Lin-Manuel Miranda Debuts Starry Single ‘Almost Like Praying’ to Benefit Puerto Rico | Playbill

Benefits and Galas Lin-Manuel Miranda Debuts Starry Single ‘Almost Like Praying’ to Benefit Puerto Rico Proceeds from the track will help support those affected by Hurricane Maria.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Bruce Glikas/Playbill

Tony- and Pulitzer-winning Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda released the starry single ‘Almost Like Praying,’ which will benefit the Hispanic Federation UNIDOS Disaster Relief Fund after Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, leaving millions without homes, power, or water.

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The track, which dropped moments before its expected October 6 release, is available to download or stream here.

Among those featured on the single are Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, On Your Feet! star Ana Villafañe (who played Estefan in the Broadway musical), EGOT winner Rita Moreno, Broadway-bound John Leguizamo, Hamilton alum Anthony Ramos, and Miranda's frequent collaborator Alex Lacamoire.

The song begins with lyrics to West Side Story’s “Maria”: “Say it loud and there’s music playing; say it soft and it’s almost like praying.” As the song progresses, the various artists alternate as they recite all 78 towns in the U.S. island territory.

Miranda recently shared a photo of him with West Side Story lyricist and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, with the two holding the flag of Puerto Rico flag together.

Shortly before sharing the full roster October 5, Miranda curated a Spotify mix featuring artists who participated in the single. The streaming service will donate to the Hispanic Federation on behalf of listeners who follow the playlist.
 
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