We Are the World

Music Request Line: 507-400-8457 email: [email protected] 🎤 Five Key Takeaways About “We Are the World” 1. Release Date Released: March 7, 1985 (The video on YouTube is from the official U.S.A. for Africa channel, uploaded 15 years ago.) 2. Purpose of the Song It was created as a charity single to raise money for famine relief in Africa, especially Ethiopia. The project was part of the larger humanitarian movement of the 1980s, following the success of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (also referenced in the video suggestions). 3. All-Star Collaboration Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Produced by Quincy Jones. Recorded by a supergroup called U.S.A. for Africa, featuring over 40 major artists including Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, and more. 4. Cultural Impact It became one of the best‑selling singles of all time, raising over $60 million for humanitarian aid. The song became a global symbol of unity, compassion, and celebrity activism. 5. Legacy The song inspired future charity collaborations, including the 2010 “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” remake. The official channel continues to release anniversary versions and documentaries, as seen in the related videos on the page. 📜 Short History Summary “We Are the World” was recorded on January 28, 1985, the night of the American Music Awards, when all the artists were already in Los Angeles. Quincy Jones famously posted a sign on the studio door: “Check your ego at the door.” The song became a cultural moment — not just a recording, but a ritual of unity, moral responsibility, and global awareness.