Singer and songwriter Ne-Yo, who has penned hits for himself, Beyonce and others, is joining in with more than a dozen songwriters and composers for a 100th birthday song for ASCAP, the professional association for those who write, compose and publish music.

The song, "More Than the Stars," is an anthem for music creators of music.

Other acts that participate include country trio Lady Antebellum and singers Amy Grant and Bill Withers. The song was an unexpected surprise and came together during the filming of "Why We Create Music," a documentary commissioned by ASCAP.

“It’s really special for me to be a part of something that speaks so heavily to the art of songwriting and what it does to people, … a kind of 'We Are the World' for songwriters," Ne-Yo said.

"The song came out fantastic. The film came out fantastic. And I was happy to be a part of it."

The effort is truly a collaborative musical patchwork.

Ne-Yo spoke more about the track here.

ASCAP's official birthday is Feb. 13, 2014.

The video was directed by Michael Marantz, who also directed the documentary featured on the ASCAP site. An interactive timeline offers a visual walk down memory lane and celebrates 100 years of rich musical history.

Other ‘More Than the Stars’ Artists:

Aloe Blacc: Acclaimed soul singer-songwriter behind "I Need a Dollar" and Avicii’s international hit "Wake Me Up."

Claudia Brant: Latin Grammy-winning songwriter for Song of the Year.

Carter Burwell: Oscar-nominated film composer renowned for scoring the Coen Brothers’ films.

Amy Grant: Grammy and Dove Award-winning and best-selling contemporary Christian singer-songwriter ever.

Josh Kear: Four-time Grammy-winning country pop songwriter, including Song of the Year and 2013 ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year.

Savan Kotecha: Hit pop songwriter for Britney Spears, Usher, One Direction and Maroon 5, as well as vocal producer on the "X Factor."

David Lang: Pulitzer Prize-winning concert music composer and Bang on a Can co-founder.

Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood: Seven-time Grammy-winning country pop singer-songwriters and Song and Record of the Year winners.

Bear McCreary: Emmy-winning composer known for his work on "The Walking Dead."

Stargate: Grammy-winning record producing and songwriting duo behind pop hits for Ne-Yo, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Rihanna and others.

Dan Wilson: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-producer of Adele’s "Someone Like You" and "Closing Time" with his band Semisonic.

Bill Withers: Legendary and Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter of "Lean on Me," "Ain’t No Sunshine" and "Just the Two of Us."

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