Pat Boone Says ‘This Is the Most Important Thing I’ve Ever Done’ as He Tops Billboard again

Renowned singer Pat Boone has made a comeback on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart with a new hit that carries the same gospel-centered message that has always characterized his career. The song, titled One: Voices for Tanzania, is a collaborative effort with artists like Vince Gill, Alabama, and Lee Greenwood, aiming to raise awareness about the critical need for clean water and essentials for the people of Tanzania. Proceeds from the song will go directly to support this cause.

Approximately 300 million individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to clean drinking water, with nearly half of Tanzania’s population affected.

Boone’s new song is reminiscent of the spirit of the 1980s hit “We Are the World.” Despite having dominated the Billboard charts in the 1950s and 1960s, Boone had not made an appearance on the Adult Contemporary chart since 1961, setting a new record for the longest gap between chart appearances at 63 years and eight months.

Boone expressed his belief that this achievement is divinely inspired, driven by his faith as outlined in Scripture. He referenced a verse from Matthew 10, emphasizing the importance of providing clear water to those in need, and highlighted the significance of serving the less fortunate, citing Matthew 25 as a guiding principle.

The 90-year-old singer deemed the project for Tanzania as the most significant endeavor of his life. Through his existing work in Tanzania with the Pat Boone Family Life Center and WorldServe International, Boone has been involved in initiatives to build wells, schools, and a health center to benefit the local community.

The under-5 mortality rate in Tanzania is alarmingly high compared to the U.S., with children often facing health challenges due to the lack of access to clean water. Boone emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Tanzanians, particularly children and women, who struggle to find safe drinking water.

In addition to Boone, other artists featured on One: Voices for Tanzania include Billy Dean, Wendy Moten, and Pam Tillis, alongside singers from Tanzania. Boone expressed deep emotional connection to the project, especially hearing the voices of the local singers pleading for their families in their native language.

The song’s message resonates deeply with Boone, reflecting his commitment to using his platform to address pressing humanitarian needs.