January 28, 1985 - USA for Africa Recorded We Are the World

[Pete]

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On this day, January 28, 1985, an extraordinary gathering of music legends came together at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood to record We Are the World. Organized by USA for Africa, this charity single was created to raise funds for famine relief in Africa.

Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones, the song featured a star-studded lineup including Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and many others. It became a global phenomenon, raising over $64 million for humanitarian aid.

We Are the World reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from April 13 to May 10, 1985, and topped charts worldwide, including in Canada, the UK, Australia, and South Africa. The song remains a powerful symbol of unity and compassion.

Fun Fact: Quincy Jones famously placed a sign in the studio during recording that read, “Check your egos at the door,” to ensure smooth collaboration among the artists.

Trivia Question: What was the name of the British charity single released in 1984 that inspired the creation of We Are the World?

 

[Linda Ann]

This song was all over the air waves for awhile. Did you watch the netflix documentary? It was pretty good.

 

[Pete]

This song was all over the air waves for awhile. Did you watch the netflix documentary? It was pretty good.

I remember that time clearly. I used to like that song when I was a kid. Yes I saw the documentary and it was good.