In an inspiring blend of rock royalty and rising talent, legendary vocalist Paul Rodgers has teamed up with The Changels—an honor choir of elementary school students from Southern California—for a special recording session that bridges generations through the power of music.
This unique collaboration is the latest project from Adopt the Arts, a nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality music education to underserved elementary schools. Founded by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer Matt Sorum and Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor Jane Lynch, the foundation has been creating opportunities for young students to connect with the music world in meaningful, real-world ways.
The Changels, also known as the “Angels of Change,” are made up of more than 85 students from Adopt the Arts’ partner schools. The choir focuses not only on music, but also on building confidence, teamwork, reading skills, and a sense of community. And for a select group of these students, the program recently reached a new high note: recording a new version of Rodgers’ classic Bad Company hit “Rock & Roll Fantasy”—with the artist himself.
A statement from the company discloses that “Members of the Changels recorded a special rendition of the Bad Company hit written by Rodgers, 'Rock & Roll Fantasy,' who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year.” Rodgers joined the students in-studio, lending his voice and mentorship to a group of young singers experiencing their first taste of the professional music world.
The recording session took place at Good Noise Studio and was co-produced by Matt Sorum and Bruce Witkin, longtime collaborators and musicians in their own right. Sorum also played drums on the track, bringing his signature rock sensibility to the project.
“Music has the power to transform lives—I've experienced it myself and seen it countless times throughout my career,” said Rodgers. “Working with these young, talented and very engaged singers is an opportunity to pass along not just technical knowledge, but the passion, joy and spirit that comes from musical expression.”
For the students involved, this was far more than a cool encounter with a music icon. It was a chance to see what a career in the arts might look like—and to discover their own voices, quite literally. This session is part of Adopt the Arts’ broader goal of exposing students to real music industry experiences. That includes not only classroom instruction, but also professional recording opportunities, mentoring, and live performances.
“We're not just teaching these kids about music—we're showing them how music can open doors and create community,” said Sorum. “Having Paul Rodgers join us is incredible. These are formative experiences that build confidence and skills these kids will carry with them throughout their lives.”
The program has already made a notable impact. Since its founding in 2012, Adopt the Arts has fully funded the music program at Rosewood STEM Magnet Elementary in Los Angeles. More recently, it expanded to include four elementary schools in the Coachella Valley, with plans to reach two more this year.
Palm Springs Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Signoret emphasized the program’s lasting impact: “This isn’t a one-time celebrity appearance—it’s part of a comprehensive approach to music education that’s making a real difference in our schools and community.”
The recording session with Rodgers is also being documented as part of an ongoing film project that follows The Changels' journey—capturing not just their performances, but the personal growth that comes from creative expression, discipline, and teamwork.
As the voices of these young students rise alongside one of rock’s most iconic performers, it’s clear that Adopt the Arts is doing more than teaching music—it’s creating a new generation of changemakers, one note at a time.
