This song is not from the 60s but some singers are, and as a tribute to Michael Jackson, it has to be posted. It is one of the greatest pop songs and it helped to raise much money for the poor in Africa.
We Are The World was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced and directed by Quincey Jones and performed by 45 of the best of America's current pop singers. Island In The Sun, 60s Calypso singing sensation Harry Belafonte suggested it, and proceeds from the single and album helped relief organizations in Ethiopia, Sudan and other African countries.
Michael Jackson skipped the American Music Awards ceremony that night, to record the chorus of the song, as a guide to the other singers. The lyrics and melody are similar, but each star put his or her own style of delivery. The whole gigantic effort, Hands Across America raised about $100 million for famine relief. Both the single and album won 1985 Grammies for Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
The singers, starting with Lionel Ritchie were, in order of appearance: Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, the late Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.
Then a new verse with Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan and the late Ray Charles.
Backup singers were: Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, The News, Sheila E.,Bob Geldof, Jackie Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, The Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson.
Watch out for the Springsteen, Wonder combination and the final fade out, going one full circle with Lionel Ritchie. Quincey Jones conducted and those who didn't turn up were: Linda Ronstadt, Madonna, Pat Benatar and Prince.
Catch them as they sing?
Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
7 comments:
Dynamic and perfect harmony. Can we get them again for another cause?
An iconic song. One that we'll never forget. Truly inspirational.
Thank you Anon and Roger for the comments. A group, we hope, will get together again for another phenomenon.
Ikon muzik MJ kita semua memang tidak akan melupakan.
RAZAK
YISHUN
Terima kaseh, Cek Razak. Pertarian moonwalk oleh MJ pun sunggoh menarekan dan kita tidak akan melupakan dia.
MJ hidup didalam hati kita semua.
We Are The World is the item suggested for the final sing-a-long at Orchid Country Club curtain closer.
Post a Comment