Chris Oledude continues the rollout of his album Preacher Man – Vol. 1 with “Save The Children,” a politically charged single that directly confronts the devastation war leaves behind, particularly for innocent children caught in the middle of violence.
Written as a blunt condemnation of war and human suffering, the song refuses to take a selective approach to accountability. Instead, it addresses the broader destruction caused by conflict, terrorism, bombardment, hostage abuse, political imprisonment, and the normalization of “collateral damage” across global crises. While listeners may connect its message to current conflicts, the song is intentionally framed as universal rather than limited to one specific event or region.
Originally written in 1983, “Save The Children” first existed as a fast-paced rock-driven track. For its modern release, Chris Oledude reshaped the composition to better match the emotional weight of its message. The updated version blends reggae, rock, jazz, and folk influences, creating a slower and more reflective atmosphere that allows the lyrics to carry greater impact. The album version also features an extended introduction and closing arrangement that further builds its emotional tone.
Behind the Chris Oledude name is Chris Owens, a Puerto Rican-born artist of African American and white Jewish heritage whose music has long centered around truth-telling and social commentary. Raised in a creative family surrounded by music, he developed his songwriting voice through influences spanning classical music, folk, funk, pop, and protest songs.
His mother, Ethel Werfel Owens, served as his first music teacher, while his father, Major R. Owens, became an early political influence whose activism and public service helped shape Chris’ worldview. During the 1980s, Chris performed throughout New York City in street settings, dance bands, and alongside his brother Geoffrey Owens.
His early cassette release, Anyone’s Revolution, reflected frustrations surrounding the Reagan era and eventually caught the attention of folk legend Pete Seeger, who encouraged him to continue writing music centered on peace, justice, and social awareness. That encouragement led Chris into continued involvement with the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle, where he remains active today.
Years later, personal loss became a major turning point in his return to music. Following the deaths of both his father and wife, Sandra Dixon, Chris reconnected with songwriting and performance under the name Chris Oledude. Re-emerging in 2020, he began blending classic genres such as funk, pop, R&B, reggae, and folk with modern political and social themes.
With “Save The Children,” Chris Oledude delivers one of his most direct and emotionally urgent statements yet, a song rooted in protest music traditions while remaining painfully relevant to the realities of today’s world.
Listen below or stream here:open.spotify.com/album/6NfoPTElY
Follow Chris Oledude:@oledude.world/