Hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, the ''godfather of hip-hop'', and the Chairman of The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, has joined the Honorary Committee for Daniel Pearl Music Days 2005, a global network of performances to be held October 1-10 under the theme ''Harmony for Humanity''.

Music Days began in 2002 as an international ''jam session'' to commemorate the birthday of murdered journalist Daniel Pearl, who played classical, jazz and bluegrass music wherever he traveled and who believed that music is a language that knows no boundaries. In 2004 over 400 concerts in 39 countries – professional and amateur – participated in this international phenomenon.

“I am very pleased to be involved with the Daniel Pearl Music Days committee because its message resonates with me on a very personal level,” explained hip-hop entrepreneur Simmons. “My own career is an example of the universal power of music, especially the power of Hip-Hop, to bring people of different backgrounds together for a common purpose. I hope that my commitment to the Daniel Pearl Music Days committee will encourage all music lovers - both amateurs and professionals- to get involved with the Music Days performance network and contribute to the ''Harmony for Humanity'' e-Stage."

The Daniel Pearl Music Days Honorary Committee spans a wide variety of musical genres including world music masters Hamza el Din and Ravi Shankar, jazz great Herbie Hancock, pop legend Sir Elton John, classical virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, "New Music" composer Steve Reich and indie rock’s R.E.M, to name a few. With the addition of Simmons, who is also Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, the Music Day committee expands its outreach to fans of hip hop and rap.

"We are thrilled to have Russell Simmons join our global rhapsody of talents and visions," said Judea Pearl, father of Daniel Pearl and President of The Daniel Pearl Foundation. "In addition to being a master musician and a champion of the underdog, Russell is also an important inter-ethnic dialogue maker- a perfect match with the mission of Music Days."

For 2005, Daniel Pearl Music Days will expand its reach by introducing "Harmony for Humanity" e-Stage, a web-based collection of selected words and music inspired by the Music Days 2005 theme. A dedicated Internet radio station will play original songs and compositions, as well as other related music and suggested song lists. The Daniel Pearl Foundation welcomes contributions of music, lyrics, poems and related articles that celebrate our shared humanity for possible use on the "Harmony for Humanity" e-Stage.

"There are no set formats or restrictions to Music Days," explained Jacqueline Gelfand, Executive Director of The Daniel Pearl Foundation. "Musicians can register a song or full concert, a DJ can dedicate a radio show or a club set; an orchestra can offer a performance, single composition, or open rehearsal; a youth group can perform at a school or a sports event; and music lovers can contribute written pieces, as well as original compositions that reflect the ‘Harmony for Humanity’ theme to our e-Stage. The possibilities are endless."

To register a Music Days 2005 event, dedicate an already scheduled performance or to submit original music, poems, articles and suggestions to the "Harmony for Humanity" e-Stage, please visit www.musicdays.org.

Daniel Pearl’s murder by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002 touched millions. By developing innovative international programs focused on journalism, music and respectful dialogue, the Daniel Pearl Foundation seeks to counter the hatred and intolerance that took his life. For more information please visit www.danielpearl.org.

For more information please visit www.musicdays.org