I am 'pretty sure' that was the entire point of the song. Doesn't matter who you are, doesn't matter what you do, doesn't matter what you look like. If you are standing on this planet, you are part of this world so you need to act like part of it and not King or Queen of it, somehow 'above it all'. If the world ends, so do you. We are all in this together whether certain people 'like' that idea or not. We had better learn to work together if we want to survive.
And yet our host is considering the "amount of cocaine goin around the room" I wish people would boycott his reaction video show. He does not deserve this platform. He has incredibly poor taste and sensibility. I don't like this guy
I’m 48, I feel blessed to have grown up in the 80’s & 90’s…. for A LOT of reasons, but there was no better music than 80’-95. THIS was a time when the biggest artists in the world could get together to make change. Present day, we have raunch, violence and competing ‘dis tracks’. Please let these amazing people on this stage be an example of music industry greats coming together, not tearing each other down. There’s room at the top for everybody!🙌
The girl with coloured hair is Cindy Lauper. She was a legend on the 80's. I'm so glad you reacted to this. Paul Simon with Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross with Michael Jackson, oh man... They had a sign on the door saying "leave your egos outside", and Quincy Jones said that if they did not finish recording on that same day, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder would drive them home 😂 Apologise my English.
AND ....ALL THESE GREATS came together with No attitudes, No stipulations, No demands. They came together out of the goodness of their hearts to humbly and simply do something great to help those in need. ALL of these artists did this FOR FREE!!!!!!!!! NONE of the artists were paid!!!!!!! ALL of the money went to Africa minus 10% that was given to the homeless in America. Something like this will NEVER happen again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LEGENDARY & EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
main soloists were (in order of singing) Lionel Richie Stevie Wonder Paul Simon Kenny Rogers James Ingram Tina Turner Billy Joel Michael Jackson Diana Ross Dionne Warwick Willie Nelson Al Jarreau Bruce Springsteen Kenny Loggins Steve Perry Daryl Hall Huey Lewis Cyndi Lauper Kim Carnes Bob Dylan Ray Charles These people sang in the chorus: Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, Mario Cipollina, Johnny Colla, Sheila E., Bob Geldof, Bill Gibson, Chris Hayes, Sean Hopper, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer and Smokey Robinson. if there were more idk, these were just the ones i knew
@@MattJocks that was not jeffrey osborne with the last solo although he is in the song. The last solo was james ingram (singer of the song "Just Once") and he was followed by Ray Charles to end the song.
Bob Geldof, a British musician (his band was called. Boomtown Rats) saw news footage of drought and famine stricken Ethiopia. He was moved to do something to help the people of Ethiopia. He got together with Midge Ure of the band Ultravox and in the space of less than two months they coordinated musicians, got a song written and recorded it in time for Christmas. The song was called “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The song was a massive hit and proceeds went to help Ethiopia. Watch that video. They grabbed anyone that was in London at the time to sing and record the video. Kool & The Gang happened to be in London and even they are in the video. After seeing what the Brits pulled off, Harry Belafonte decided that the Americans needed to help as well. Collaborating with Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and MJ, they got to writing. They decided the only way to get all those famous people together was after the American Music Awards show. After the awards they all filed into the music studio to record. The one artist who refused to participate was Prince (but he contributed a song to the album). Other reactors have asked why wasn’t Whitney Houston there. She isn’t in this because nobody knew who she was yet. Her first hit came a few months later (although her auntie, Dionne Warwick, is singing in the video.) Famously, there was a sign put on the entrance saying “check your egos at the door.” We Are The World was a massive hit. The heavy metal community felt slighted because they weren’t asked to participate. Ronnie James Dio (one of the best voices to ever exist in any genre), put together a heavy metal version called Stars (also worth watching). The union of massive stars to support a cause set the ball rolling for Live Aid, a massive one day music festival on 2 continents. London and Philadelphia were the stages. Live Aid was simulcast on MTV, ABC, and radio stations and other outlets across the globe. This concert paved the way for Farm Aid, which was a gathering of mostly country artists to raise money to help America’s farmers, most of whom live in poverty. There have been updated versions of We Are The World for different causes over the years.
After doing this, Quincy called David Foster, who with Bryan Adams wrote the Canadian song, "Tears are not Enough" by "The North Lights". See who you recognize in that one.
Fantastic summery. If I may add just a few points: 1) Madonna was the other major star not there, but she was touring in Europe at the time I believe. 2) Prince took a lot of (deserved) flack at the time for refusing to participate (having an ego too big to fit though the door, some would say), both in the tabloids and on SNL the next Saturday. I wish I could find that sketch online as I remember it being absolutely brutal. 3) As others have said, the colorful singer was Cyndi Lauper, a massive hit maker in the 80s, and still relevant as she wrote the recent Broadway hit musical Kinky Boots! 4) If you blinked, you might miss Bette Midler in the chorus. At that time, she was more movie star than singer, but she would return to top the charts again later with ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ and ‘From A Distance’ (which became an anthem for the Gulf War).
This is something you will never see again. Musical artists getting together to make a song that is a fundraiser for starving people in another country.
This doesn’t happen anymore because this large scale famine relief had been largely deemed ineffective. It works as a temporary measure (due to war maybe) but dropping a ton of food into an impoverished country creates more long term issues. Grassroots efforts that help people solve problems for themselves (irrigation, farming, water treatment) are much better solutions. At the time, in the 80s, we genuinely thought this was helpful tho. And it was, for a short time, but later was found to be detrimental and not sustainable. Vaccines, education, birth control, simple technology people can build, fix, and teach others about is the new focus. And yes, the younger generations are still helping people, it just looks different. 😊
@@kayyy5 no mate, this doesn’t happen anymore because neo liberalism took over. These superstars could be raising money and awareness for all sorts of things, including everything that you mentioned but we’re poisoned daily with lessons in selfishness, greed, and fear instead. I’m counting on the younger generations because they have access to knowledge and communication that will hopefully dilute the koolaide the likes of fox keep serving us that ended the optimism and efforts that follows the end of wars, even cold ones.
I had the pleasure of seeing her in a concert. Opening for Tina Turner! Cyndi sang a cappella. She was great and she was about 8 months pregnant at the time! I was too about the same along. Tina was fantastic! She is my favorite concerts! I saw Tina again two years later and 8 months pregnant again. Both time I gave birth a week later. Both a few weeks early.
When they did the radio simulcast of this song, I remember pressing all the different memory buttons on my stereo and hearing this song on every station. Thousands of radio stations around the world participated.
I think the simulcast was almost exactly a month after it was recorded which was 1/28/1985. I remember doing the same thing. This was my Senior year of high school and it was my prom theme. It was a tough choice between this and “Careless Whisper” but our class felt like this song would be a great statement for our generation. Little did we know we need it in the present day more than ever.
This was recorded right after the American Music Awards in 1985. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the song while Quincy Jones produced it. Jones had a sign above the door for everyone "Leave your egos at the door". The song was also done in one take.
@@RockFan89 There is an entire documentary that they made during the all-night recording after the AMAs. It goes into some behind the scenes details like Stevie Wonder wanting to do the song in Swahili until someone pointed out that 1) they don't speak Swahili in Ethiopia and 2) this message was FOR the people in Ethiopia, not TO them. But during the debate on this issue, Waylon Jennings got mad and walked out. There was also a real desire on the part of some to be a part of this. Bruce Springsteen wasn't at the AMAs because he was doing a concert in New York. But immediate after the concert, he took a private jet to Los Angeles so he could participate. Huey Lewis was nervous because at the last minute, Prince refused to attend, so Huey was given his solo part. (He did great.) Also, Sheena E was very surprised that she was invited because she wasn't quite in the same league as most of the others, until it became apparent to her that she was invited primarily to convince Prince to show up - which he still refused despite her calling him several times. Cindy Lauper also almost backed out because her boyfriend told her that he had read the lyrics and didn't think the song would be a hit for her - until Lionel Ritchie told her that it wasn't supposed to be about her. The documentary is available now on, I think, Netflix. It's a great view.
@@mikephotos225 oh wow. I had heard Michael Jackson or Lionel had wanted a "sha-la" at the end of every 'We are the world" line. And that was voted down. LOL. Prince didnt even allow his videos on youtube. It wasnt til after he passed, they're all uploaded.
@@RockFan89 Yes, the documentary mentions that Michael came up with that as an alternative to what Stevie wanted, but in the end, they just stuck with the original lyrics. Also, Lionel said that he and Michael put off writing the lyrics for a long time and didn't actually start on them until about four days before the production. That's why several of the stars are holding lyrics sheets - they hadn't seen the lyrics until they arrived at A&M Records after leaving the AMAs.
Netflix just came out with "The Greatest Night in Pop". They got together after The American Music awards in Jan 1985. Was released in the summer of 85.
This song should be sung in every church across the country every Sunday morning. This really was the perspective that we grew up with in that time period.
Cliff, this was a HUGE, HUGE deal and undertaking. To get all of these artists together was a lot of work for Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian who produced it. The song was written by MJ and Lionel Richie. This song and video brings me right back to my 15 y.o. self. Great reaction! Much love❣️✌️🌏 Edit: USA for Africa “We Are the World,” was released 35 years ago, on March 7th, 1985. The 46 vocalists who showed up may have formed the ultimate musical supergroup of all time, and the mission was serious, but the vibe was loose.
I was going to say the same yes it was a great deal! It was the first time we heard about hunger in Africa and came together as a world effort to raise money
I remember when this was done. The radio stations built up this hype of when it was going to come out. I truly wish this could be done again. I remember reading where they had a note posted on the door saying “Leave your egos at the door.” Some of these people are no longer with us. Best collaboration EVER!!!
There was a version done for Haiti, but it doesn't have the same energy. Too many performers recording in sound booths, & not building off of each other. USA for Haiti is good, but USA for Africa is GREAT!
This song always brings a choked up, tearful feeling as it inspires a feeling of hope for humanity. Imagine if this song was to follow the National Anthem at every event.
They said right at the beginning of the song, we have to come together as one. I remember when they first aired this on TV. If only we didn’t have to keep singing songs like this. And we were one people 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️. Everyone happy Thanksgiving, share the love. ❤️👵🏼💋Gmaw
Yea coming together sounds good until you have millions and billions come, all with different conflicting beliefs and were here like "...shit, all of them?" 🤣
@jamesfowler5100 blame Obama as usual delusional clown. Trump caused hell in 2020 but you Maga supporters like to ignore that and the storming of the capitol he caused.
@jamesfowler5100 blame Obama as usual delusional clown. Trump caused hell in 2020 but you Maga supporters like to ignore that and the storming of the capitol he caused.
Just so you know, this was AFTER Band -Aid with British artists did a collaboration song. It was also for starving people in Africa. The song is "Do They Know it's Christmas" American artists jumped on the band wagon to make USA for Africa song to help as well. You will NEVER see another collaborations like this from musical artists and this was 2 different collaborations in 2 different countries.
And, after a few months, Spanish and Portuguese speaking artists made their contribution too, with the song "Cantaré, Cantarás" ( I will sing, you will sing) The amount of talent around the 80's was incredible.
I see everyone in the comments have already told you that the colorful haired girl is Cyndi Lauper. What they DIDN'T tell you is what songs she's known for.... "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." "Time After Time." "Goonies Are Good Enough." "True Colors."
Best collaboration of artists ever. Nearly every artist had top 10 tracks in at least the 80s if not 70s and 90s too. Legends everywhere in the room. They filmed this right after a music awards show so they were all in LA together. Filmed all through the night until 6-7am. How do you not know who Cyndi Lauper is? haha. Dan Akroyd was the one kinda off one out since he wasn't really an artist like the rest. He had the Blues Brothers movie This song/video was made to help with famine in Africa. The foundation is still up and running today. Here is a list of all the soloists in order of appearance, and then the rest of the chorus: Soloists: • Lionel Richie • Stevie Wonder • Paul Simon • Kenny Rogers • James Ingram • Tina Turner • Billy Joel • Michael Jackson • Diana Ross • Dionne Warwick • Willie Nelson • Al Jarreau • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Loggins • Steve Perry • Daryl Hall • Huey Lewis • Cyndi Lauper • Kim Carnes • Bob Dylan • Ray Charles Chorus: • Dan Aykroyd • Harry Belafonte • Lindsey Buckingham • Mario Cipollina (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Johnny Colla (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sheila E. • Bob Geldof • Bill Gibson (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Chris Hayes (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sean Hopper (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Jackie Jackson • La Toya Jackson • Marlon Jackson • Randy Jackson • Tito Jackson • Waylon Jennings • Bette Midler • John Oates • Jeffrey Osborne • Anita Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • June Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • Ruth Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • Smokey Robinson
I'm betting if he's seen photos of Cyndi Lauper they're waaaay more recent than the 80's photos of her when she first came on the scene. She's colorful now, but her hair has been just one color for a very long time. :)
EXCELLENT information in this comment! Thank you! Most people don't realize that is Dan Aykroyd. Always nice to see him included in comments just because he goes unnoticed most of the time. He was a part of something REALLY BIG here because he has a big heart. He absolutely deserves the recognition. :)
I am 63. I knew every single person that was singing in that group. You must must watch the documentary about this song. Called the greatest night in history. It gives you a background of how this came to be.
Here is a list of the solo artists in order of appearance Lionel Richie Stevie Wonder Paul Simon Kenny Rogers James Ingram Tina Turner Billy Joel Michael Jackson Diana Ross Dionne Warwick Willie Nelson Al Jarreau Bruce Springsteen Kenny Loggins Steve Perry Daryl Hall Michael Jackson Huey Lewis Cyndi Lauper Kim Carnes Bob Dylan Ray Charles Stevie Wonder & Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen James Ingram Ray Charles
In the documentary, you’ll learn that Madonna was not even asked to sing in this. Prince was, but since he has social anxiety, he said he thinks he will pass.
Well that and his think with MJ! Prince didn't because he wanted to do a guitar solo which was not ok. So he opted out. They brought in Sheila E. (She was Prince's prodigy) with hopes that he would've tagged along but NOPE!!!
I am 48. I still remember going to. Cats Record Store in Nashville and buying this single on cassette tape. I played it over and over and over. You just brought my childhood back. LOVE THIS SONG!❤❤❤ it was to help raise money for the children of Africa during a horrific famine. I was 10 when this came out. Thank you for this reaction!
There's a 30 min video about the making of this song, definitely worth checking out to see how it all came together... the amount of talent involved is simply astounding.
I needed this today. Thank you! I honestly dont think that something this epic will ever happen again. So much power together in one room, working together.
They couldn’t resist using phone it in technology we have now so the impact is much less meaningful. Kind a like having to get to a physical record store for music vs streaming.
American royalty! The British Band Aid made a song for the cause called: Do they know it's Christmas.--It was arranged by Bob Geldoff who also put "Live Aid' together on both continents. MJ is the king of Pop, but Freddie Mercury is still the king of Rock. - Thanks for reminding me of my age, I have been in tears all the way through the song. It seems like yesterday when it was released. ❤
Canadian artists also did a song called tears are not enough. They called themselves the northern lights. Such a great time for music and charity. I loved all three songs.
I worked in a record store in L.A. from Christmas season 1984 through all of 1985, so I was there when both "Do They Know It's Christmas" and "We Are the World" were released. It was just INSANE how many records were flying out the door (despite people knowing that the songs were going to be played on the radio every two seconds - so it wasn't just about wanting to hear the song). A lot of people would buy multiple copies, both to help the cause and to give them to friends and relatives who might not otherwise get the message. A LOT of things were worse (especially racially - although we've been going backwards lately) back then, but some things were better too.
This was when we helped the world instead of stealing from them and killing them. God Bless these artists for setting their ego aside and participating.
I loved your reaction to this song for someone under the age of 40. I have watched different reactions to this video, and all knew of Michael Jackson, but most did not know the rest. Once they find out the others, I think they will recognize the people, since I have seen their reactions of songs of the old days (or in my time as a youngster/adult). When I saw this reaction listed with your name viewing it, I looked forward to watching it besides a young person, but someone in the music field and if you would recognize all and appreciate the famous singers of days past. Yes, some are not with us, but they all are legends and with later generations viewing it, their lives, voices will live on forever. I hope you will go back and match the names of those who participated and there are some well-known singers that did not have a solo spot but are seen on the camera. The colorful hair young lady is Cyndi Lauper. I believe they recorded the song after attending the Grammy Awards show of that year. I loved your Weird Al Yankovic videos and being able to laugh at the humor, some not so politically correct today.
Stevie and Bruce together is iconic. This was so well put together by Quincy Jones and so well written by MJ and Lionel. amazing song. Don't sleep on Cindy Lauper. Her part was perfection. Amazing how they could get SOOOOO many a lister artists. Incredible.
i was 20, im from the UK, i watched the LIve aid me and my girlfriend, 16 hours, and then you had your song, us in the UK did one also, But you had us beat, this was the best by far
I toured Europe in 1983, with a college wind ensemble. 7 countries in 14 days. 5 minute view of The Alps. This entire cassette and the Walkman I played it on, were completely burned out. This song STILL makes me cry for a million reasons.
OMG the song is 1,000,000 years old I'm so glad that you did this 1 very nostalgic and Makes people think about peace and kindness and all the good things that we need to bring back on a larger scale
So true! At least then we thought about it conceptually in our hearts for the globe. Now people are so separated by technology, wars, and materialism...will we ever get back to being HUMANS FIRST....makes me want to cry
It'scrazy. I'm 47 years old and I haven't heard this song or really seen a lot of these artists since the 80s but I could easily identify most of them just by hearing their voices. That's legendary.
"The colorful one" is the one and only Cindy Lauper. This song was beyond huge when I was a kid. This was the highest selling single of all time. I cannot be sure if it still is or not. But this was absolutely massive.
I was 13 years old in 1985. If only we all stood as one like we did back then we would be a better world. This is still to this day the biggest collaboration of stars that has ever came together to perform a song. This is exactly why I always say we need to get back to the 80's as far as how we stood together and treated each other as humans. No matter our differences and our beliefs we always looked past those things and stood tall, come together, and loved one another. The way these artists all came together is exactly how society was back in the 80's, we could sure learn some lessons from this era, and these people. Thanks for doing this reaction. Happy Thanksgiving. Love, peace and harmony to all.
My mom recorded this on VHS decades ago! I was a young toddler when this was released. Then in high school, I was in the school's choir and we sang this song. I appreciated it even more when learning all the harmonies... I'm now 24 years out of high school, and it still gives me goosebumps! Thanks for the memories Cliff!
Some of us have seen the grace of a large congregation, all colors and customs, hands in the air, and a swing that is simply natural to the human spirit .... and the crowd seems to lift off the floor (levitates). This has happened to me within a congregation of 25,000 people .... WHAT A SOUND! Songs like this can do it.
I remember this well. I was an adult at the time (cuz I be old) I still have the vinyl album in my basement but I can't remember what else is on it besides this song. "Awarded numerous honors-including four Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award-the song was promoted with a music video, a VHS, a special edition magazine, a simulcast, and several books, posters, and shirts. The promotion and merchandise helped "We Are the World" raise more than $63 million ($168 million today) for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States." Interesting you mention MJ and song writing. You may or may not know this but Eddie VanHalen played guitar on Beat it. Michael gave him the song and Eddie rewrote a lot of it as Michael wanted to do his first "rock" song (vs pop). Michael loved Eddie's version. So only a portion of that song was written by Michael. When it comes to music us boomers can be educational 😜
Also Bonnie Raitt, Diane Warwick, Loggins and Messina, Darryle Hall and John Oates, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Al Jarraue , Teddy Pendegras and tons of others.
I'm impressed that you knew as many as you did.😊 The US, UK, Canada and I believe Australia raised more money fight that famine and other causes since with just everyday people. We are more capable of saving ourselves and our brothers and sisters of the world than any government.
As the years pass and we lose these legendary artists one by one, this video gets more and more precious and more and more inspiring. If only the children of the world could do as well today...🥰
I’m so jealous of you seeing this for the first time! Give me chills and gets me all choked up every time! PS Live Aid paved the way for this, and there is an excellent documentary about it. “Against all odds.” Incredible story and power house performances.
I’m surprised you never heard this before . This is a classsic . There was a remake for Haiti that was done for Haiti but honestly it wasn’t as good . The yellow and red haired one is Cyndi Lauper. This makes me cry everytime I hear it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭due to how moving it is . This made somewhat of a comeback 3 years ago when the COVID pandemic hit. Especially since that was around the time George Floyd was killed by Derek chauvins
I just watched this a week or two ago; I remember when this came out. They did this after an awards show (American Music Awards (back when it was in January) I think) - there is actually a behind the scenes on YT about it. I can't believe you haven't seen this, then I remember how old it is...and how old I am lol. The USA did this after it originally started in the UK by Bob Geldof (spelling?)(Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid). Canada did one too - (Tears are Not Enough - Northern Lights)
The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. It was in 1985. They raised a huge amount of money for such an amazing cause. Here are the singers/stars who participated We Are the World” Soloists (in order of appearance) Time codes indicate start of first solo Lionel Richie - 0:26 Stevie Wonder - 0:39 Paul Simon - 0:43 Kenny Rogers - 0:53 James Ingram - 0:59 Tina Turner - 1:06 Billy Joel - 1:13 Michael Jackson - 1:19 Diana Ross - 1:32 Dionne Warwick - 1:48 Willie Nelson - 2:02 Al Jarreau - 2:09 Bruce Springsteen - 2:15 Kenny Loggins - 2:21 Steve Perry - 2:28 Daryl Hall - 2:36 Huey Lewis - 2:48 Cyndi Lauper - 2:54 Kim Carnes - 3:02 Bob Dylan - 3:48 Ray Charles - 4:27 “We Are the World” Chorus Dan Aykroyd Harry Belafonte Lindsey Buckingham Mario Cipollina Johnny Colla Sheila E. Bob Geldof Bill Gibson Chris Hayes Sean Hopper Jackie Jackson La Toya Jackson Marlon Jackson Randy Jackson Tito Jackson Waylon Jennings Bette Midler John Oates Jeffrey Osborne The Pointer Sisters Smokey Robinson
That included the crew. In a documentary, the sound guy said he dashed out an invoice after it was over and started to hand it to Lionel Ritchie. Lionel told him that everyone there volunteered and there would be no invoices. The guy said he just stuffed his invoice in his pocket.
I was 13teen. Netflix has a doco out about this song,and how they all got together to do this. Lionel didn't want the media to find out ,that all those artists were going to be in 1 room recording this song.
![[ TEASER ] เงาะป่า - วงL.กฮ. | TMG RECORD](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M4ObdFfcPww/mqdefault.jpg)
The woman with the Yellow and red dyed hair is Cyndi Lauper
was shocked that he didn't recognize her. I mean I am only 22 an even I recognized her.
❤
Yeah the woman who sang Girls just wanna have fun
This ideas are nightmare a white parents child with earrings and dyed hair
She bops!!!
Do you know what really strikes me? How different from one another they sound and yet how well this turned out. It took a great producer.
Yes!!!
I am 'pretty sure' that was the entire point of the song.
Doesn't matter who you are, doesn't matter what you do, doesn't matter what you look like. If you are standing on this planet, you are part of this world so you need to act like part of it and not King or Queen of it, somehow 'above it all'. If the world ends, so do you. We are all in this together whether certain people 'like' that idea or not. We had better learn to work together if we want to survive.
@@jamescurfman3284
Preach!!!!!
@@JaquelineGoodspeed :)
That's why Quincy Jones, known as Q, took charge of this arrangement, one of great producers of our time.
This was a fundraiser to address a severe famine in Ethiopia in 1985 raising over $82 million I think. It still moves me to tears!
Yes, I looked it up. It's equivalent to over $200 million in today's economy. That is remarkable.
And yet our host is considering the "amount of cocaine goin around the room" I wish people would boycott his reaction video show. He does not deserve this platform. He has incredibly poor taste and sensibility. I don't like this guy
I’m 48, I feel blessed to have grown up in the 80’s & 90’s…. for A LOT of reasons, but there was no better music than 80’-95. THIS was a time when the biggest artists in the world could get together to make change. Present day, we have raunch, violence and competing ‘dis tracks’. Please let these amazing people on this stage be an example of music industry greats coming together, not tearing each other down. There’s room at the top for everybody!🙌
I'm 58 - so I can add the 70's to my listening catalogue... yes, we are truly blessed!
The girl with coloured hair is Cindy Lauper. She was a legend on the 80's. I'm so glad you reacted to this. Paul Simon with Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross with Michael Jackson, oh man... They had a sign on the door saying "leave your egos outside", and Quincy Jones said that if they did not finish recording on that same day, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder would drive them home 😂
Apologise my English.
funny you use Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder with the phrase. they would drive them home...hahahahahah sorry
@@scottboyd9383 , not me, it was Quincy Jones who Said it. I just quoted him.. And yes it is funny.
hilarious
Watch the documentary, a few artists came back to work on their solos, Bob Dylan was one of them.
@orangreensp4073 Right, I'm like "Yeah, I'll walk, Sweetheart, but thank you!" 😂
Notice there is absolutely no racism here. The way it should be. Everyone coming together to just help people. Everyone a complete legend!
EXACTLY!
AND ....ALL THESE GREATS came together with No attitudes, No stipulations, No demands. They came together out of the goodness of their hearts to humbly and simply do something great to help those in need. ALL of these artists did this FOR FREE!!!!!!!!! NONE of the artists were paid!!!!!!! ALL of the money went to Africa minus 10% that was given to the homeless in America. Something like this will NEVER happen again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LEGENDARY & EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quincy Jones, decided to hang a sign at the entrance of the studio that read “Leave the ego at the door.”
@@murpht2012 yes, he did. I did know that.
@@wendymacraild5204 special night in the history of music
Colorful? That was Cyndi Lauper singing with Huey Lewis and Kim Carnes. Every person in this lineup was on the top ten at some point in 1985.
To raise money for starving children in Aftica.
everyone except latoya lmfao
main soloists were (in order of singing)
Lionel Richie
Stevie Wonder
Paul Simon
Kenny Rogers
James Ingram
Tina Turner
Billy Joel
Michael Jackson
Diana Ross
Dionne Warwick
Willie Nelson
Al Jarreau
Bruce Springsteen
Kenny Loggins
Steve Perry
Daryl Hall
Huey Lewis
Cyndi Lauper
Kim Carnes
Bob Dylan
Ray Charles
These people sang in the chorus: Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, Mario Cipollina, Johnny Colla, Sheila E., Bob Geldof, Bill Gibson, Chris Hayes, Sean Hopper, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer and Smokey Robinson.
if there were more idk, these were just the ones i knew
Jeffrey Osborne had the last solo.
Ray Charles are one of the last ones singing
@@MattJocks that was not jeffrey osborne with the last solo although he is in the song. The last solo was james ingram (singer of the song "Just Once") and he was followed by Ray Charles to end the song.
Latoya Jackson, Sheila E, Al DeBarge ...I'm sure we're missing some more
@@ohsixn THANK YOU. Ive spent months reading posts trying to figure out who that was.
Bob Geldof, a British musician (his band was called. Boomtown Rats) saw news footage of drought and famine stricken Ethiopia. He was moved to do something to help the people of Ethiopia. He got together with Midge Ure of the band Ultravox and in the space of less than two months they coordinated musicians, got a song written and recorded it in time for Christmas. The song was called “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The song was a massive hit and proceeds went to help Ethiopia. Watch that video. They grabbed anyone that was in London at the time to sing and record the video. Kool & The Gang happened to be in London and even they are in the video. After seeing what the Brits pulled off, Harry Belafonte decided that the Americans needed to help as well. Collaborating with Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and MJ, they got to writing. They decided the only way to get all those famous people together was after the American Music Awards show. After the awards they all filed into the music studio to record. The one artist who refused to participate was Prince (but he contributed a song to the album). Other reactors have asked why wasn’t Whitney Houston there. She isn’t in this because nobody knew who she was yet. Her first hit came a few months later (although her auntie, Dionne Warwick, is singing in the video.) Famously, there was a sign put on the entrance saying “check your egos at the door.” We Are The World was a massive hit. The heavy metal community felt slighted because they weren’t asked to participate. Ronnie James Dio (one of the best voices to ever exist in any genre), put together a heavy metal version called Stars (also worth watching). The union of massive stars to support a cause set the ball rolling for Live Aid, a massive one day music festival on 2 continents. London and Philadelphia were the stages. Live Aid was simulcast on MTV, ABC, and radio stations and other outlets across the globe. This concert paved the way for Farm Aid, which was a gathering of mostly country artists to raise money to help America’s farmers, most of whom live in poverty. There have been updated versions of We Are The World for different causes over the years.
After doing this, Quincy called David Foster, who with Bryan Adams wrote the Canadian song, "Tears are not Enough" by "The North Lights". See who you recognize in that one.
Great summary above! Theee's a docu too but more from Quincy's POV.
Bob G is Irish, not British.
Fantastic summery. If I may add just a few points:
1) Madonna was the other major star not there, but she was touring in Europe at the time I believe.
2) Prince took a lot of (deserved) flack at the time for refusing to participate (having an ego too big to fit though the door, some would say), both in the tabloids and on SNL the next Saturday. I wish I could find that sketch online as I remember it being absolutely brutal.
3) As others have said, the colorful singer was Cyndi Lauper, a massive hit maker in the 80s, and still relevant as she wrote the recent Broadway hit musical Kinky Boots!
4) If you blinked, you might miss Bette Midler in the chorus. At that time, she was more movie star than singer, but she would return to top the charts again later with ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ and ‘From A Distance’ (which became an anthem for the Gulf War).
@@Athena621part of Ireland is still the British Isle Northern Island and is part of the UK.
I’m 71 years old and I still cry when I hear this song. Look at all the good we can do when we work together. And stand together as one. ❤
This is something you will never see again. Musical artists getting together to make a song that is a fundraiser for starving people in another country.
Yes we will, I have faith in the younger generations
This doesn’t happen anymore because this large scale famine relief had been largely deemed ineffective. It works as a temporary measure (due to war maybe) but dropping a ton of food into an impoverished country creates more long term issues. Grassroots efforts that help people solve problems for themselves (irrigation, farming, water treatment) are much better solutions. At the time, in the 80s, we genuinely thought this was helpful tho. And it was, for a short time, but later was found to be detrimental and not sustainable. Vaccines, education, birth control, simple technology people can build, fix, and teach others about is the new focus. And yes, the younger generations are still helping people, it just looks different. 😊
@@kayyy5 no mate, this doesn’t happen anymore because neo liberalism took over. These superstars could be raising money and awareness for all sorts of things, including everything that you mentioned but we’re poisoned daily with lessons in selfishness, greed, and fear instead. I’m counting on the younger generations because they have access to knowledge and communication that will hopefully dilute the koolaide the likes of fox keep serving us that ended the optimism and efforts that follows the end of wars, even cold ones.
It did happen 25 years later when the Y2k artists got together for Haiti in 2010.
@@patwalker9890And it was NOT good.
I remember when this song came out .still make me so emotional
@3:33 that's the awesome Cindy Lauper, the 80's wouldn't be complete without her. She continues to sing till today, a legend!!!
And she looks phenomenal today
The colourful one is Cyndi Lauper. Absolute legend!
99% of the Channels dont know who she is. You can tell when they are naming people then it goes quiet. lol
I had the pleasure of seeing her in a concert. Opening for Tina Turner! Cyndi sang a cappella. She was great and she was about 8 months pregnant at the time! I was too about the same along. Tina was fantastic! She is my favorite concerts! I saw Tina again two years later and 8 months pregnant again. Both time I gave birth a week later. Both a few weeks early.
@@IditaBuggerhahaha maybe because Cyndi didnt sale Sex and she never was naked. Allways that she hast, ist only because her pure Talent.
When they did the radio simulcast of this song, I remember pressing all the different memory buttons on my stereo and hearing this song on every station. Thousands of radio stations around the world participated.
I think the simulcast was almost exactly a month after it was recorded which was 1/28/1985. I remember doing the same thing. This was my Senior year of high school and it was my prom theme. It was a tough choice between this and “Careless Whisper” but our class felt like this song would be a great statement for our generation. Little did we know we need it in the present day more than ever.
This was recorded right after the American Music Awards in 1985. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the song while Quincy Jones produced it. Jones had a sign above the door for everyone "Leave your egos at the door". The song was also done in one take.
It wasn’t done in one take lol
There are some clips of the multiple takes they did for each group.
@@RockFan89 There is an entire documentary that they made during the all-night recording after the AMAs. It goes into some behind the scenes details like Stevie Wonder wanting to do the song in Swahili until someone pointed out that 1) they don't speak Swahili in Ethiopia and 2) this message was FOR the people in Ethiopia, not TO them. But during the debate on this issue, Waylon Jennings got mad and walked out. There was also a real desire on the part of some to be a part of this. Bruce Springsteen wasn't at the AMAs because he was doing a concert in New York. But immediate after the concert, he took a private jet to Los Angeles so he could participate. Huey Lewis was nervous because at the last minute, Prince refused to attend, so Huey was given his solo part. (He did great.) Also, Sheena E was very surprised that she was invited because she wasn't quite in the same league as most of the others, until it became apparent to her that she was invited primarily to convince Prince to show up - which he still refused despite her calling him several times. Cindy Lauper also almost backed out because her boyfriend told her that he had read the lyrics and didn't think the song would be a hit for her - until Lionel Ritchie told her that it wasn't supposed to be about her. The documentary is available now on, I think, Netflix. It's a great view.
@@mikephotos225 oh wow. I had heard Michael Jackson or Lionel had wanted a "sha-la" at the end of every 'We are the world" line. And that was voted down. LOL. Prince didnt even allow his videos on youtube. It wasnt til after he passed, they're all uploaded.
@@RockFan89 Yes, the documentary mentions that Michael came up with that as an alternative to what Stevie wanted, but in the end, they just stuck with the original lyrics. Also, Lionel said that he and Michael put off writing the lyrics for a long time and didn't actually start on them until about four days before the production. That's why several of the stars are holding lyrics sheets - they hadn't seen the lyrics until they arrived at A&M Records after leaving the AMAs.
Netflix just came out with "The Greatest Night in Pop". They got together after The American Music awards in Jan 1985. Was released in the summer of 85.
This song should be sung in every church across the country every Sunday morning. This really was the perspective that we grew up with in that time period.
Cliff, this was a HUGE, HUGE deal and undertaking. To get all of these artists together was a lot of work for Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian who produced it. The song was written by MJ and Lionel Richie. This song and video brings me right back to my 15 y.o. self. Great reaction!
Much love❣️✌️🌏
Edit: USA for Africa “We Are the World,” was released 35 years ago, on March 7th, 1985. The 46 vocalists who showed up may have formed the ultimate musical supergroup of all time, and the mission was serious, but the vibe was loose.
And Bob Geldof
@@chrisalldis3375 he didn't produce the song.
I was going to say the same yes it was a great deal! It was the first time we heard about hunger in Africa and came together as a world effort to raise money
That's true, however he was consulted & did make a trip to speak with Quincy Jones@@butterflymama0838
100% accurate.
I remember when this was done. The radio stations built up this hype of when it was going to come out. I truly wish this could be done again. I remember reading where they had a note posted on the door saying “Leave your egos at the door.” Some of these people are no longer with us. Best collaboration EVER!!!
If this was done today it wouldn't have white people in it, that's for sure.
Lol yes because they in this for themselves.
There was a version done for Haiti, but it doesn't have the same energy. Too many performers recording in sound booths, & not building off of each other. USA for Haiti is good, but USA for Africa is GREAT!
This song raised 90 million for Ethiopia starving during a severe drought
This song always brings a choked up, tearful feeling as it inspires a feeling of hope for humanity. Imagine if this song was to follow the National Anthem at every event.
They said right at the beginning of the song, we have to come together as one. I remember when they first aired this on TV. If only we didn’t have to keep singing songs like this. And we were one people 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️. Everyone happy Thanksgiving, share the love. ❤️👵🏼💋Gmaw
Yea coming together sounds good until you have millions and billions come, all with different conflicting beliefs and were here like "...shit, all of them?" 🤣
This was before the Obama and Biden administration that's why Americans was more united back then. I watched this live on TV.
@@jamesfowler5100I guess your delusional ass forgot trump caused hell. Blame Obama as usual. 2020 Obama wasn't president 🤡
@jamesfowler5100 blame Obama as usual delusional clown. Trump caused hell in 2020 but you Maga supporters like to ignore that and the storming of the capitol he caused.
@jamesfowler5100 blame Obama as usual delusional clown. Trump caused hell in 2020 but you Maga supporters like to ignore that and the storming of the capitol he caused.
Cyndi Lauper's bit is my favourite in a sea of real, actual stars. I love this record!!
Just so you know, this was AFTER Band -Aid with British artists did a collaboration song. It was also for starving people in Africa. The song is "Do They Know it's Christmas"
American artists jumped on the band wagon to make USA for Africa song to help as well.
You will NEVER see another collaborations like this from musical artists and this was 2 different collaborations in 2 different countries.
And, after a few months, Spanish and Portuguese speaking artists made their contribution too, with the song "Cantaré, Cantarás" ( I will sing, you will sing)
The amount of talent around the 80's was incredible.
@yvorfalcon3025 Yes they did. Amazing how many countries came together to make a song to raise money for the cause.
I see everyone in the comments have already told you that the colorful haired girl is Cyndi Lauper. What they DIDN'T tell you is what songs she's known for....
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun."
"Time After Time."
"Goonies Are Good Enough."
"True Colors."
All Through the Night
She Bop
Best collaboration of artists ever. Nearly every artist had top 10 tracks in at least the 80s if not 70s and 90s too. Legends everywhere in the room. They filmed this right after a music awards show so they were all in LA together. Filmed all through the night until 6-7am. How do you not know who Cyndi Lauper is? haha. Dan Akroyd was the one kinda off one out since he wasn't really an artist like the rest. He had the Blues Brothers movie
This song/video was made to help with famine in Africa. The foundation is still up and running today. Here is a list of all the soloists in order of appearance, and then the rest of the chorus:
Soloists:
• Lionel Richie
• Stevie Wonder
• Paul Simon
• Kenny Rogers
• James Ingram
• Tina Turner
• Billy Joel
• Michael Jackson
• Diana Ross
• Dionne Warwick
• Willie Nelson
• Al Jarreau
• Bruce Springsteen
• Kenny Loggins
• Steve Perry
• Daryl Hall
• Huey Lewis
• Cyndi Lauper
• Kim Carnes
• Bob Dylan
• Ray Charles
Chorus:
• Dan Aykroyd
• Harry Belafonte
• Lindsey Buckingham
• Mario Cipollina (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Johnny Colla (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Sheila E.
• Bob Geldof
• Bill Gibson (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Chris Hayes (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Sean Hopper (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Jackie Jackson
• La Toya Jackson
• Marlon Jackson
• Randy Jackson
• Tito Jackson
• Waylon Jennings
• Bette Midler
• John Oates
• Jeffrey Osborne
• Anita Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters)
• June Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters)
• Ruth Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters)
• Smokey Robinson
@Cliff Beats Please, pin Berto2k's comment. I was about to post something similar but Berto2K beat me to it.
I'm betting if he's seen photos of Cyndi Lauper they're waaaay more recent than the 80's photos of her when she first came on the scene. She's colorful now, but her hair has been just one color for a very long time. :)
EXCELLENT information in this comment! Thank you!
Most people don't realize that is Dan Aykroyd. Always nice to see him included in comments just because he goes unnoticed most of the time. He was a part of something REALLY BIG here because he has a big heart. He absolutely deserves the recognition. :)
And conducting...Quincey "Q" Jones!
Our British one was better than this. Sorry disagree.
Now this is my Generation at it's finest. The colorful girl is Cyndi Lauper.
😂😂😂 That Cyndi Lauper, one of my favorites. You'll have to check out Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
I was 13 when this song came out. 😬 It was a huge hit! I'm so glad you did this one. The colorful one is Cindy Lauper.
I am 63. I knew every single person that was singing in that group. You must must watch the documentary about this song. Called the greatest night in history. It gives you a background of how this came to be.
Cindy Lauper always gets me hyped
Am just 22 but my mum played her music a lot on the Cassets we had
The lady with the red and yellow hair name is Cyndi Lauper, she's the one who sings "Girls Wanna Have Fun"
You don't say!!!
The one with the bright hair is Cyndi Lauper. She's an ICON. Check ou her music. Awesome.
Great song. I remember seeing that as a kid. Greatest collection of artists all on one song in History. Will never be broken.
Here is a list of the solo artists in order of appearance
Lionel Richie
Stevie Wonder
Paul Simon
Kenny Rogers
James Ingram
Tina Turner
Billy Joel
Michael Jackson
Diana Ross
Dionne Warwick
Willie Nelson
Al Jarreau
Bruce Springsteen
Kenny Loggins
Steve Perry
Daryl Hall
Michael Jackson
Huey Lewis
Cyndi Lauper
Kim Carnes
Bob Dylan
Ray Charles
Stevie Wonder & Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
James Ingram
Ray Charles
One of the greatest moments in music history
Legendary song, very special moment in music history!!
This song still gives me the chills. PHENOMENAL SONG 🎵
"idk who the hell that is, but she's colorful" killed me
I was a little girl when this came out and I was so star struck.
In the documentary, you’ll learn that Madonna was not even asked to sing in this. Prince was, but since he has social anxiety, he said he thinks he will pass.
Well that and his think with MJ! Prince didn't because he wanted to do a guitar solo which was not ok. So he opted out. They brought in Sheila E. (She was Prince's prodigy) with hopes that he would've tagged along but NOPE!!!
Madonna was asiel but al those great stars had to do it on her time. So she was skipt
I am 48. I still remember going to. Cats Record Store in Nashville and buying this single on cassette tape. I played it over and over and over. You just brought my childhood back. LOVE THIS SONG!❤❤❤ it was to help raise money for the children of Africa during a horrific famine. I was 10 when this came out. Thank you for this reaction!
There's a 30 min video about the making of this song, definitely worth checking out to see how it all came together... the amount of talent involved is simply astounding.
I needed this today. Thank you! I honestly dont think that something this epic will ever happen again. So much power together in one room, working together.
They couldn’t resist using phone it in technology we have now so the impact is much less meaningful. Kind a like having to get to a physical record store for music vs streaming.
American royalty! The British Band Aid made a song for the cause called: Do they know it's Christmas.--It was arranged by Bob Geldoff who also put "Live Aid' together on both continents. MJ is the king of Pop, but Freddie Mercury is still the king of Rock. - Thanks for reminding me of my age, I have been in tears all the way through the song. It seems like yesterday when it was released. ❤
Canadian artists also did a song called tears are not enough. They called themselves the northern lights. Such a great time for music and charity. I loved all three songs.
Amen to both of the above comments 😢
@@skysilvercanreid2811i remember the Northern Lights
It’s funny to discover this song over 30 years later 😅
That’s when music was music…. BEST ERA IN HISTORY !!!!!!!!!
I worked in a record store in L.A. from Christmas season 1984 through all of 1985, so I was there when both "Do They Know It's Christmas" and "We Are the World" were released. It was just INSANE how many records were flying out the door (despite people knowing that the songs were going to be played on the radio every two seconds - so it wasn't just about wanting to hear the song). A lot of people would buy multiple copies, both to help the cause and to give them to friends and relatives who might not otherwise get the message. A LOT of things were worse (especially racially - although we've been going backwards lately) back then, but some things were better too.
Still gives me chills listening to it ❤
I love to watch reactions when the reactors know they're watching Legends 😊
Me too. I knew of all this legends
Cyndi Lauper - brilliant artist, songwriter, and kind, amazing human being.
This brilliant song should be put out everywhere this Xmas because of what's going on in this world just now, keep all children safe and loved.😢 🙏❤️🙏
This was when we helped the world instead of stealing from them and killing them. God Bless these artists for setting their ego aside and participating.
Waaaatttttt thats Cindy Lopperrrrrrrrrrr the one with the crazy hair. A legend
L-A-U-P-E-R
All great Legends 👍
I loved your reaction to this song for someone under the age of 40. I have watched different reactions to this video, and all knew of Michael Jackson, but most did not know the rest. Once they find out the others, I think they will recognize the people, since I have seen their reactions of songs of the old days (or in my time as a youngster/adult). When I saw this reaction listed with your name viewing it, I looked forward to watching it besides a young person, but someone in the music field and if you would recognize all and appreciate the famous singers of days past. Yes, some are not with us, but they all are legends and with later generations viewing it, their lives, voices will live on forever. I hope you will go back and match the names of those who participated and there are some well-known singers that did not have a solo spot but are seen on the camera. The colorful hair young lady is Cyndi Lauper. I believe they recorded the song after attending the Grammy Awards show of that year. I loved your Weird Al Yankovic videos and being able to laugh at the humor, some not so politically correct today.
No autotune. No cell phones. Just the artists and their voices.
Autotune didn't exist for artists at the time.
Stevie and Bruce together is iconic. This was so well put together by Quincy Jones and so well written by MJ and Lionel. amazing song. Don't sleep on Cindy Lauper. Her part was perfection. Amazing how they could get SOOOOO many a lister artists. Incredible.
The star power in that room is astronomical.
Only Michael could get that many Legends all together in the same room.
Actually is was Harry Belafonte who came up with the idea...
I remember watching this on TV as a kid n it brought back a flood of memories much love n respect Cliff ✌
i was 20, im from the UK, i watched the LIve aid me and my girlfriend, 16 hours, and then you had your song, us in the UK did one also, But you had us beat, this was the best by far
You all see Bruce tear up? Look close. So touching.
So many American greats that shaped the music of today. Be proud America. Legendary artists 👏
I toured Europe in 1983, with a college wind ensemble. 7 countries in 14 days. 5 minute view of The Alps. This entire cassette and the Walkman I played it on, were completely burned out. This song STILL makes me cry for a million reasons.
The colorful girl is Cyndi Lauper, a living legend.
My face hurts from smiling so big.. i was 13 when this came out.. i was fresh into foster care.. this song meant the world to me..
OMG the song is 1,000,000 years old I'm so glad that you did this 1 very nostalgic and Makes people think about peace and kindness and all the good things that we need to bring back on a larger scale
So true! At least then we thought about it conceptually in our hearts for the globe. Now people are so separated by technology, wars, and materialism...will we ever get back to being HUMANS FIRST....makes me want to cry
It'scrazy. I'm 47 years old and I haven't heard this song or really seen a lot of these artists since the 80s but I could easily identify most of them just by hearing their voices. That's legendary.
Oh good grief I am old!! I remember when this came out. So many legends. So many have also passed on. Wow, such an iconic song! ❤
Oh stop...so do most of us! You are probably younger than many of us!
The best music... the best singers.... Thanks God I was young in the best era of all....
"The colorful one" is the one and only Cindy Lauper.
This song was beyond huge when I was a kid. This was the highest selling single of all time. I cannot be sure if it still is or not. But this was absolutely massive.
I was 11 years old and this was EVERYTHING
I was 13 years old in 1985. If only we all stood as one like we did back then we would be a better world. This is still to this day the biggest collaboration of stars that has ever came together to perform a song. This is exactly why I always say we need to get back to the 80's as far as how we stood together and treated each other as humans. No matter our differences and our beliefs we always looked past those things and stood tall, come together, and loved one another. The way these artists all came together is exactly how society was back in the 80's, we could sure learn some lessons from this era, and these people. Thanks for doing this reaction. Happy Thanksgiving. Love, peace and harmony to all.
That little firecracker is The one and only Cyndi Lauper ❤❤❤
My mom recorded this on VHS decades ago! I was a young toddler when this was released. Then in high school, I was in the school's choir and we sang this song. I appreciated it even more when learning all the harmonies... I'm now 24 years out of high school, and it still gives me goosebumps! Thanks for the memories Cliff!
I remember when this came out. I still LOVE IT!!!!!
These artists are legends! You gotta watch "Do They Know It's Christmas", too. It's a collab of British artists. 💙💪😎
I grew up listening to all those artists, and i remember when this song was first released.Thank you for this reaction ❤❤❤❤
This was a beautiful collab! ❤
Some of us have seen the grace of a large congregation, all colors and customs, hands in the air, and a swing that is simply natural to the human spirit .... and the crowd seems to lift off the floor (levitates).
This has happened to me within a congregation of 25,000 people .... WHAT A SOUND!
Songs like this can do it.
I remember this well. I was an adult at the time (cuz I be old) I still have the vinyl album in my basement but I can't remember what else is on it besides this song.
"Awarded numerous honors-including four Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award-the song was promoted with a music video, a VHS, a special edition magazine, a simulcast, and several books, posters, and shirts. The promotion and merchandise helped "We Are the World" raise more than $63 million ($168 million today) for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States."
Interesting you mention MJ and song writing. You may or may not know this but Eddie VanHalen played guitar on Beat it. Michael gave him the song and Eddie rewrote a lot of it as Michael wanted to do his first "rock" song (vs pop). Michael loved Eddie's version. So only a portion of that song was written by Michael.
When it comes to music us boomers can be educational 😜
The woman of the orange hair was a genial singer of other planet. Here name is Cyndi Lauper!
Gives me that feel-good vibe every time I listen to this. Great reaction, thank you.
I still get goose bumps every time l hear this song ❤
Also Bonnie Raitt, Diane Warwick, Loggins and Messina, Darryle Hall and John Oates, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Al Jarraue , Teddy Pendegras and tons of others.
also kim carnes who was once called the female bruce springsteen because of her gravelly voice.
Something people forget about is when that song first debuted on the radio it played at the same time all around the world.
I'm impressed that you knew as many as you did.😊
The US, UK, Canada and I believe Australia raised more money fight that famine and other causes since with just everyday people.
We are more capable of saving ourselves and our brothers and sisters of the world than any government.
As the years pass and we lose these legendary artists one by one, this video gets more and more precious and more and more inspiring. If only the children of the world could do as well today...🥰
That was Cyndi Lauper young one 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Oh mannn. When he recognised Ray Charles i burst into tears😢❤
I’m so jealous of you seeing this for the first time! Give me chills and gets me all choked up every time!
PS Live Aid paved the way for this, and there is an excellent documentary about it. “Against all odds.” Incredible story and power house performances.
I miss the 80's, thankfully I was there and aware for the whole decade. Good times.
I’m surprised you never heard this before . This is a classsic . There was a remake for Haiti that was done for Haiti but honestly it wasn’t as good . The yellow and red haired one is Cyndi Lauper. This makes me cry everytime I hear it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭due to how moving it is . This made somewhat of a comeback 3 years ago when the COVID pandemic hit. Especially since that was around the time George Floyd was killed by Derek chauvins
The Making Of documentary of this was stunning. Highly recommend watching it!
I just watched this a week or two ago; I remember when this came out. They did this after an awards show (American Music Awards (back when it was in January) I think) - there is actually a behind the scenes on YT about it.
I can't believe you haven't seen this, then I remember how old it is...and how old I am lol. The USA did this after it originally started in the UK by Bob Geldof (spelling?)(Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid). Canada did one too - (Tears are Not Enough - Northern Lights)
The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. It was in 1985. They raised a huge amount of money for such an amazing cause.
Here are the singers/stars who participated
We Are the World” Soloists (in order of appearance)
Time codes indicate start of first solo
Lionel Richie - 0:26
Stevie Wonder - 0:39
Paul Simon - 0:43
Kenny Rogers - 0:53
James Ingram - 0:59
Tina Turner - 1:06
Billy Joel - 1:13
Michael Jackson - 1:19
Diana Ross - 1:32
Dionne Warwick - 1:48
Willie Nelson - 2:02
Al Jarreau - 2:09
Bruce Springsteen - 2:15
Kenny Loggins - 2:21
Steve Perry - 2:28
Daryl Hall - 2:36
Huey Lewis - 2:48
Cyndi Lauper - 2:54
Kim Carnes - 3:02
Bob Dylan - 3:48
Ray Charles - 4:27
“We Are the World” Chorus
Dan Aykroyd
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham
Mario Cipollina
Johnny Colla
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof
Bill Gibson
Chris Hayes
Sean Hopper
Jackie Jackson
La Toya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Waylon Jennings
Bette Midler
John Oates
Jeffrey Osborne
The Pointer Sisters
Smokey Robinson
This was all volunteer No one was paid .... it was done out of love .... I don't think it will ever happen again
That included the crew. In a documentary, the sound guy said he dashed out an invoice after it was over and started to hand it to Lionel Ritchie. Lionel told him that everyone there volunteered and there would be no invoices. The guy said he just stuffed his invoice in his pocket.
I was 13teen. Netflix has a doco out about this song,and how they all got together to do this. Lionel didn't want the media to find out ,that all those artists were going to be in 1 room recording this song.