USA for Africa song
“We Are the World”: The USA for Africa Charity Single
“We Are the World” is a historic charity single recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian, the song aimed to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States. This article provides an overview of the song, its impact, and subsequent versions recorded.
Origins and Recording
The idea for the American benefit single came about shortly after the release of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in the UK. Inspired by the cause, musician and activist Harry Belafonte enlisted the help of fundraiser Ken Kragen to organize a similar initiative in the United States. The songwriting duo of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie was brought on board to create an anthem that would resonate with people around the world.
The recording session for “We Are the World” took place on January 28, 1985, at A&M Studios in Hollywood. The event brought together an impressive lineup of renowned musicians, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and many others. With each artist lending their unique talent to the project, the recording captured a sense of unity and purpose.
Release and Success
“We Are the World” was released on March 7, 1985, as the lead single from the album of the same name. The song quickly became a global sensation, reaching the top of music charts worldwide. It also achieved the distinction of being the fastest-selling U.S. pop single in history.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recognized the immense popularity of “We Are the World” by awarding it a Quadruple Platinum certification. This made it the first single to achieve multi-platinum status.
Impact and Humanitarian Efforts
The success of “We Are the World” extended far beyond its chart performance. The song and its accompanying initiatives raised over $80 million in aid for Africa and the United States. The funds were utilized to provide food and relief aid to those affected by famine and other humanitarian crises.
To promote the song, a music video was created featuring the participating artists. Additionally, a VHS, a special edition magazine, and various merchandise were produced to further spread the message and raise funds. The collective efforts of the musicians, organizers, and supporters contributed to the song’s lasting impact.
Subsequent Versions
In January 2010, a new version of “We Are the World” titled “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” was recorded in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The updated rendition featured a new lineup of artists joining forces to support the relief efforts in the impoverished country.
In March 2020, Lionel Richie proposed the idea of creating a third version of the song to communicate a message of global solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to raise funds for aid efforts and provide support to those affected by the crisis.
Sources:
- Wikipedia contributors. “We Are the World.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Are_the_World.
- USA for Africa Song History. Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/we-are-the-world-usa-for-africa-song-history.
- A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of “We Are the World”. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/we-are-the-world-a-minute-by-minute-breakdown-54619/.
FAQs
Who recorded the USA for Africa song “We Are the World”?
The USA for Africa song “We Are the World” was recorded by a supergroup consisting of various renowned musicians and artists. Some of the notable participants included Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.
When was “We Are the World” released?
“We Are the World” was released on March 7, 1985, as the first single from the album of the same name.
Who wrote and produced the song?
The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. It was produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian.
What impact did “We Are the World” have?
“We Are the World” had a significant impact both artistically and philanthropically. The song became the fastest-selling U.S. pop single in history and topped music charts worldwide. It also received a Quadruple Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making it the first single to achieve multi-platinum status. The song raised over $80 million for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States.
Were there any subsequent versions of “We Are the World”?
Yes, there were subsequent versions of “We Are the World.” In January 2010, a new version titled “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” was recorded to aid survivors of the Haiti earthquake. Additionally, in March 2020, Lionel Richie proposed creating a third version of the song to raise funds for aid efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How was the song promoted?
“We Are the World” was promoted through various means. It had a music video featuring the participating artists, which helped to spread its message and raise awareness. Additionally, a VHS, a special edition magazine, and various merchandise were produced to further promote the song and raise funds for humanitarian causes.
What was the purpose of the USA for Africa song?
The purpose of the USA for Africa song “We Are the World” was to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States. The song aimed to address issues such as famine relief and provide support to those in need.
How did the USA for Africa song impact the music industry?
“We Are the World” had a profound impact on the music industry. It showcased the power of collaboration among artists from diverse backgrounds and genres. The song’s success highlighted the potential of music to bring people together for a common cause. It also set a precedent for future charity singles and inspired similar initiatives around the world.