In 1985, Lionel Richie did not just host an awards show. He had a mission to save lives through one song. He was at the very top of his game. And so was everyone else in that studio.
It was a high-stakes battle for dominance while the world watched and waited for a miracle song called ‘We Are The World.’
In this rare interview, Lionel shares the experience of writing ‘We Are The World’ with Michael. Lionel describes a world where Michael Jackson lived in a bubble, separated from reality by fame and strange pets.
While they were supposed to be partners, a deep professional paranoia followed them everywhere.
The Side Of “We Are The World” They Didn’t Tell You
One viewer said that they never realized how much stress was involved in making something so beautiful. Another person mentioned that seeing Michael as a real, lonely human makes the song feel even more important now.
Lionel had to act like a referee to keep the peace between legends who were used to always getting their way. When things seemed they might fall apart, the focus shifted from the egos to the actual work of writing the melody.
Writing a hit is hard enough. And doing it with Michael’s Python named Muscles in the room is a whole different story.
Lionel Richie on Writing “We Are The World” with Michael Jackson
The sessions at Michael’s family home were where the real heart of the song started to beat. It was a weird experience where a lost snake could appear at any second to interrupt a masterpiece. Despite the weirdness and the quiet rivalry, they found a way to create a chorus that the entire world still knows by heart today.
Lionel Richie has always been the man who brings people together with his smooth voice and kind heart. He took a night of massive ego and turned it into a night of collective humanity that changed history forever.
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