Top comics enlist in ‘CD for Troops’ - Military Music - Military Times

Top comics enlist in ‘CD for Troops’

Five for Fighting lead singer John Ondrasik has released the third installment of his “CD for Troops” series, this time a comedy album packed with stand-up routines from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Ondrasik, whose first two CDs for the troops featured rock and pop compilations, wanted to try something different on “CD for the Troops III.” He started with Adam Sandler, who, through a mutual friend, agreed to donate a comedy routine to the album. The rest of the performers — including Dennis Miller, Jeff Foxworthy and Dana Carvey, followed suit.

“The holy grail for me was getting Chris Rock,” Ondrasik said. “We spent a long time on that, including a lot of time in the editing bay.”

He was also able to convince Ray Romano to be a part of the project. “He’s a neighbor of mine, so we just knocked on the door.”

Most of the comedians approached by Ondrasik were eager to participate in the military project, which will put a free CD or digital album in the hands of any active-duty service member.

“I’m just thrilled with it,” Ondrasik said. “It was a lot of work — I probably spent 20 hours editing out certain words to make it work — but I still think it’s really funny.”

Ondrasik, best known for his band’s hit “Superman” and the current single “Chances,” also included his own song at the end of the album: “Brothers in Arms,” written and recorded for the independent documentary “Brothers at War.”

“I think the troops and their families will love it,” he said.

Ondrasik is a longtime supporter of troops and military causes, and Five for Fighting’s latest album, “Slice,” includes a track titled “Note to the Unknown Soldier.”

Other artists featured on the album, which is available for download free at http://music.aafes.com/, include Matt Iseman, Kevin Nealon and Kevin James. Another 200,000 CDs have been released, which will also be given out free at AAFES locations.