Released December 14, 2012 Recorded 2012 Length 2:59 | Format Digital download Genre Folk rock, acoustic Label Rock the Cause | |
"Clouds" is a song by American singer-songwriter, Zach Sobiech. It was his debut single, released digitally on December 14, 2012, and later included in his debut EP, Fix Me Up (released under his band name, A Firm Handshake).
Contents
Proceeds from the sale of "Clouds" go to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund, which is a branch of the Children's Cancer Research Fund.
In the United States, "Clouds sold 25,000 units before Sobiech's passing, and an additional 30,000 units on his death date. In total, he had sold 156,000 copies of "Clouds" upon his Hot 100 entry, and has since accumulated 12 million hits on YouTube. The single has charted in USA, UK, Canada, France and Belgium.
Background
At age 14, Sobiech was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer which mostly strikes children. In May 2012, Sobiech's doctors informed him that he had up to a year to live. Sobiech recorded the song "Clouds" about his battle with cancer.
Release and promotion
Sobiech released it as a YouTube video in December 2012. It went viral, surpassing 3 million views at the time of his death in May 2013. (Viewers have reached 11.8 million by end of November 2013).
Around 30 stars had begun releasing tribute versions of the song. The most notable version was released on SoulPancake, featuring Bryan Cranston, Rainn Wilson, Ashley Tisdale, Colbie Caillat, Anna Faris, Chris Pratt, Jason Mraz, Sara Bareilles, Jenna Fischer, Rachel Bilson, Sarah Silverman, Jason Derulo, Kina Grannis, Paul McDonald, and Phillip Phillips among other celebrities and Zach's family and friends lip-synching to "Clouds". This video of artists was assembled by Rainn Wilson, and directed by Justin Baldoni who had also directed a short documentary about Sobiech, titled My Last Days. At the end of the video, Jason Mraz is shown saying, “Thank you Zach. You’ve written a great song, dude. It’s a real pleasure to sing it, and sing it with you. Thank you.”
Credits and personnel
References: