USA for Africa & The Stellar Night for Music That Lives Forever
The charming night of January 28, 1985, left its mark in the history of music. One by one, the greatest pop stars in America arrived in their cars at the A&M Studio in Hollywood right after the American Music Awards (AMAs).
This is The Greatest Night in Pop (2024), a documentary film directed by Bao Nguyen, featuring USA for Africa and the artists who united together for the composition of “We Are The World,” and how they raced with time not only to record the song in one night but also to save millions of lives in Africa who are dying from starvation and poverty.
This trip to the 80s memory lane served as the 40th anniversary of the song performed by legends such as Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Bruce Springsteen, Cindy Lauper, Steve Perry, Paul Simon, Dionne Warwick, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Harry Belafonte, Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Tina Turner, and many more.
Among these big names, here are five artists in USA for Africa who stole the spotlight and significantly took part in the success of the project:
1. Lionel Richie
Known for his top hits “All Night Long” and “Stuck On You,” Lionel Richie is one of the key figures who weaved the path for “We Are The World.”
During that time, Lionel was hosting the American Music Awards. His career was also flourishing from new releases, albums, and an upcoming solo tour. But when the producer and music manager, Ken Kragen, invited him to create a song for a cause, he immediately agreed.
Lionel showed dedication and responsibility for keeping the production in place and easing the atmosphere between artists with his great personality. He also described himself as a night person, and perhaps, this night in 1985 is one of his best.
2. Michael Jackson
“Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller” superstar and the man of the 80s, Michael Jackson, is a best-selling performer and singer who has radiated his voice and influence across the globe.
Michael, now dubbed the King of Pop, co-wrote the song along with Lionel, the lyrics and title “We Are The World" from his idea.
On the night of the recording, Michael was the first one to show up at the studio, putting his heart and soul as he revealed that it was much easier for him to talk through the song, especially in writing to put world hunger to an end.
3. Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones, the master orchestrator, as described by Lionel, is a charismatic producer, composer, performer, and musician who has worked with different stars like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Paul Simon.
During their pre-production, Quincy Jones told Lionel, “We’ll put a circle in a room of all mics, and everyone will sing it, looking at each other.” This was the starting point of the one-night recording session that still makes it iconic today.
With his talents and musicality overseeing the project, Quincy became the backbone of their success.
4. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce “the Boss” Springsteen and his aura, energy, and live performances can easily capture the hearts of the audience. He is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist in his backing band E Street Band, popular for the song “Born in the U.S.A.”
Still restless from his concluded tour, Bruce’s voice was not yet in top condition during the recording. But his heartland rock raspy, voice lived up to its reputation as he easily complemented the voices of “We Are The World.”
5. Diana Ross
Diana Ross is an R&B, pop, and soul singer and actress. She is also the lead singer of a 1960s girl group, The Supremes.
That night, Diana didn’t have to be reminded to check her ego at the door; aside from her stunning vocals, Diana only brought her warm presence and sweet character that embraced her co-stars together. During breaks, she interacted with other artists and even asked for their autographs, creating a domino effect of everyone asking for each other’s signatures.
When they wrapped up the recording, Diana was the last person to leave, crying and not wanting the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon to end so soon.
As art is a medium for change and music has the power to unite people, the message of “We Are The World” remains woven into history. Until today, the revenue of the masterpiece stayed as promised to its cause to help those in need.
And hence, it marks a stellar night for music that remains classic, timeless, and powerful — a song that emancipates and will live forever.