Anniversary of the charity single: USA for Africa: 40 years of “We Are The World”

Quincy Jones knew it would be complicated. “Leave your ego outside,” says a sign that the star producer placed above the studio door. Late in the evening of January 28, 1985, around 50 of the biggest pop and rock stars of their time entered the A&M studios in Los Angeles. After an exhausting and historic night, the recordings for one of the most successful singles in music history are in the can: “We Are The World”.

Harry Belafonte inspired by Bob Geldof

The singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte wanted to hold a benefit concert in 1985 to raise money against the famine in Africa. The music manager Ken Collar suggests that he should follow the example of Bob Geldof and his Band Aid project. Geldof had recently met the stars of the British music scene for the single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” brought into the studio and collected millions in donations for Ethiopia.

On Belafonte’s behalf, Schwanz initially recruits his own clients Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers. Arranger and producer Quincy Jones joins next. Richie is supposed to compose the song with Stevie Wonder. But because Wonder can’t be reached for a long time, Jones quickly brings in Michael Jackson, whose successful albums “Off The Wall” and “Thriller” he produced. Richie and Jackson write the song together in Jackson’s parents’ house.

The who’s who of the 80s music scene

Time is racing, but with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie on board, Schwanz has the best arguments to recruit more superstars for the project, which will later be called “USA for Africa”. The list includes the who’s who of ’80s pop and rock music – including Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, Billy Joel and Journey singer Steve Perry. Soul legend Ray Charles and country icon Willie Nelson, aged 54 and 51 respectively, were among the oldest performers after the 57-year-old Belafonte.

The makers chose the evening of the American Music Awards (AMA) as the recording date so that the huge ensemble of superstars could easily be chauffeured to the studio immediately after the awards ceremony. The preparations were accompanied by fear that the press would reveal the meeting place. Crowds of fans outside A&M Studios might have deterred some stars upon arrival. But apart from a few cameramen, everything remains quiet in the evening.

The ambitious recording project begins at around 10:30 p.m. “We only had one night to get it done,” Richie recalls in the Netflix documentary “The Greatest Night In Pop.” The vocal arranger Tom Bähler made sure in advance that everyone who took on a short solo passage could sing in their own style and tone. A little adjustment needs to be made here and there. It was also decided in advance who would stand next to whom in the studio. Assistants, PR people and others not directly involved must stay out.

The mood is initially good. But as the long night progresses, the tension increases. With 70 to 80 people in the room, including 47 artists, the air becomes thinner and patience becomes shorter. Country star Waylon Jennings leaves the studio amid discussion of including a line in Swahili – an idea from Stevie Wonder. Finally, the realization comes that Swahili is not spoken in Ethiopia. At the behest of Smokey Robinson, the meaningless line “That’s what we’re giving” becomes the call “Let’s start giving”.

Huey Lewis has to step in for Prince

Until the end, the makers hope that Prince will still show up. His bandmate Sheila E. is there during the recording of “We Are The World”. But the musician, who hours earlier beat Michael Jackson in two categories at the American Music Awards, cannot be persuaded to come to the studio. Instead, he offers to contribute a guitar solo, which is declined. Huey Lewis, who reports on shaking knees in “The Greatest Night in Pop”, spontaneously takes over the singing part intended for him.

There are also small challenges to overcome. Al Jarreau has drunk too much wine and needs several attempts. Cyndi Lauper’s jewelry creates noise. Bob Dylan initially feels out of place among all the harmonious voices. In a touching scene, fortunately captured for the cameras, Stevie Wonder sits down at the piano and works out the vocals for him. Finally, Dylan sings at 6 a.m. in a distinctively croaking manner – typical Dylan – and it fits perfectly. When everything is done around 8 a.m., those who are still there are exhausted and relieved.

Record sales and millions in donations

The effort was worth it. “We Are The World” became one of the best-selling singles in music history and generated more than $60 million for Africa relief. The song was released on March 3rd. It sold 800,000 copies in the first three days. The single was number one on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts for four weeks in a row. The following year she won two Grammys and was also named “Song of the Year” at the American Music Awards.