Ozzy records Lennon cover for charity

NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Ozzy Osbourne has recorded a cover of his fellow British recording artist John Lennon's song "How?" to raise money for Amnesty International.

Available exclusively as a digital download on iTunes, the song is being released with the cooperation of the late Lennon's wife Yoko Ono. All U.S. proceeds are intended to benefit the human-rights organization.

The song became available Tuesday, just four days before what would have been Lennon's 70th birthday -- Oct. 9. The accompanying music video was filmed on New York streets and at the Lennon Memorial in Central Park. It premiered exclusively on AOL's PopEater.com.

"Lennon was a driving force for humanity," said Osbourne, who cites Lennon and the Beatles as his inspiration for becoming a musician.

"This year, the whole world is celebrating the 70th anniversary of John's birth," Ono added. "His spirit and influence is stronger than ever. "

"Yoko and John Lennon were devoted to seeking a better world and used the power of their artistry to work toward that goal," noted Amnesty International USA's Executive Director Larry Cox. "Ozzy Osbourne's gift, with Sharon Osbourne's strong and generous support, makes the same powerful statement today -- that individuals can make a difference when they join with others who share a commitment to justice and freedom."

Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City in 1980. He was 40.