We Are the World: 39 years ago, an anthem against poverty in Africa

USA for Africa: how 45 icons created a humanitarian masterpiece

On January 28, 1985, exactly 39 years ago, the world witnessed the recording of “We Are the World,” an extraordinary event that brought together a stellar cast of rock and pop musicians to combat poverty in Africa. The “USA for Africa” project was the catalyst for this unprecedented initiative, led by the iconic “king of Caribbean music,” Harry Belafonte, known for his commitment to human rights and humanitarian causes.

The inspiration for this humanitarian initiative came from a model successfully experimented with the previous year by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure with the Band Aid, which produced the famous single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”. The enthusiastic response from the solicited artists gave rise to one of the most significant moments in the history of music and charity.

The project involved artists of the caliber of Michael Jackson, already a superstar at the time thanks to the “Thriller” album, and Lionel Richie. Quincy Jones, producer for Columbia Records, took on the responsibility of organizing and covering the expenses for the song’s recording. The A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood became the stage for this epoch-making event, with the presence of musical icons such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few.

The night of January 28 witnessed a recording marathon lasting almost 12 hours, with 45 artists taking turns as soloists and choir members. Only three fortunate journalists from Life magazine were admitted to document the exceptional event. The result of this collective effort, “We Are the World,” was released on March 7, 1985, and sold over 7.5 million copies in the United States alone.

The success of the single contributed to raising funds totaling $50 million, destined for Ethiopia to address the food crisis. “We Are the World” became the anthem of solidarity that closed the historic Live Aid on July 13, 1985, an unprecedented charity event.

Over the years, the song has been reworked to support various humanitarian causes. In 2009, plans were made for an updated version called “Live 25,” but the project was modified in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. From this tragedy, the group “Artists for Haiti” was formed, composed of 75 singers who reinterpreted the famous song to raise funds for the areas affected by the earthquake.

“We Are the World” remains a symbol of humanitarian commitment through music, a reminder that solidarity can unite forces to address the most urgent challenges of our time.

ARTICOLO DISPONIBILE ANCHE IN LINGUA ITALIANA: We are the World 39 anni fa, un inno contro la povertà in Africa