The 1974 Commonwealth Games anthem, Join Together, by Steve Allen has been re-recorded with a modern tune and new lyrics to raise money for Cholmondeley Children's Charity in Christchurch.
Allen, real name Alan Stephenson, now a real estate agent in Napier, won a competition with the original version of the song
in 1973.
"The games, in conjunction with [talent show] Studio One ran a competition to find a theme song for the games," he said.
"Entries were whittled down to six top songs which were shown on TV, one a week for six weeks and the public decided a winner.
"Join Together was one of those songs that just came together pretty quickly, and I guess people liked the sound of it."
The tune made it to number two on the NZBC's Pop-o-Meter Top 20, but was unable to beat Helen Reddy's Delta Dawn for the top spot.
It was released at the height of Allen's career, after he had won a RATA award for Best Male Vocalist, released two albums and earned a number one hit for a memorable cover of Top of the World by the Carpenters.
Stephenson has fond memories of the positive vibe Join Together created around the Commonwealth Games held at a newly-built QEII Stadium in Christchurch.
"We are doing this to re-engender the feeling around the 1974 games and to raise money for a worthy cause."
After an 11 year career as a professional musician, Stephenson left music behind about 20 years ago.
But, when he was contacted by Christchurch man Mark Tudehope, who had the idea of re-recording Join Together, he was quick to get on board.
"He had instant enthusiasm and commitment to the project," Mr Tudehope said. "He has been great to work with and is a heck of a good guy."
Tom Fox, from The Sound Room, modernised the original song by giving it an up-to-date tune.
It was then re-recorded free of charge at Montage Studio in Auckland last month.
Cholmondeley Children's Charity, which provides short term and emergency residential care for children aged 3 to12, will benefit from all proceeds raised by Join Together 2011.
"These children come from families with issues including stress or crisis," Mr Tudehope said.
Cholmondeley has supported children in Canterbury for 85 years and has cared for more than 25,000 children since the organisation was set up in 1925.
'Join Together 2011' lyrics
In everybody's lifetime, disasters can befall
Our families and our loved ones, no telling when they'll call
But one thing is for certain, when your turn comes around
You'll feel the love arising, and then you'll hear the sound
We've got to Join Together
Let our voice fill the air
Join together and show that we really care
Stand together united as one
And let us all remember this is the country we love
We are with you Christchurch, wherever in the world
We call ourselves Kiwis, with our flag unfurled
We stand there with you, in your time of need
Kia Kaha together I know we can succeed
We've got to Join Together
Let our voice fill the air
Join together and show that we really care
Stand together united as one
And let us all remember this is the country we love
A moment's force of nature,
An outcome none could see,
Destroying our buildings and taking memories,
But we can see the future if we all believe
If we stand together there's nothing we can't achieve
We've got to Join Together
Let our voice fill the air
Join together and show that we really care
Stand together united as one
And let us all remember this is the country we love
The 1974 Commonwealth Games anthem, Join Together, by Steve Allen has been re-recorded with a modern tune and new lyrics to raise money for Cholmondeley Children's Charity in Christchurch.
Allen, real name Alan Stephenson, now a real estate agent in Napier, won a competition with the original version of the song
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