Takamine

Every day, more and more young people aged 13-24 hear the dreaded words, “You have cancer.” They will each need specialized nursing care and support to get them through it. The UK-based Teenage Cancer Trust was among the first organizations to partner with hospitals to develop specialized facilities and services for this specific demographic of young cancer patients.

Earlier this year, in fundraising support of Teenage Cancer Trust, legendary guitarist Mark Knopfler extended invitations to a few of his own favorite guitarists to participate in a very special recording of his anthemic 1983 song "Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero."

The response to Knopfler’s outreach was phenomenal, and some 60 of the planet's finest players performed on the Guy Fletcher-produced track, including David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, James Burton, Joe Walsh, Derek Trucks, Bruce Springsteen, Ry Cooder, and Steve Lukather, as well as Takamine signature artist John Jorgenson, to name a jaw-dropping few.

Jorgenson would not only participate in that historic collaboration but be inspired to record his own solo version of the same to call extra attention to Teen Cancer America, the US counterpart to Teenage Cancer Trust.

Teen Cancer America believes that every adolescent and young adult (AYA) diagnosed with cancer in the United States deserves access to specialized clinical care and support services that improves their survival and quality of life during and after treatment. Teen Cancer America provides the expertise that hospitals and healthcare professionals require to understand the unique needs and nuances of AYA cancer care and is the only organization that offers this specialized education, guidance, and support towards developing age-specific programs that best support the currently underserved population.

Jorgenson's solo rendition of "Going Home" begins with the gorgeous Gypsy Jazz intro one might expect from the Django reincarnate before weaving in other equally impressive facets of his 6-string prowess. To accompany his already colorful track, JJ appealed to Emmy-nominated film editor Mark Brewer to create a visual accompaniment on the theme of ‘going home’. The resulting video is a strikingly effective visualization of that universal feeling.

Listen to John’s stirring track, watch the video, and perhaps reflect upon your own blessings of family, home, and health. And if moved to do so, visit Teen Cancer America / Donate. The Takamine Guitar family wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.