Jarreau Sings Reading’s Praises

Strange as it is, singer Al Jarreau (pictured) has teamed with communications giant Verizon in an effort to get you out of the jazz clubs and off the phone. They want you to read a book.

Encouraging literacy is Verizon’s chief philanthropic pursuit and the corporation’s Verizon Reads program handpicked Jarreau to help them spread the word that, even in these modern times, reading remains fundamental. As the first national spokesperson for Verizon Reads (until now Verizon’s literacy champions have been local celebrities), Jarreau will help build awareness on literacy issues through a number of media campaigns that will include posters, newspaper inserts and community awareness events. “Literacy has always been one of my most important concerns,” says Jarreau. “It is so important for people in our society to have the skills to read, learn and grow for themselves, their children and the future of our society.”

Jarreau’s record label, the mighty Verve, will help the singer’s new endeavor by contributing a percentage of the sales from his forthcoming album to help fund Verizon Reads. The album, due in September, is called All I Got, a curious title considering that the focus here is on literacy, but hey, whatever you say, Al. The album follows Jarreau’s 2000 GRP/Verve debut, Tomorrow Today, which was his first recording after a six-year break.

Originally Published September 5, 2002