Nick Swisher Releases A Children's Album (video)

Nick Swisher: Recording artist. The affable Yankees outfielder will release his debut album to benefit his Swish's Wishes foundation. Here's the 411:

World Series Champion and Major League Baseball All-Star Nick Swisher of the New York Yankees will be adding one more credit to his professional resume -- recording artist. On August 9th, Swisher will release his first full-length, twelve song kids CD entitled “Believe” through digital outlets. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Swish’s Wishes, Nick’s charitable foundation which is dedicated to enriching lives and lifting the spirits of children who are facing vital health issues.

"I had an absolute blast working on this project, but I couldn't have done it without having a true pro as my producer, Loren Harriet," said Swisher. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of the talented artists and musicians that performed on this album, but most of all I want to thank the kids. They sound amazing and I'm honored just to have been given this opportunity."

On “Believe,” Swisher is joined in the recording studio by an all-star band of musicians including drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Melissa Etheridge), bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Phil Collins), guitarist Tim Pierce (Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Jackson) and keyboardist Matt Rollings (Tim McGraw, Lyle Lovett). Special musical guests playing guitar on the album include former New York Yankee and Latin GRAMMY Nominee, Bernie Williams and San Francisco Giants pitcher, Barry Zito. Also accompanying Nick on the album is a group of talented kids ages eight to thirteen years old who sing backup vocals on each song. Included are kids from the nationally acclaimed music education franchise, “School Of Rock” as well as thirteen-year-old Natalie Prieb, granddaughter of Major League Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig.

Believe was produced by Loren Harriet, who also helmed Bernie Williams’ two critically acclaimed albums.

From Tom Petty and Bill Withers to the Beatles and Three Dog Night, Swisher brings his fun and energetic personality and voice to some of the most popular and most recognized songs in music. Selecting all the repertoire himself, Swisher’s song list includes the David Bowie classic “Heroes”, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, a tribute to Nick’s hometown of Parkersburg, West Virginia and “Hang On Sloopy”, a shout out to Swish’s alma mater, the Ohio State University.

Believe Track Listing
1. Heroes
2. I Won’t Back Down
3. Where The Green Grass Grows
4. Lean On Me
5. With A Little Help From My Friends
6. Everyday People
7. Proud Mary
8. Take Me Home, Country Roads
9. Joy To The World
10. Hang On Sloopy
11. Jumpin Jack Flash
12. Believe