Ken Kragen — On the Importance of Giving Back and Living a Balanced Life

When it comes to having a career in music and entertainment or pulling off great feats of charitable giving, most people can only dream of accomplishing even a fraction of what Ken Kragen has achieved. From managing many big household names in music, like Lionel Richie and the Bee Gees, to orchestrating large-scale fundraisers, Ken Kragen has had a legendary career — one that he continues even at 83 years old. Kragen spoke with Steve Sims on, “The Art of Making Things Happen Podcast” about his illustrious career and the importance of giving back and living a balanced life.

Giving Back through “We Are the World” and “Hands Across America”

In the 1980's there were many celebrity-driven efforts to raise money for global crises, such as Band Aid and Live Aid which raised money for the famine in Africa. Another organization, USA for Africa raised $53 million through its superstar-powered “We Are the World” hit single. The organization’s president was Ken Kragen.

After the success of “We Are the World” — which continues to be one of the most important singles in the world today — Kragen turned his focus to the States and wanted to do something to address poverty and homelessness in the US. His idea for a human chain across the US seemed impossible, but after nine months of planning he pulled off “Hands Across America.” The human chain stretched from New York to Los Angeles, covering 17 states and raising $34 million. In addition to this fundraising success, the effort helped release $800 million of government funding that had been held to feed women, children and infants.

Kragen’s career in music and entertainment gave him the necessary access and connections he needed to orchestrate these efforts. It also helped him manage the egos and logistics of such large-scale projects. However, he acknowledges he often felt on the brink of failure. Mostly, Kragen credits his success in charitable giving as being at the right place at the right time and making the bold decision to grab hold and make something happen.

How to Live a Balanced Life

Anyone looking to achieve a more balanced life could take a page or two from Kragen’s book. He says his parents are his inspiration. His father, a law professor at UC Berkeley, taught him the importance of pursuing what you’re really passionate about, to maximize the likes and minimize the dislikes in life. His mother was a very giving person and set the inspiration for his charitable efforts. He also attributes his well-balanced life to staying focused on the present and surrounding himself with brilliant and amazing people like his wife of 40+ years and daughter. This balance has enabled him to stay active in consulting, teaching, developing documentaries and working on a project connected to the World’s Fair in Dubai in 2020.

To hear more about Ken Kragen…

Website: Ken Kragen

Listen to this Podcast: Ken Kragen on The Art of Making Things Happen

To subscribe to Steve Sims, “The Art of Making Things Happen — Podcast”