We Are the World: The Ultimate Guide to the Song
"We Are the World" is a song that features the greatest collection of celebrities in music history. It was a charity event for USA for Africa and was recorded in 1985. Where are they today?
VIDEO: We Are the World song
Which celebrities were a part of We Are the World?
Many musical artists were part of We Are the World, and they include but are not limited to:
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• Lionel Richie
• Stevie Wonder • Paul Simon • Kenny Rogers • James Ingram • Tina Turner • Billy Joel • Michael Jackson • Diana Ross • Dionne Warwick |
• Willie Nelson
• Al Jarreau • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Loggins • Steve Perry • Daryl Hall • Huey Lewis • Cyndi Lauper • Bob Dylan • Ray Charles |
Writers, Producers & Other Key Players
We Are the World was written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. Stevie Wonder was supposed to be included but he waited too long to reply to Richie's request. Quincy Jones was the producer and conductor of the song.
Because so many icons of industry and Grammy winners were in the recording studio, Jones placed a hand-written note at the entrance, which read: "Check Your Ego at the Door."
TRIVIA: Speaking of egos, The Artist formally known as Prince was invited to sing but did not show up to the recording, so Huey Lewis took his spot as a soloist. It was widely believed that Prince didn't want to attend because of his rivalry with Michael Jackson.
Because so many icons of industry and Grammy winners were in the recording studio, Jones placed a hand-written note at the entrance, which read: "Check Your Ego at the Door."
TRIVIA: Speaking of egos, The Artist formally known as Prince was invited to sing but did not show up to the recording, so Huey Lewis took his spot as a soloist. It was widely believed that Prince didn't want to attend because of his rivalry with Michael Jackson.
Where can I buy, We Are the World?
The We Are the World song was originally available on cassette, vinyl record, and CD.
Currently, a compact disc of the song is available on Amazon.com. You can also hear it on Spotify.
Running Time: 6:22
Currently, a compact disc of the song is available on Amazon.com. You can also hear it on Spotify.
Running Time: 6:22
We Are the World documentary
A retrospective documentary was recently made about We Are the World. Netflix produced the film, titled "The Greatest Night in Pop."
VIDEO: A behind-the-scenes look at the famous song
Recording Studio Location
We Are the World was recorded at A&M Studios, which at the time was located at 1416 N La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. That location is now The Jim Henson Company, and it is a historical monument.
From 1917 to 1953, it was Charlie Chaplin studios. The property changed hands many times over the years and even belonged to Hanna-Barbera at one point.
From 1917 to 1953, it was Charlie Chaplin studios. The property changed hands many times over the years and even belonged to Hanna-Barbera at one point.
The studio location is a historic building, which was founded by silent screen actor Charlie Chaplin.
Assistants to the Celebrities
When the recording stars arrived at the studio to record the song, many of them arrived with their entourages and personal assistants; however, only the celebrities were allowed inside because of the limited space.
Many of the rock legends were already in town because they were attending that year's American Music Awards, so after the ceremony, they drove straight to the recording studio and stayed up all night to lay the tracks.
Many of the rock legends were already in town because they were attending that year's American Music Awards, so after the ceremony, they drove straight to the recording studio and stayed up all night to lay the tracks.
USA for Africa
Many people wonder if USA for Africa still exists. It does. Visit their website to learn more about their organization.
Status: Celebrating 35 years of giving
Milestones: They have raised more than $100,000,000 for charity
Executive Director: Marcia Thomas
Status: Celebrating 35 years of giving
Milestones: They have raised more than $100,000,000 for charity
Executive Director: Marcia Thomas
Controversies
We Are the World had some minor controversies, some of which include:
- Prince refused to be a part of We Are the World because of Michael Jackson's involvement
- The session recorded all night (approximately 7 pm to 7 am) because some artists could not agree
- What should have taken a year to plan had to be done in about a month
There were rumors that Michael Jackson was unhappy with some of the recording artists the day of the event. This is unsubstantiated because no credible evidence or testimony has ever been uncovered. In fact, some say that Jackson is almost single-handedly responsible for making We Are the World happen.
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