First Time Reaction | U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World

There were so many people I couldn’t keep up!
‪@MichaelJackson‬
#usaforafrica #reaction #firsttimehearing #firsttimereaction #africa #usa #1980s
AOD!!! We’re on the road to 300k! This is insane. I’m beyond grateful. We accomplished more than I ever imagined and it’s all because of you! You guys are absolutely killing it! And YOU are all amazing! I love you all!! -Cliff
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[@1WildFlower93]

The woman with the Yellow and red dyed hair is Cyndi Lauper

[@b3ntastic]

was shocked that he didn't recognize her. I mean I am only 22 an even I recognized her.

[@sharondagostino3348]

❤

[@Disneylover137]

Yeah the woman who sang Girls just wanna have fun

[@yaluman.]

This ideas are nightmare a white parents child with earrings and dyed hair

[@ejdebenham3779]

She bops!!!

[@user-gc1cp1xp5i]

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!🙌

[@wendymacraild5204]

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sharonannrees2824]

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!

[@maysonstorm4956]

Yes, I looked it up. It's equivalent to over $200 million in today's economy. That is remarkable.

[@siwlasilva]

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.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

Yes!!!

[@jamescurfman3284]

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.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

@@jamescurfman3284 Preach!!!!!

[@jamescurfman3284]

@@JaquelineGoodspeed :)

[@joannebaker4925]

That's why Quincy Jones, known as Q, took charge of this arrangement, one of great producers of our time.

[@bigdragon8004]

Notice there is absolutely no racism here. The way it should be. Everyone coming together to just help people. Everyone a complete legend!

[@orangreensp4073]

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.

[@scottboyd9383]

funny you use Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder with the phrase. they would drive them home...hahahahahah sorry

[@orangreensp4073]

@@scottboyd9383 , not me, it was Quincy Jones who Said it. I just quoted him.. And yes it is funny.

[@ohsixn]

hilarious

[@CircleM20]

Watch the documentary, a few artists came back to work on their solos, Bob Dylan was one of them.

[@kanditraxel]

​@orangreensp4073 Right, I'm like "Yeah, I'll walk, Sweetheart, but thank you!" 😂

[@ajruther67]

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.

[@AnnQlder]

Yes we will, I have faith in the younger generations

[@kayyy5]

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. 😊

[@AnnQlder]

@@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.

[@patwalker9890]

It did happen 25 years later when the Y2k artists got together for Haiti in 2010.

[@TheDarthgrant]

@@patwalker9890And it was NOT good.

[@gailpadulo8332]

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. ❤

[@gothchickbaby]

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]

Jeffrey Osborne had the last solo.

[@cogforreal5952]

Ray Charles are one of the last ones singing

[@ohsixn]

@@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.

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

Latoya Jackson, Sheila E, Al DeBarge ...I'm sure we're missing some more

[@IditaBugger]

@@ohsixn THANK YOU. Ive spent months reading posts trying to figure out who that was.

[@sopdox]

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.

[@allanrudge1518]

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.

[@SandraSealySeawomanBDS]

Great summary above! Theee's a docu too but more from Quincy's POV.

[@Athena621]

Bob G is Irish, not British.

[@RLucas3000]

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).

[@gemini802]

​@@Athena621part of Ireland is still the British Isle Northern Island and is part of the UK.

[@chazsimon684]

The colourful one is Cyndi Lauper. Absolute legend!

[@IditaBugger]

99% of the Channels dont know who she is. You can tell when they are naming people then it goes quiet. lol

[@Tla81]

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.

[@karinac.4995]

@@IditaBuggerhahaha maybe because Cyndi didnt sale Sex and she never was naked. Allways that she hast, ist only because her pure Talent.

[@carlosmiguel4756]

@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!!!

[@maysonstorm4956]

And she looks phenomenal today

[@donoutlaws2655]

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.

[@shortrib71]

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.

[@geocosmicvalentine]

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.

[@mikefetterman6782]

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.

[@mikefetterman6782]

To raise money for starving children in Aftica.

[@zegodfazer]

everyone except latoya lmfao

[@Berto2K]

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

[@MarvRoberts]

@Cliff Beats Please, pin Berto2k's comment. I was about to post something similar but Berto2K beat me to it.

[@hilarymol6607]

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. :)

[@jamescurfman3284]

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. :)

[@fourthgirl]

And conducting...Quincey "Q" Jones!

[@gemini802]

Our British one was better than this. Sorry disagree.

[@LadyGator1983]

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!!!

[@jamesfowler5100]

If this was done today it wouldn't have white people in it, that's for sure.

[@gemini802]

Lol yes because they in this for themselves.

[@cathyvickers9063]

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!

[@butterflymama0838]

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.

[@chrisalldis3375]

And Bob Geldof

[@butterflymama0838]

@@chrisalldis3375 he didn't produce the song.

[@itsakittyting]

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

[@chrisalldis3375]

That's true, however he was consulted & did make a trip to speak with Quincy Jones@@butterflymama0838

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

100% accurate.

[@jerrymanderer8464]

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.

[@ajruther67]

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.

[@yvorfalcon3025]

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.

[@ajruther67]

@yvorfalcon3025 Yes they did. Amazing how many countries came together to make a song to raise money for the cause.

[@berniewatts5028]

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

[@rammsteinrulz16]

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]

This was before the Obama and Biden administration that's why Americans was more united back then. I watched this live on TV.

[@kimson305]

​​@@jamesfowler5100I guess your delusional ass forgot trump caused hell. Blame Obama as usual. 2020 Obama wasn't president 🤡

[@kimson305]

​@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.

[@kimson305]

​@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.

[@Lufsixq]

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.

[@psilocydreams]

It wasn’t done in one take lol

[@RockFan89]

There are some clips of the multiple takes they did for each group.

[@mikephotos225]

@@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.

[@RockFan89]

@@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.

[@mikephotos225]

@@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.

[@tandaknights9047]

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.

[@dianeessex300]

Notice they weren't sorted by color?

[@wadewilson8011]

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."

[@Ernie1978]

Cyndi Lauper's bit is my favourite in a sea of real, actual stars. I love this record!!

[@oceanchild9112]

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.

[@sheenadees2701]

😂😂😂 That Cyndi Lauper, one of my favorites. You'll have to check out Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

[@carriekatana4580]

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!

[@KB-xp6dq]

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.

[@ProfesionalVideoWatcher]

Cindy Lauper always gets me hyped Am just 22 but my mum played her music a lot on the Cassets we had

[@lylegibson4162]

Great song. I remember seeing that as a kid. Greatest collection of artists all on one song in History. Will never be broken.

[@uzi978]

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.

[@ajruther67]

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

[@elkevera]

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. ❤

[@skysilvercanreid2811]

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.

[@JL-is9rg]

Amen to both of the above comments 😢

[@sueprator9314]

@@skysilvercanreid2811i remember the Northern Lights

[@Whambamm09]

The one with the bright hair is Cyndi Lauper. She's an ICON. Check ou her music. Awesome.

[@emilianoserranosouza1991]

Legendary song, very special moment in music history!!

[@kathystammen8774]

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.

[@audreykatz1753]

Cyndi Lauper - brilliant artist, songwriter, and kind, amazing human being.

[@a.k.a.Kaitlyn]

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.

[@Calmontheoutside]

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.

[@Paninaro98]

How could anyone not know Cyndi Lauper?

[@dsscam]

How could anyone not know "We Are The World?"

[@rwoodey68]

Now this is my Generation at it's finest. The colorful girl is Cyndi Lauper.

[@amandamayle6841]

I remember when this song came out .still make me so emotional

[@pamelahoracek]

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.

[@leenewton2931]

The colorful girl is Cyndi Lauper, a living legend.

[@kathystammen8774]

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.

[@dalephillips3730]

That’s when music was music…. BEST ERA IN HISTORY !!!!!!!!!

[@gwendavies9067]

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.😢 🙏❤️🙏

[@BLew657]

So many American greats that shaped the music of today. Be proud America. Legendary artists 👏

[@gretchenherrman82]

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.

[@sharons2487]

This song still gives me the chills. PHENOMENAL SONG 🎵

[@savageman2194]

I love to watch reactions when the reactors know they're watching Legends 😊

[@karenurbanski5004]

Me too. I knew of all this legends

[@stevesuarez1903]

The star power in that room is astronomical.

[@RetSol61]

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.

[@zegodfazer]

"idk who the hell that is, but she's colorful" killed me

[@ms.lisamarie82]

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

[@sueprator9314]

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

[@bahamutskingdom]

"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.

[@latinadavis3691]

The lady with the red and yellow hair name is Cyndi Lauper, she's the one who sings "Girls Wanna Have Fun"

[@magnetmac1]

You don't say!!!

[@user-po7rd5uc4b]

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.

[@christyyant4412]

I remember watching this on TV as a kid n it brought back a flood of memories much love n respect Cliff ✌

[@seanmc1351]

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

[@amygilley5647]

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..

[@karinac.4995]

The woman of the orange hair was a genial singer of other planet. Here name is Cyndi Lauper!

[@kimkayser6561]

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!

[@tinabagheri5158]

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! ❤

[@sueprator9314]

Oh stop...so do most of us! You are probably younger than many of us!

[@kaleimaile]

I was in middle school when this song came out and I still have the piano music for it. I still love this song!

[@coleanne3145]

I was a little girl when this came out and I was so star struck.

[@leonardchurch7675]

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.

[@leonardchurch7675]

also kim carnes who was once called the female bruce springsteen because of her gravelly voice.

[@nanner3200]

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 😜

[@piotrlesniewski8621]

It’s funny to discover this song over 30 years later 😅

[@legendarybozo]

Only Michael could get that many Legends all together in the same room.

[@lizjo7213]

Actually is was Harry Belafonte who came up with the idea...

[@emilbautista8007]

These artists are legends! You gotta watch "Do They Know It's Christmas", too. It's a collab of British artists. 💙💪😎

[@Rocky-N-Angel]

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.

[@maysonstorm4956]

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.

[@55flameon]

You all see Bruce tear up? Look close. So touching.

[@tomjudge7920]

This was all volunteer No one was paid .... it was done out of love .... I don't think it will ever happen again

[@mikephotos225]

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.

[@scurvyelephant333]

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.

[@AngieLea]

Oh mannn. When he recognised Ray Charles i burst into tears😢❤

[@cindyherring1998]

This was a beautiful collab! ❤

[@firefighterchick]

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.

[@carmenvegaabad]

The best music... the best singers.... Thanks God I was young in the best era of all....

[@rebeccaanderson8305]

I remember when this came out. I still LOVE IT!!!!!

[@pcoleman1971]

There's also a Canadian version, "Tears are not enough".

[@teresarubel2182]

Gives me that feel-good vibe every time I listen to this. Great reaction, thank you.

[@dalephillips3730]

Still gives me chills listening to it ❤

[@lightlantern]

Record Labels Would Never Allow This Today!! They Would Never Release Their Artists!!

[@RapFanatic4ever]

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

[@eggy4152]

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.

[@malikyepireu1997]

3:33 that is Cyndi Lauper,,, my mom born in the 50’s educated me on her when Miley Cyrus did a cover of her song “Girls Jus Wanna Have Fun”

[@Uniquely-Unoriginal]

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)

[@misstlc3]

My mom use to love this and the ones done by the UK, ‘Do They Know it Christmas’ and Canada’s ‘Tears Are Not Enough.’ She use to say there was a time people would care enough to all come together and put differences aside for the common good. I miss her so much. 😔

[@mekialekiros6028]

"We are the world" was recorded to raise money to fight famine in Ethiopia and other African nations. This music raised more than $75 million. It was recorded to raise money to fight famine in Ethiopia and other African nations. As an Ethiopian, I want to appreciate what you have done for my country and my continent. WE ARE THE 🌎

[@JessiexWhite]

so beautiful

[@leonardchurch7675]

In the back with Harry Belafonte was Dan Ackroyd, in the front I think it was Tito Jackson and Latoya. Conducted by Quincy Jones

[@SandraSealySeawomanBDS]

❤❤❤ your reaction and respect!😊 I remember when this just came out - it was huge. Watch the doc of the story behind it. Quincy said "Leave your egos at the door."

[@kazzakoala]

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

[@cynthialocsin9875]

Recorded after Grammy awards night so most of the legends singers were there that was 1985

[@MarvRoberts]

At the time, many of these legendary artists were considered mid-tier pop celebs like Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Huey Lewis, Lionel Richie, Kenny Loggins, Bruce Springsteen, etc. What I think is actually great about this, from a performance standpoint, is that almost all of the artists, that were already viewed as legends when this was made, took an intentional backseat and did, either, simple one-liners or only did backing vocals.

[@roddow612]

Are you drunk? Springsteen, Lionel Ritchie, Huey Lewis, and Cyndi Lauper were "midtier"? Bruce was one of the top selling artists that year, and Lionel wrote this damn song alongside Michael Jackson.

[@MarvRoberts]

@@roddow612 I don't know what to say. I was there for it all. They weren't considered legends at the time. They were just kids who had something important to say. The world listened and so did I.

[@roddow612]

@@MarvRoberts I'm very confused about which ones you're grouping in the "legends" category. Outside of Ray and Willie, They were all in their 30s-40s, so don't know who the kids are. The closest one to being a kid was Michael.

[@MarvRoberts]

@@roddow612 Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, Sheila E., Bob Geldof, Bill Gibson, ALL of the Jacksons, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeff Osborne, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Smokey Robinson, etc.

[@roddow612]

@@MarvRoberts Then I'm confused as why you would call Bruce, Lionel, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram Tina Turner, etc mid-tier when they are contemporaries of Geldof, Buckingham, Bette, etc. The ones that were headlining were doing so because they were superstars with the hottest albums. Had nothing to do with the legends "stepping aside and letting the kids sing". And I'm sorry, but outside of Michael, the Jackson's were definitely not legends, they were there because of their relationship with Quincy.

[@Paul77ozee]

James Ingram at the end when he says 🎵So let’s start giving🎵 always gives me chills.

[@marysellemaldonado6182]

Waaaatttttt thats Cindy Lopperrrrrrrrrrr the one with the crazy hair. A legend

[@magnetmac1]

L-A-U-P-E-R