On March 7th in music history, one significant event took place in 1985. On this day, the charity single "We Are the World" was released, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones.
The song was recorded to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, specifically in response to the devastating famine in Ethiopia. The project, known as USA for Africa, brought together an unprecedented array of music stars, including Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.
The recording session took place on January 28, 1985, at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, following the American Music Awards. The atmosphere was electric, with so many legendary artists coming together for a common cause. Richie later described the experience as "the most incredible night of my recording life."
The song topped music charts worldwide and became an instant classic. It sold over 20 million copies and raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa. The success of "We Are the World" also inspired other charity singles, such as Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in the UK.
The music video, directed by Tom Trbovich, featured footage from the recording session and became an iconic piece of pop culture history. "We Are the World" won numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award.
This remarkable collaboration not only made a significant impact on popular music but also demonstrated the power of music to unite people and effect positive change in the world.
