The night of January 28, 1985, was a monumental one in music history. At A&M Studios in Los Angeles, a sign on the door read, “Check your egos at the door.” The mission was serious, but the vibe was loose as 46 vocalists gathered to form what many consider the ultimate musical supergroup. The result was USA for Africa’s “We Are the World,” released thirty years ago, on March 7, 1985.
The song and the movement behind it left an indelible mark on the world, raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspiring countless acts of charity and unity. One of the most recognizable symbols of this movement was the "USA for Africa" sweatshirt, worn by many of the stars involved.
The Genesis of "We Are the World"
The story of "We Are the World" began with Harry Belafonte, who was inspired by Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in the UK and decided to create an American benefit single for African famine relief. Belafonte contacted Ken Kragen, an entertainment manager and fundraiser, who enlisted his clients Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers.
Richie, along with Michael Jackson, took on the task of writing the song. According to Richie, they were supposed to get Stevie Wonder on board as a writer but Jones disagreed. Wonder was busy recording an album of his own at this point and Jones refused to disturb him, he instead volunteered Jackson for the role. The pair would even get together at Jackson's house and listen to national anthems to get inspired.
Jackson and Richie sought to write a song that would be easy to sing, memorable, and anthemic. Jackson presented his demo to Richie and Jones, who were both shocked; they did not expect him to complete the structure of the song so quickly.
Read also: Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
In his autobiography Moonwalk, Jackson told a story that he claimed was the origin of “We Are the World”: “I used to ask my sister Janet to follow me into a room with interesting acoustics, like a closet or the bathroom, and I’d sing to her, just a note, a rhythm of a note. It wouldn’t be a lyric or anything; I’d just hum from the bottom of my throat. I’d say, ‘Janet, what do you see? What do you see when you hear this sound?’ And this time she said, ‘Dying children in Africa.’ ‘You’re right."
Gathering at Lion Share Studios on Beverly Boulevard LA the following week, Michael Jackon, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones and keyboard player Greg Phillinganes thrashed out the song in the company of Stevie Wonder in support. The following day the team, with John Robinson on drums and Louis Johnson on bass, laid down a demo, complete with guide vocals from Richie and Jackson.
After the initial recording, Jackson and Jones began thinking of alternatives for the line "There's a chance we're taking, we're taking our own lives". The pair was concerned that line would be considered a reference to suicide. Richie declared that the last part of the line should be changed to "We're 'saving' our own lives". Jones also suggested altering the former part of the line.
On January 24, 1985, after a day of rest, Jones shipped Richie and Jackson's vocal guide to all the artists who would be involved the recording. Enclosed in the package was a letter from Jones imploring the artists not to share the tape or make copies.
The Recording Session: A Night to Remember
Getting a galaxy of US stars to convene at a single recording studio and give up their time for free would require far more careful planning than unwittingly picking up the phone to a bellowing Bob Geldof. Thus, unlike Geldof’s under-the-radar, person-to-person call to arms, the cry for America’s avengers to assemble became a strictly business affair.
Read also: Amazing Facts About Africa
The recording session took place on January 28, 1985, after the American Music Awards. The event brought together some of the era's best-known recording artists, including:
- Bruce Springsteen
- Cyndi Lauper
- Paul Simon
- Stevie Wonder
- Tina Turner
- Lionel Richie
- Michael Jackson
- Kenny Rogers
- Diana Ross
- Bob Dylan
Many stars didn’t even begin to leave the Shrine Auditorium until 10pm, but with the group chorus scheduled to be recorded first, nothing could happen until all 46 stars had arrived in the studio. Jones had correctly reasoned that if he did solos first, the big names wouldn’t stick around for the chorus.
Arriving at the studio, the song’s stars were greeted by a sign Jones had placed there reading “Check your egos at the door,” and after platitudes and congratulations to the night's winners were dispensed, the group were handed their sheet music and lyrics and Jones prepared them for a warm up of that big chorus.
The recording was not without its challenges. There were debates over lyrics, disagreements about musical arrangements, and the logistical nightmare of coordinating so many famous personalities. However, the shared goal of raising money for famine relief kept everyone focused.
One notable issue was the use of Swahili. Jackson had written an answer part for the choir to sing, echoing the main melody, coming in just after the song’s key change at four minutes in. Taking inspiration from the song’s African connections, he’d crafted nonsense lyrics to give what he thought was a flavour of the continent. The words went “Sha-la… Sha-lingay…” and Jackson sang the part to the throng so that they could get a feel for it.
Read also: Discover Thula Thula
On hearing the proposed part, Bob Geldof once more stepped in. Having by this time actually been to Africa, the pasty Irishman was the hapless gathering’s expert on the place, and he pointed out that singing made up fake African nonsense on a record that was helping Africa would at best be disingenuous, and at worst perhaps a little insulting, too.
Some sided with Jackson and Richie. After all, the song’s writers had a reputation for faux-African posing - Jackson’s “mama-say mama-sa” on Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin hadn’t ruffled any feathers and Richie’s inexplicable “jambo jumbo” accent transplant on All Night Long had become iconic. It was all made up - so what?
After a debate as to whether they even spoke Swahili in Ethiopia it was Ray Charles who broke the deadlock. “Say what? Willi what? Willi moing-gu my ass!,” he protested. “It’s three in the goddamn mornin’. Swahili shit? I can’t even sing in English no more!” That was it. Instead, it was agreed that they’d simply sing “are the world” and “are the children”, directly echoing the main part, and after a few run-throughs the cameras were turned back on and the deed was done.
Standing the throng in line, in a giant horseshoe, Jones encouraged each to simply lean into their nearest mic, sing their line and lean out.
Among the memorable moments of the night was Kenny Rogers sporting a USA for Africa sweatshirt, like he’s a particularly big fan of the group. (Other stars sporting the shirt include Al Jarreau and, for some of the night, Diana Ross.)
We Are the World 25 for Haiti - Singers Names
The Release and Impact of "We Are the World"
On March 7, 1985, "We Are the World" was released as a single and quickly became a global phenomenon. The song was a commercial success: the initial shipment of 800,000 "We Are the World" records sold out within three days of release.
The single was also a commercial success: the initial shipment of 800,000 "We Are the World" records sold out within three days of release. The record became the fastest-selling American pop single in history.
The song was promoted with a music video, a VHS, a special edition magazine, a simulcast, and several books, posters, and shirts. All proceeds from the sale of official USA for Africa merchandise went directly to the famine relief fund.
The music video showed the recording of "We Are the World", and drew criticism from some. Michael Jackson was reported to have joked before filming, "People will know it's me as soon as they see the socks.
Four months after the release of "We Are the World", USA for Africa had taken in almost $10.8 million (equivalent to $31 million today). The majority of the money came from record sales within the US.
In June 1985, the first USA for Africa cargo jet carrying food, medicine, and clothing departed for Ethiopia and Sudan. Included in the supplies were high-protein biscuits, high-protein vitamins, medicine, tents, blankets and refrigeration equipment.
One year after the release of "We Are the World", organizers noted that $44.5 million had been raised for USA for Africa's humanitarian fund. Since its release, "We Are the World" has raised over $80 million (equivalent to $229 million today) for humanitarian causes.
The legacy of "We Are the World" extends far beyond its commercial success. It demonstrated the power of music to unite people and raise awareness about global issues. The "USA for Africa" sweatshirt became a symbol of this movement, representing a commitment to helping those in need.
Awards and Recognition
"We Are the World" was recognized with several awards following its release.
- At the 1986 Grammy Awards, the song and its music video won four awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Music Video, Short Form.
- The music video was awarded two honors at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards. It collected the awards for Best Group Video and Viewer's Choice.
- People's Choice Awards recognized "We Are the World" with the Favorite New Song award in 1986.
- In the same year, the American Music Awards named "We Are the World" "Song of the Year", and honored organizer Harry Belafonte with the Award of Appreciation.
The Lasting Impact
The "USA for Africa" sweatshirt and the song "We Are the World" remain iconic symbols of a moment when the music industry came together to make a difference. They serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of addressing global challenges with compassion and unity.
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
