A Rooftop. A Poem. A New Beginning

It was the morning of 9/11.
While the world around him changed forever, Rick did something deeply human—he turned to music. Or rather, to words that would soon become music.

He wrote a poem.
And that poem became Jazz for Peace.

“Jazz for Peace started as a poem I wrote on 9/11. It’s become a global movement of healing and hope.” – Rick DellaRatta

From that day on, his path was guided by a simple but powerful idea: that music could help bring people together.
That it could do something in a world that felt so broken and unstable.

How Jazz for Peace Became a Bridge Across Cultures

One moment that truly struck me was when Rick spoke about performing at the United Nations, where he brought Israeli, Palestinian, and American musicians together on one stage.

That wasn’t just a concert.
That was courage.
That was music as connection — not performance.

It was jazz as a bridge, not a spotlight.

Jazz for Peace has since gone on to support over 850 causes around the world. Rick uses his voice and music to lift up nonprofits, create awareness, and offer real support through benefit concerts and partnerships.

“We’re funding war at 100%. What would happen if we funded peace at 1%?”
– Rick DellaRatta

That one line made me stop in my tracks.
It’s bold — and it makes you think. It invites you to look at things from a different angle.

One Step, One Note, One Ripple

One of my favourite parts of our chat was Rick’s perspective on change.
Not the big, sweeping kind that governments or systems talk about.

But the kind that starts small. Quiet. Purposeful. (We introverted souls love this, right?!

“Helping those who help others—that’s how we create change that lasts.”

It reminded me that sometimes, we don’t need a spotlight or a stage.
Sometimes we just need to act, in whatever way we can — from wherever we are.

It made me reflect — how often do we dismiss our small acts as insignificant, when in fact they’re the seeds of something so much larger, much bigger?

Listen, Reflect, and Let It Land

This episode left me feeling both inspired and quietly reflective.

Rick’s story isn’t just about jazz.
It’s about what’s possible when we choose to share what’s on our hearts — and use it to support someone else.

Whether you’re a musician, someone with a message, or just a quiet soul who knows the power of taking a small bit of action, every day… this episode is for you.

Take a listen when you’re ready.
And if it speaks to you, maybe share it with someone who needs a little reminder of music’s quiet magic.

FAQs About Jazz for Peace and Rick DellaRatta

What is Jazz for Peace?

Jazz for Peace is a global movement founded by Rick DellaRatta in the wake of 9/11. It began with a single rooftop poem and grew into an initiative using jazz music to bring people together across cultures, bridge divides, and support over 850 charitable causes worldwide.

Who is Rick DellaRatta?

Rick DellaRatta is a jazz pianist, vocalist, and activist who believes deeply in the unifying power of music. Through Jazz for Peace, he has brought musicians from different backgrounds together—including Israeli, Palestinian, and American artists—to inspire hope, connection, and collaboration.

Where can I learn more about Jazz for Peace?

You can find out more about Jazz for Peace, upcoming concerts, and how the movement supports nonprofits by visiting the Jazz for Peace Official Website.

How can I support or contribute to Jazz for Peace?

Jazz for Peace welcomes support through attending concerts, sponsoring events, or partnering with causes that align with their mission.

If you are part of an Australian organization—or know of one—that could benefit from a Jazz for Peace event, Rick and his team would love to hear from you. You can reach out directly via the contact page on their website.