Queen Guitarist Brian May's "Born Free" Charity Singles Now Available at iTunes

Duck Productions LtdQueen guitarist Brian May recently recorded updated versions of the hit theme song to the popular 1966 wildlife film Born Free with British singer/actress Kerry Ellis, and the tracks are now available in the U.S. via iTunes. Proceeds raised from sales of the downloads will benefit the Born Free Foundation and its campaign to protect the dwindling population of wild African lions. Acoustic and "large-scale" versions of the tune can be purchased.

Born Free told the true story of conservationists Joy and George Adamson's efforts to raise an orphaned lion cub named Elsa and return her to the wild. The film's stars, Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, were inspired by their experiences while shooting the movie to create the Born Free Foundation. The song "Born Free" was composed by John Barry and Don Black, the latter of whom contributed some new lyrics to the renditions of the tune recorded by May and Ellis.

May and Ellis recorded the revamped song earlier this year after visiting South Africa to witness and participate in the work of the foundation. They recently completed an acoustic tour of the U.K. to promote the singles.

"We put our own mark on this awesome and moving track, says May. "We hope that people will really like what we have done and that it will contribute to the long-lasting legacy of this great piece of music."

Anyone interested in the cause is asked to visit BornFree.org.uk and sign a petition in support of the organization goal of protecting lions and other wildlife.