"We Are the World"
"We Are the World" is a legendary charity single and song that was released in 1985 to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Africa. The song was created to support the USA for Africa charity, an organization that aimed to provide relief and assistance to those affected by famine and poverty in Africa.
The Song: "We Are the World" was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The song is a powerful anthem that promotes unity, compassion, and the idea that people from all walks of life can come together to make a positive impact on the world. It conveys a message of hope and the importance of helping those in need.
The Album: The single "We Are the World" was part of a larger album titled "We Are the World." The album was released on April 23, 1985, by Columbia Records. It contained the charity single along with additional tracks by various artists. The album's proceeds also went towards the USA for Africa charity.
The Artists
The Artists Involved: "We Are the World" brought together a star-studded ensemble of renowned musicians and singers from various genres. The song featured the following artists (in alphabetical order by first name):
- Al Jarreau
- Billy Joel
- Bob Dylan
- Bob Geldof
- Bruce Springsteen
- Cyndi Lauper
- Dan Aykroyd (spoken part)
- Daryl Hall
- Diana Ross
- Dionne Warwick
- Harry Belafonte
- Huey Lewis
- Jackie Jackson
- James Ingram
- Jane Wiedlin
- Jeffrey Osborne
- Kenny Loggins
- Kim Carnes
- La Toya Jackson
- Lindsey Buckingham
- Lionel Richie
- Marlon Jackson
- Michael Jackson
- Paul Simon
- Randy Jackson
- Ray Charles
- Sheila E.
- Smokey Robinson
- Steve Perry
- Stevie Wonder
- Tina Turner
- Tito Jackson
- Waylon Jennings
- Willie Nelson
The Year and Creator:
History:
The inspiration for "We Are the World" came from Harry Belafonte, who suggested to Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie the idea of creating a charity single in the same vein as "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid, which was released the previous year in the UK. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson embraced the idea and began working on the song's composition.
The release of "We Are the World" was met with immense success, both critically and commercially. It topped the charts in multiple countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song also won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
More importantly, the song's success translated into significant financial aid for Africa, as proceeds from the single and the album went toward famine relief and other charitable initiatives on the continent. "We Are the World" remains a symbol of unity and compassion, showcasing the positive impact that the music industry can have on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
The "We Are the World" album
The "We Are the World" album featured a compilation of tracks performed by various artists. Here is a list of the songs on the album:
- "We Are the World" - USA for Africa
- "If Only for the Moment, Girl" - Steve Perry
- "Just a Little Closer" - The Pointer Sisters
- "Trapped" - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
- "Tears Are Not Enough" - Northern Lights (Canadian version of "We Are the World")
- "4 the Tears in Your Eyes" - Prince and The Revolution
- "Good for Nothing" - New Edition
- "Total Control" - Tina Turner
- "A Little More Love" - Kenny Loggins
- "Trouble in Paradise" - Huey Lewis and the News
- "Love Lives On" - Kenny Rogers
- "The Way You Love Me" - La Toya Jackson
- "It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go" - Nanci Griffith
- "Heart of America" - The Beach Boys
- "Hands Across America" - Voices of America
Please note that "We Are the World" and "Tears Are Not Enough" are the primary charity singles on the album, while the other tracks are additional songs contributed by the participating artists.
"Discover the iconic 'We Are the World' song, its star-studded album, and the charitable efforts it supported. A timeless anthem of unity and compassion."
Keywords: We Are the World,Charity single,USA for Africa, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, 1985 album, Humanitarian aid, Famine relief, Star-studded ensemble, Iconic anthem, Musical collaboration, Grammy-winning song, African charity, Global impact, Unity and compassion, Music industry's influence,Top-selling single, African famine, Humanitarian effort