Duo to Perform “Empire State Of Mind” On-Field at First World Series Game in New Yankee Stadium

New York natives JAY-Z and Alicia Keys, two of the most successful recording artists in the world, will perform their hit single “Empire State Of Mind,” from JAY-Z’s #1 album The Blueprint 3, on the field at Yankee Stadium prior to Game One of the 2009 World Series on Wednesday, October 28.  Following their joint performance, Keys will sing the national anthem.

“As a die-hard Yankee fan, I’m honored to perform a song that celebrates the greatness of New York in one of our city’s most important landmarks, Yankee Stadium,” said JAY-Z.

“First of all, the new [Yankee] Stadium — it’s the Yankees and it’s game one of the World Series,” Jay said. “I’m beyond excited about it, and on top of that, it’s a New York record. It’s a record that pays homage to New York [and which was also performed at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards]. The timing of that couldn’t be better.”

All through the playoffs, the Yankees have been showing love to Jay and his Blueprint 3. Derek Jeter has “Empire State of Mind” play during his at-bats, while Alex Rodriguez’s theme songs have been “Already Home” and “Reminder.”

This marks the first time that the World Series has been dedicated to community service since its inception in 1903.  Game One will be focused on Welcome Back Veterans, an MLB Charities initiative designed to support returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families with mental health treatment and job opportunities.  MLB has already donated more than $10 million to this initiative.