Alice Cooper rewrites one of his most iconic songs for a new audience: kids

Alice Cooper has written new lyrics to “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” a Top 40 single from 1973’s chart-topping “Billion Dollar Babies” album, for his contribution to a multi-artist children’s album benefiting children’s charities including Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona.

"Anytime that you can help teens in a pretty dangerous world we are living in by switching some words around in a hit song of yours, why wouldn't you?" Cooper asks.

“Rock for Children, Vol. 1: A Fun and Inspirational Musical Experience for Children” is set to be released in September.

It also features a children’s song called “Pleasant Dreams” by Rob Halford of Judas Priest, who divides his time between homes in his English hometown and Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Halford recorded his track at the Mesa Teen Center.

Cooper’s daughter Calico, who fronts her own band Beasto Blanco, also appears on several tracks.

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The new lyrics to “No More Mr. Nice Guy” have an anti-bullying message.

It even has a new name: "Mr. Nice Guy."

As Cooper explains it, “The song is about a young boy who suddenly rethinks carrying on as a bully and transforms himself into a real ‘Mr. Nice Guy.'"

How 'Rock for Children' helps kids

The album is being executive produced by Joe and Judy Norelli, founders of the Norelli Family Foundation, a private nonprofit in central Florida. Proceeds from sales of the album, as well as live concerts and special events, will benefit the Norelli Family Foundation as well as Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation.

"Joe has been a big supporter of Solid Rock," Cooper says. "And as you know, rock stars are the first to answer the call when it comes to charity. This album takes a left turn in the meaning of popular rock songs by pushing the lyrics with a funny but poignant and understandable message."

What is Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center?

The shock-rock legend and his wife Sheryl, who also sings and dances in his live show, founded Solid Rock in 1995 with a mission to make a difference in the lives of teens in the community.

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers inspire teens to discover their talent and achieve artistic excellence through free programming in music, dance and the arts as well as vocational training in sound, lighting, staging and fellowship.

Alice Cooper’s The Rock Teen Center Phoenix encompasses an auditorium, dance studio, computer lab, music rooms for guitar, drums, bass and vocal lessons, a LeRoy Neiman art studio, Spanky’s recording studio and a video studio.

A second location was opened in 2021 in Mesa.

All programs are free for youths aged 12 to 20.

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More on the Norelli Family Foundation

The Norelli Family Foundation provides support to children and young adults in need. Since its inception in 2013, the foundation has worked to help improve the lives of those in need through partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, New Hope for Kids, Florida USA VB, The Colton Society, The Steve Azar St. Cecila Foundation and the Sunshine State Kids.

The making of ‘Rock for Children’

Executive Producer Joe Norelli teamed with Grammy-winning engineer, producer and songwriter Ruben Salas and producer/artist/studio owner Dana Kamide to co-write, produce and record the album’s tracks.

Norelli, Salas and Kamide will oversee the creation of several classic rock and ‘80s remakes as well as new originals for the album.

Staff and teens from the Rock Teen Centers will also be involved in the production of the album.

In a press release, Norelli said, "Music is a powerful tool for inspiration and learning, and we wanted to create an album that not only entertains children but also helps drive a positive and uplifting message. We believe that ‘Rock for Children’ will do just that, and we're excited to share it with families everywhere."

Rock for Children will be available on vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming services. It will be accompanied by a range of educational resources, including lyric sheets, activity guides and lesson plans.

For more information on Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, visit alicecoopersolidrock.com. For more information on the Norelli Family Foundation, visit norellifamilyfoundation.org.

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Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's why Alice Cooper has rewritten 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' in 2023