Red Hot is a not-for-profit, 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS through pop culture. It was started in 1990 by Leigh Blake and John Carlin with the Cole Porter tribute album Red Hot + Blue, which raised millions of dollars, helped reduce the stigma around AIDS at the time and supported organizations and efforts such as ACT UP and T.A.G., which took a stand and made the world pay attention and develop medication that let people with AIDS survive.
The organization has been focused on fighting global pandemics, educating listeners, challenging stereotypes that stand in the way of equity, and moving people with influential, star-studded records. Red Hot understands the power of culture, particularly music, in reaching a diverse, broad, and sometimes underserved audience. Red Hot typically collaborates with key partners to ensure appropriate and authentic relationships to different communities that face barriers to equal access to healthcare and information about their own welfare.
Red Hot has developed an effective and unique methodology over the past 30 years to speak in the voice of specific communities at risk through the voice of relevant and appropriate artists. This has created a legacy of critically acclaimed projects that also provided public health messages in a way that no one else has done.
Over 500 artists, producers and directors have contributed to 20 compilation albums of original music, videos, events and media to raise awareness for public health campaigns as well as lay the groundwork for lasting cultural change in the areas of sex, health, equity, and inclusion.