In 1985, Michael Jackson was at the height of Thriller fame when he helped create a song that was about something much bigger than record sales.
“We Are the World” was written by Michael and Lionel Richie to raise money for people suffering during the devastating famine in Africa. Producer Quincy Jones was brought in to oversee the recording.
The idea had begun with singer Harry Belafonte, who wanted American musicians to create their own major charity project following Britain’s Band Aid effort.
Richie initially hoped to work with Stevie Wonder, but when Wonder was unavailable, Michael stepped in. Quincy Jones later recalled that Michael and Richie completed most of the song in only two or three days.
Then came an extraordinary recording night.
On January 28, 1985, more than 40 major performers gathered at A&M Studios in Hollywood after the American Music Awards. Among them were Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Cyndi Lauper.
Quincy Jones famously reminded everyone to “check your egos at the door.”
USA for Africa – “We Are the World”
Michael can be heard taking one of the song’s most recognizable solo sections before joining the enormous chorus.
When the single was released in March 1985, it became a worldwide phenomenon. It reached No. 1 in the United States and the United Kingdom, became the first single certified multi-platinum in America and eventually generated more than $60 million for humanitarian relief.
It also won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
For Michael, it became one of the clearest examples of his songwriting being used beyond entertainment.
At the height of his own fame, Michael Jackson helped write a song designed to make millions of people care about someone else.