singer-songwriter Matt Morris has made the rounds as of late, playing early news programs (such as CBS’s “The Early Show,” above), mid-day talk programs (including a couple performances on “The Ellen Show”) and late shows (including David Letterman’s “The Late Show”). But his performance at Friday night’s George Clooney-organized “Hope For Haiti Now” telethon could be the biggest deal of them all.

During Friday’s telethon — airing on the four major networks and dozens of cable channels at 8 p.m. — Morris will cover Leonard Cohen’s most treasured song, “Hallelujah,” with his pal Justin Timberlake, Morris announced on his blog tonight. Timberlake is Morris’ close friend, but the multi-platinum pop star also owns the label, Tennman Records, that released Morris’ debut, “When Everything Breaks Open,” a couple weeks ago.

“I will be singing ‘Hallelujah’ with my good friend, Justin Timberlake, on the ‘Hope for Haiti Now’ global telethon to benefit the Haitian people,” Morris wrote earlier today. “The list of artists who will be performing coast to coast is vast and impressive, including Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews, John Legend and Sheryl Crow.”

Morris and Timberlake’s take on “Hallelujah” — along with the rest of the songs from Friday’s fundraiser — will be available for purchase on iTunes on Saturday. Other performers include Beyonce, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen.

“When Everything Breaks Open” currently sits at No. 1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter chart and No. 5 on the iTunes album chart.

Also:

New “We Are The World” Song To Benefit Haiti

Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones will produce a new version of their hit song “We Are the World” in an effort to raise funds for earthquake victims in Haiti.

The duo is working on the new version for the 25th anniversary of the song, which was co-written by Richie and Michael Jackson, and co-produced by Jones in 1985.

All the proceeds will go to aid relief for victims in Haiti.
Sting, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake are among the singers expected to take part in the recording on February 1.

In 1985, performers on the song included Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Joel.

The original “We Are the World” reached the top of the charts in the U.S., as well as seven other countries back in 1985.

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Related posts:

1. Matt Morris–Colorado’s Justin Timberlake?
2. Bono, Sting, Justin Timberlake to perform at Haiti Telethon
3. Matt Morris Brings Justin Timberlake and Charlie Sexton Together

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