Forty years ago in 1985, the music world witnessed an unprecedented moment of unity when dozens of the biggest stars of the era gathered to record “We Are The World.” On its 40th anniversary, here’s a look at why and how the famed charity single came together, along with its impact and legacy.
Released in 1985 under the banner of USA For Africa, the track became not only a cultural milestone but also a humanitarian triumph. It raised millions for famine relief in Africa and showcased the ability of music to transcend competition, ego, and industry boundaries.
Behind its success was a story of vision, careful planning, and the sheer power of collective artistry.
The Global Context
By 1984, famine in Ethiopia had reached catastrophic levels. Media reports, particularly a BBC broadcast that showed the devastation, sparked international outrage and compassion. In Britain, this gave rise to Bob Geldof’s Band Aid project, which released “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in December 1984. That single featured UK artists Bono, George Michael, Boy George, among other stars, and it raised significant funds for African famine relief.
Its success inspired American artists to consider a similar effort.
Harry Belafonte's idea sparked the creation of "We Are The World"
Harry Belafonte, the legendary singer and activist, was among the first to suggest that U.S. musicians should come together for such a cause. He wanted to organize a benefit concert and a song to aid famine victims. To make the idea a reality, he reached out to his manager, Ken Kragen, who then contacted high-profile artists and industry figures to bring the project to life.
The Songwriters: Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie
For the song itself, Kragen approached Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, two of the most popular artists of the decade. Both agreed to collaborate on the composition. Quincy Jones, one of the most respected producers in the industry and a close associate of both men, was brought in to oversee the recording.
Jackson and Richie won the Grammy for Song Of The Year in 1986 for their composition
Jackson and Richie spent several nights writing the song at Jackson’s home in Encino, California. They wanted the piece to be simple enough for a large ensemble of singers yet powerful in its message of unity and compassion. The resulting lyrics, “We are the world, we are the children,” struck the right balance of hope, inclusivity, and urgency. The melody was straightforward and uplifting, designed to be instantly memorable and easy to sing along to.
A Gathering Of Stars: "Check your egos at the door"
One of the biggest challenges was finding a way to assemble America’s top musical talent in one place at one time. Kragen devised a clever plan: Invite them all to the same recording session immediately after the American Music Awards (AMAs), which were scheduled for January 28, 1985. Most of the artists would already be in Los Angeles, dressed up, and free to attend.
Kragen and Jones sent out invitations to a select group of musicians, carefully balancing genres, reputations, and vocal ranges. The lineup eventually included some of the biggest names in music history: Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, Paul Simon, Huey Lewis, and many more. In total, more than 40 artists participated.
Not hard to spot legends in this crowd...
To ensure that the recording session wouldn’t collapse under the weight of so many egos, Quincy Jones, affectionately known to most that knew him simply as “Q,” taped a now-famous sign to the studio door at A&M Studios in Hollywood:
“Check your egos at the door.”
The phrase became a symbolic motto for the project.
The Night of the Recording
On January 28, after the AMA ceremony, limousines began pulling up outside A&M Studios. Inside, Q, Richie, and Jackson were ready to guide the ensemble through the process. The atmosphere was a mixture of star-struck excitement and nervous energy. Even the biggest names, such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, felt somewhat humbled in the presence of so many peers.
The session began with group rehearsals of the chorus. Richie and Jackson helped demonstrate vocal lines, while Q managed the arrangement. Each artist had been assigned specific solo lines in advance, carefully selected to match their vocal qualities. For example, Stevie Wonder’s soulful delivery, Springsteen’s gritty voice, and Cyndi Lauper’s distinctive tone all had spotlight moments. Bob Dylan initially struggled with his line, feeling uncertain about how to deliver it, but Stevie Wonder stepped in to coach him, and Dylan ultimately produced one of the song’s most memorable turns.
The recording stretched late into the night, running into the early hours of January 29. The ensemble stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a semicircle around the microphones for the group sections, creating the iconic image captured in photographs and video footage of the event. Despite exhaustion, the energy in the room was electric.
The Release and Impact
“We Are The World” was released on March 7, 1985. The single was an immediate commercial and cultural phenomenon. It debuted at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, then quickly rose to #1, where it stayed for four weeks. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. It won four Grammy Awards, two MTV Awards, an American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award.
Quincy Jones sent out thank you awards to many in the industry for their support of the project (see more photos of this award here)
The project generated more than $60 million (equivalent to over $180 million in 2025 dollars) for humanitarian aid, primarily directed toward famine relief in Africa but also helping hunger-related programs in the United States. The song’s success also inspired other large-scale charity events, most notably Live Aid, which took place later in 1985 and drew a global television audience.
Cultural Significance
“We Are The World” was more than just a fundraising tool—it was a statement of unity during a period when popular music was often dominated by competition and commercialism. It brought together artists from different genres—rock, pop, soul, country—demonstrating the diversity of American music. The project also underscored the potential of celebrity activism at a time before social media made such efforts commonplace.
The single’s music video and the accompanying documentary offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at their favorite stars working collaboratively. Images of Michael Jackson shyly delivering his lines, Springsteen and Dylan nervously rehearsing, and Diana Ross hugging fellow performers became part of the cultural fabric of the 1980s.
Criticism and Legacy
Like any large-scale project, “We Are The World” was not immune to criticism. Some argued that the song oversimplified complex issues of famine and poverty, while others questioned whether the money was always used effectively. A few critics felt the song itself was overly sentimental. Nevertheless, its overall impact cannot be denied. It set a precedent for musicians using their influence to address humanitarian crises.
The legacy of the project endures decades later. A 25th anniversary version of the track was recorded in 2010 to benefit Haiti earthquake relief efforts, though it lacked the cultural lightning-in-a-bottle effect of the original. The 1985 version remains iconic, a symbol of both musical star power and human compassion.
The creation of “We Are The World” was an extraordinary feat of collaboration and vision. From Harry Belafonte’s initial idea to the tireless organizing by Ken Kragen, the songwriting partnership of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and the leadership of Quincy Jones, the project represented the very best of what the music industry could achieve when united for a cause.
On that January night in 1985, egos were indeed checked at the door, and the result was a moment that transcended charts, awards, and careers. It was music history in the making, and more importantly, it was humanity reaching out through song.
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