On this day March 28 1986 more than 6000 radio stations across the United States came together to simultaneously play We Are the World in a massive show of unity and support for famine relief in Ethiopia. The event was part of the ongoing campaign following the release of the charity single by USA for Africa, which brought together some of the biggest names in music.
We Are the World was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. The song featured legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, and many more. The coordinated broadcast helped boost donations and awareness, ultimately raising over $63 million for humanitarian aid, making it one of the most successful charity singles of all time.
Fun fact: During recording sessions Quincy Jones famously hung a sign that read “Check your ego at the door” to keep the superstar-filled studio focused on the mission.
Trivia question: What event inspired Harry Belafonte to bring American musicians together for We Are the World?
We Are the World was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. The song featured legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, and many more. The coordinated broadcast helped boost donations and awareness, ultimately raising over $63 million for humanitarian aid, making it one of the most successful charity singles of all time.
Fun fact: During recording sessions Quincy Jones famously hung a sign that read “Check your ego at the door” to keep the superstar-filled studio focused on the mission.
Trivia question: What event inspired Harry Belafonte to bring American musicians together for We Are the World?
