Fans responded to his environmental and humanitarian messages, heartfelt urgings towards the earth, peace, and compassion that were consistently communicated in a gentle manner on his records and at live performances. His passion to help create a global community paved the way for ventures into new musical and geographic territories. In 1985 he was invited by the Soviet Union of Composers to perform in their country, inspiring the internationally acclaimed song “Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?)”, which was featured on John’s 25th album “One World”. A separate and unique version of the song was recorded in Moscow as a duet with the well-known Soviet singer Alexandre Gradsky. That recording was the first time a Soviet artist was allowed to perform on a record with a major American singer. The powerful video of “Let Us Begin” moved viewers around the world. “I thought that I might be able to do something to further the cause of East/West understanding. (This) seemed like a good time to see the face behind all the propaganda. The Russians say that the first swallow of spring won’t make the weather for the whole season, but it can mark the turn toward a warmer climate. I tried to be that swallow.” The success of his visit paved the way for a concert tour of the USSR in 1986. These were the first performances by an American artist since the cold war began - an unprecedented cultural exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. He returned to the USSR in 1987 to do a benefit concert for the victims of Chernobyl..