Is That Michael Jackson!? | U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World (Reaction!)

** Road To 100,000 **
Also if you want to support me:
BUY ME A SHIRT www.buymeacoffee.com/ShonReacts
paypal.me/ShonReactions?count...
Cashapp: cash.app/$Shonrah0
account.venmo.com/shonrah0
Also if you enjoyed please subscribe and follow my socials
Gaming channel: / @shonrah0263
Instagram: shonrah?hl=en
Twitch: / shonrah0
snapchat: Shonrah
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS
U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World reaction
First time reaction
U.S.A. For Africa reaction
Official Music video
U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World
First time listening
#usaforafrica #reaction #music #shon

[@bella-xp7qd]

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 (alphabetically) 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.

[@kimberlygarwood-jl5om]

Thanks

[@mariaklein2715]

Thanks for the great breakdown!😊

[@chrissemones6195]

Impressive

[@AuntieShanti510]

Honestly Shon should just go down the list and react to every artist here. They are all LEGENDS.

[@nettiemac]

@@AuntieShanti510AB SO LUTE LY!

[@thehorrorfanx]

Every singer here is a master of the craft. Once in a lifetime collaboration.

[@ajadamsv9208]

You are 100% correct!

[@davidedwards1705]

No Egos on that Stage.

[@cat793cdumpy]

@@davidedwards1705 And no racisim either. Beautiful to see and hear.

[@stormangelus6638]

Absolutely!!! 💯 %! And no attitudes, showboating, or discrimination at all. What a beautiful song, even 40 years later!

[@tjp1451]

Lifetime? No. Once. In forever. Nothing close to this epic will ever happen again.

[@dandiscer1373]

HOLY SHIT....EVERYONE who sang had number 1 hits MOST had several. The artists in that room were responsible for several hundred number 1 hits. ALL music royalty.

[@nevyn_karres]

Yeah this was song gold.

[@lindajohnson7675]

Agreed! I can NOT believe only a few of these musicals are not recognised here. This was recorded in ONE night after an awards ceremony. It's the only way they could get this many artists together at one time. Yes, you are correct .....you got a lot of OUTSTANDING music to learn about!

[@amyaeschbach3581]

They soloists had al won a Grammy. Quincy Jones posted a sign on the door saying “Check your egos at the door”! Surprised most by not knowing Lionel Richie!! And the Boss.

[@RockFan89]

Almost. A few missed it. Madonna was on tour and Prince didnt want to be a part of it.

[@user-pb6bt4kc1u]

Prince wanted to have a guitar solo, they say no thanks.@@RockFan89

[@joeyulloa6631]

EVERY reaction video I've seen to this amazing piece of work has one common denominator... EVERYBODY knows Kenny Rogers. 😂😅

[@JanetCousins-to3hz]

Even more know Michael Jackson😂

[@Summermute7]

I know! It cracks me up and makes me happy. It also cracks me up that they only need to see socks to identify MJ. He’s literally recognizable by only his ankles. Lol

[@spacemaker8760]

And noone knows Bruce Springsteen, theyre are cluless

[@ShannyShan20]

Right?! @joeyulloa6631?! Like the next comment says, more know Michael Jackson, that's a given, but I myself have noticed, surprisingly, that they ALWAYS KNOW Kenny Rogers lol! They're always excited too, when they recognize him! I luv it! You just don't think an older country artist would be one that is known by every reactor, but it seems that he always is, lol! It makes me smile! And of course, when they see the MJ socks & know instantly who it is, that almost makes me cry! Just knowing he was around during my lifetime & all the younger generations now are just as mesmerized as we were! We were sure blessed in the 80s!

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

I'm so fortunate to have grown up listening to all these great voices.

[@cedrikwood5480]

Definitely a colab of legends. At the time, Ethiopia was enduring a severe drought. Seeing people who were literally starving on tv inspired a lot of people to open their hearts and wallets to try and help.

[@benjones7641]

Sadly most of the money raised, if not all, never made it to who was supposed to be helped by it. The Ethiopian warlords kept it for themselves.

[@bethking7348]

​@@benjones7641can you elaborate? I am so saddened by this prospect!

[@sabinasabina2010]

​​@@benjones7641 not true, it was a combination of many things and including money staying in USA paying different agencies /taxes but in the end it did save lives.

[@savageman2194]

That chocolate lady is none other than Tina Turner. I'm sure someone will send you all the names. This is a who's who of musicians.

[@gk5891]

A lot of the money raised by the song has went to other needs in Africa because it continues to raise money to this day.

[@annsmith3450]

There’s one reason only why you loved this song. Welcome to the 1980’s music that exploded with all these great singers. Best decade ever!!!

[@soultaker1264]

Challenge yourself.... enjoy the music people throw at you and revisit this song after a year and you'll know WHO each of them are. All are legends. This colab will mean more to you!!

[@dagmar.6954]

The amount of talent shown in this video is crazy. All are top notch artists from many different eras & genres of music. Don't think something like this will ever happen again. Sadly quite a few artists that are featured are no longer with us.

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

When this came out, most of the singers in this were household names, and the MTV era had made their faces instantly recognizable. The more “veteran” singers here, like Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Tina Turner etc. had music careers that reached all the way back to the 60s. Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson were the best-known country singers. Paul Simon (who sings right before Kenny Rogers) had been one half of Simon and Garfunkle, and was beginning his solo career. Kenny Loggins (short brown beard) had been in Loggins and Messina and had a very successful solo career (including the song Footloose). Steve Perry (long black hair and they pretty much get only a closeup of him when he’s singing, was the lead singer of Journey from 1977 until 1996, and had had a huge solo album the year before . Daryl Hall (blonde mullet) was one half of Hall and Oates, the biggest duo of the 70s and 80s. Cyndi Lauper (with the yellow and red hair) is Cyndi Lauper, best known for “Girls Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “All Through the Night” and “She Bop” ( her next album would include the mega-hit “True Colors”). The first woman you asked about was the legendary Tina Turner who was big in the 60s and 70s with her ex husband Ike, and then she had a huge comeback in 1984 with her album “Private Dancer.” The title song and “What’s Love Got To Do with It” were absolutely huge. The woman who duets with MJ is Diana Ross of The Supremes and who brought us tons of solo hits too (plus she’s in The Wiz with MJ), The guy trading off vocals with Stevie Wonder is Bruce Springsteen, whose 1984 album Born in the USA had seven top ten hits (most albums back then only gained traction with about three singles). Then you have Ray Charles (with glasses) trading off with James Ingram who was known as a balladeer but really tears it up on this song. Those are my highlights.

[@sopdox]

History lesson time. 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 a producer friend 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. If you’re wondering how come Whitney Houston isn’t in this, it’s 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 door saying “check your egos at the door.” We Are The World was a massive hit. The heavy metal community felt snubbed 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 We Are 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.

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the lead singer of Ultravox were the masterminda behind Band-Aid.

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

Prince did donate a song to the USA for Africa album (4 the Tears in Your Eyes) even though he didn’t show up. They gave his part to Huey Lewis.

[@bernardsalvatore1929]

Great comment!!!

[@susangamble6038]

​@@garyatwood-mendez6465indeed they were. Thank you for correcting that! ❤ And Bob was largely responsible for Live Aid. He badgered many, many people into putting on a worldwide concert. (And famously swore on national TV - the BBC - regarding getting donations toward the cause). The first half was at Wembley and the second was the US's turn.

[@lindasuarez1050]

Great commentary! Thanks!

[@danlewis4886]

I was 5 years old when this came out and I would get teary eyed. Today I'm 44 and still has that same effect. It's amazing what music can do. And that is to bring UNITY to this world. We need it more than ever. Blessings to everyone on here.

[@nettiemac]

I was in high school and I just got chillbumps all over again listening. Always do.

[@HollisMJP]

I was 20 and it never gets old...just me!!! Lol

[@Michelle_Crn]

Ok, so nothing has made me feel older than you not knowing The Boss - Bruce Springsteen. I was a teenager growing up during the 1980's and these people are the faces of 1980's music, of which I believe is the BEST decade in music, however, I am partial to everything 1980's - music, movies, fashion, etc. This song is iconic. I am so glad that you have discovered it and appreciate it's worth.

[@genny5309]

Or Lionel Ritchie and Stevie Wonder at the beginning.

[@bwellwak]

My kids are in their 20’s sure they can name at least 75% of these artists. Did this guy grow up in a cave?

[@Momaof2doggies]

Yup…feeling really old lol

[@nogames8982]

Every single person on that song is a legend in their own right. Might be different genres, but everyone of them is a huge talent and a huge name.

[@DavidRay39]

The story of how this song came to be is on Netflix, "The Greatest Night in Pop." It's about 90 minutes long.

[@BelleDede01]

"We Are the World" is a charity single originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985. It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian for the album We Are the World. With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is the eighth-best-selling physical single of all time. Also, at the beginning, you were wondering about the signatures, and yes, all those singers signed their names. I don't know where that cloth is located, but I'm sure it's worth a pretty penny, as some of those singers have passed on up to now. This was done after the AMA (American Music Awards) show and since they were there anyway for the Awards, then they all gathered together and did this. Arrangement Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner and Billy Joel sing the first verse; Michael Jackson and Diana Ross sing the first chorus; Dionne Warwick (Whitney Houston's Aunt), Willie Nelson and Al Jarreau sing the second verse; Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry and Daryl Hall sing the second chorus; Jackson, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, and Kim Carnes sing the bridge. "We Are the World" concludes with Bob Dylan and Ray Charles singing a full chorus, Wonder and Springsteen duetting, and ad libs from Charles and Ingram. The structure is said to "create a sense of continuous surprise and emotional buildup". The following 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. Directed by Quincy Jones.

[@walkofnails2923]

One of the best parts of the story of this song was that there was a sign above the studio entrance that said Leave Your Ego at the Door. Everyone was coming right after an award show. Everyone was getting dropped off in their limos and Bruce Springsteen drove his truck there. 😂 Some of the rockers didn’t want to do it because they thought the song was too pop. Bruce (who was biggest rock star in the world at this point) was asked about it and he said he was staying because he was there to feed people. Amazing collab by all involved

[@rogerashley8616]

These singers are some of the legends of the 80's. The best decade of music ever ! Great reaction !

[@jamesburg9718]

I would say it’s much more than that. Legends of music from 1949 (Ray Charles’ first hit) to today.

[@57mab]

60', 70's too (Dylan, Kenny Rogers, Paul Simon, Stevie W. etc...) , Belafonte, Ray Charles from 50's...

[@bella-xp7qd]

On Jan. 28, 1985, at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, following the American Music Awards, more than 40 artists gathered to record a song Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson had written to raise awareness of widespread, life-threatening poverty in Africa.. There was a sign on the door that said something like leave your attitude at the door.

[@kalamahina7157]

IIRC “Check your ego at the door”

[@katrinacash6393]

There is a documentary about the making of USA For Africa "We Are The World". How this came about, who wrote the song, how it was performed and recorded and it's really a wonderful video. This was 100% for charity and there was a sign on the studio entrance that said "Leave your egos at the door". The older Black singer was the legend Ray Charles. Bruce Springsteen was singing back and forth with Stevie Wonder. Many of these legends have now passed away. The whole Jackson family is there in the group singing that didn't have solos. Tina Turner was the first "chocolate lady" you said you didn't know. A massive legend that just passed away a few months ago. Every single person was a superstar of the time. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie and directed by the great record producer and singer Quincy Jones. I hope you can sample each artist's work because we won't see the likes of many of them again.

[@pokerchip54]

I dare you to show me a tune where Quincy Jones was singing.... lol He is maybe the greatest arranger and produced Michael Jackson's solo albums. James Ingram was part of Quincy's entourage and sang on several of the great Quincy Jones tunes (One Hundred Ways, Just Once). Most of the people reacting to this video have no idea of the other people who are shown in the background as part of the choir but notable at least for me are the Pointer Sisters and the Jackson family. Dan Aykroyd is next to the legendary Harry Belafonte. If I remember this video was made just before or after the Grammy awards show that year which is why they were able to get all those people in one room at the same time. I've been watching these reaction videos and it's sad how little history most of the reactors know but I guess it's all in how you were brought up and what was played in the home. It floored me that with all the mega superstars starting out the tune, you had to stop because you saw Kenny Rogers...lol Most of the reactors that happen to be white don't know some of the black artists and the black reactors don't know the white artists... I was a child of the sixties and I have to say that we knew both even if we leaned one way or the other with our preferences.

[@katrinacash6393]

@@pokerchip54 Read his biography. “Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones grew up in Seattle where he began making music playing trumpet and singing in a gospel choir at the age 12. His first band was formed with his friend, Ray Charles, who was two years older, when both were in their teens.” I was born in the 1950’s and knew every artist in this video, including those who didn’t have solos. You make a lot of assumptions.

[@pokerchip54]

@@katrinacash6393 I apologize for the tone that my reply took with the opening line of "I dare you". That was meant light heartedly as folks might infer from the lol that followed the statement. I still stand by the substance of the statement. By your own response, you had to read his biography and found an instance of him singing in church when he 12. I sang in a choir in church when I was 12 also but it doesn't make me a singer. I was also born in the 1950's and I also know every artist in the video. I am careful not to assume anything I'm bothering to post about. I own all of Quincy's albums and without looking it up, I can remember one time he sang on any of his albums (I believe the tune was Marvin Gaye's What's Going On). As you stated, he was a trumpet player but the long career he is noted for has to do with him producing and arranging for a ton of iconic artists as well as brilliantly scoring some movies. His relationship with Ray Charles has been well documented. The second part of my comments is an observation on this current reaction video trend or fad. I could make a lengthy commentary about it but I'm struck at how little they know about what came before them. I'm also struck that folks are paying money just to have them react to what they are hearing or seeing.

[@leesahonomichl1014]

They all did it for free. More than $75 million was raised for Africa with this one song. ❤

[@karenfamiglietti2040]

The guy singing with Stevie Wonder towards the end is Bruce Springstein. Also in this video is Jammes Ingram, Kim Carnes, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Steve Perry from Journey, Kenny Loggins, Cindy Lauper, Dionne Warwick, Lyonel Richie, Bob Dylan, etc. Soooo many great voices in this video.

[@lindat6910]

The best artists of ALL time! It amazes me how so many do not know these artists! PURE GOLD!

[@johnmaguire6183]

Those singers are all ICONIC singers. They all have had several number 1 hits.

[@pyrusane]

A lot of people have discussed why they did this, so I'll add a bit of context of how they brought so many legends together in one studio. Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie wrote the song together, and they knew what they wanted to do with it, but they had to pick the right time. That time was the night of the Grammy Awards. MJ skipped the Grammies that year to go to the studio early and lay down all the backing tracks and music, so that all they had to do when the singers got there was sing. Quincy Jones was conducting the group, but Michael was the one really driving the whole thing. They basically spent the entire night in that studio getting it right. There is a documentary of the making of the song that actually came with the VHS version of this when you ordered it back in the 80s, that documentary is available on KZbin and is a great watch in itself.

[@chrischar9428]

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

[@pyrusane]

@@chrischar9428 was it the AMAs? It's been a few years since I watched the documentary, thank you for the correction.

[@greymomma]

Actually it was Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian who produced and were in charge. Quincy actually suggested Michael help write the song because Stevie Wonder, the first choice, was working on an album. I remember when this first came out. It was incredible. If you look you can see Dan Akroyed in the back and Bette Midler as well. They were at the awards show and decided to join in!

[@mariaburge1853]

I have the VHS tape of the making of somewhere. I bought for a dollar at pawn shop years ago

[@MaryEllen10862]

This group are all legends. This was so amazing when it came out and It will always be. I love every single one of them and their music. Love your reaction to this and you are right more of this needs to be done today but it’s going to be hard to match this group of very talented singers. You mention the guy singing with Stevie Wonder and that is Bruce Springsteen I love their vocals together it’s a match made in heaven. Only wish after hearing them together they would have recorded more together.

[@jolenewitzel7919]

We all bought the t-shirts. This is top notch talent from every genre. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@christinelegate8137]

Legends, all of them. They came together to raise money for Africa. You need to learn who they are because they are the GOATS of music.

[@southernlady75-Amy]

There is NO way a collaboration could happen like this today. This was so amazing. I was in elementary school and all of my favorite artists were in this. :D

[@thewild5719]

Totally agree! Honestly there isn't even enough talent in the industry anymore to make up half of this roster

[@billyjohn7846]

In contrary, I do believe it CAN happen. Just not AS impactful.

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

@@thewild5719 But there are some - - When the drummer Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters died - the band made two tribute concerts - one in uk - and one in us - with celebrities as well. But it was sad occasions - - . But most of the younger musicians rely on autotune and synthesizers - -

[@kuroe-chan5190]

Yes people’s egos would get I. The way and some of these morons would find a problem with it. Crazy disappointing what we’ve come to 😢

[@dahak2358]

@@kuroe-chan5190 Not just egos. There just weren't so many contractual obligations with studios then that might collide with it. Today even if you could find as many talents of the same tier as then and make them cooperate (which i doubt), it would not be for free.

[@reneeheknowsmyname6771]

When this song came out in 1985, there was a time when every single radio station across the US, played the song simultaneously!!! And when I say 'SIMULTANEOUSLY!!', I'm saying every single radio station!!! Not matter what music that station was known for!! Singer in order ....... Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry (from Journey), Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles! Background singers are ........ 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 Now you MUST watch this Harry Belafonte tribute the group did for him!! ..... The Banana Boat Song ..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6S5hKiurJ6kkMk

[@seanpatton7406]

Awesome list, thanks 👍. There's another list that someone made that had *EVERYONE* that contributed; singers/artists running the music 🎵🎶🥁 🎸 🎹 (in the background). There was also *A LOT* of actors who sung in the chorus part of the song.... Example, Dan Aykroyd is getting down with everyone else in the song 👍🤨😳🤔🤯😎

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

@@seanpatton7406Dan Akroyd was also a musician (Blues Brothers) and Bette Midler, known best as an actor is also an incredible singer and had had a big hit with “The Rose” and had done musical theater.

[@wright1776]

This has lots of great singers!!

[@karlgiandomenico6005]

Someone who doesn't get nearly enough credit on this song is the conductor who is Quincy Jones. He is a genius and the mastermind behind this song

[@lisasisson1258]

This collaboration raised over 60 million dollars to help with famine relief efforts in Africa. The female singer u didn't know is Tina Turner, you also missed Lionel Ritchie in the beginning. The duet was Stevie and Bruce Springsteen. After you watch more of our 80's singers come back and revisit and see how many you'll recognize. I bought this when it was for sale. Lost it in a move😢 I enjoyed your reaction to seeing our legends singing together without egos getting in the way. Europe did a Christmas song for famine relief called Do they Know it's Christmas after all. Check that one out too and test your knowledge of singers from across the pond. Love your channel!!!

[@susangamble6038]

The UK (not Europe. We are a separate country) organised 'do they know it's Christmas' 6 months before 'we are the world'. Quincy Jones and Harry Belafonte then decided to organise an American version. Ours was actually organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure - so they started the whole thing. 😊 And Bob was the main organising force of Live Aid too. I was in my late 20s and watched everything unfold at the time. Bought the singles, donated separately, watched all of Live Aid .. it was a time when the World really did seem to come together.

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

@@susangamble6038 And 1.9 billion saw live Aid 1985 - 72.000 at Wembley Stadium in London and 100.000 at JFK - Philadelphia . The rest of us. - world wide followed the concerts on television - and donated to the good cause.I'm a great fan of Queen - and they stole the show - as Elton John said - you bastards! Their 20 minutes is regarded the best rock concert ever - - nobody had their own gear ? or lightning or showpossibilities - so they performed in their normal clothes - no special outfits - just make the music. Some chose to play their new releases - Queen chose to play their hits - some shortened a bit - as Bob Geldof had told them - it is going to be like a jukebox .Queen had played big stadiums before - 300.000 at some concerts - so they had an advantage.

[@g.dubyou6263]

I’m dying. “I don’t know who the two chocolate brothers are.” How about Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. You should revisit this video in a year, and see if you can’t pick them all out. The older gentleman in the Red shirt is Ray Charles (Watch the movie Ray) and Bruce Springsteen is harmonizing with Stevie Wonder.

[@soccertl]

I grew up with all these amazing artists. What a collaboration.

[@timlenard1646]

I love watching reactors do this song at the beginning of their music journey and then revisit it after they have gained some musical experience and see who they then recognize...

[@MM-rd4wm]

The writing was the signatures of the artists. This was for charity, famine in Africa. Each of these artists are iconic!

[@user-qp8jh9vl7v]

Oh, you are going to have so much fun going on this adventure. There are lists of the artists in order of when they sing. I hope you enjoy these artists and their music as much as I have throughout my lifetime.

[@walkofnails2923]

From these artists, I’d love to see you react to Billy Joel’s Piano Man, Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors, Lionel Richie’s Hello, and anything with Steve Perry who is the lead singer of Journey. Kenny Loggins was the king of the 80’s soundtracks with big hits from Top Gun, Footloose, and Caddyshack to name a few. Music videos in the 80’s were huge on mtv so almost all of these artists have great music videos

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

One idea would be to check out Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry‘s duet, “Don’t Fight It.”

[@SueK51]

@@garyatwood-mendez6465 glad you mentioned that. 'Don't Fight It' was nominated for a Grammy. Great song by two of the best.

[@Monsterdrumma]

The older black guy with glasses you asked about was the legendary Ray Charles who is blind by the way then it was Stevie Wonder trading with another legend Bruce Springsteen.

[@JohnHazelwood58]

The "old guy with the sun glasses" is "Ray Charles". Wikipedia says: "He is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, and was often referred to by contemporaries as >The Genius!

[@seandooley226]

Another thing I thought you might find interesting, I remember when this song was released (back then it actually had to be put on a form of media, record, CD etc and shipped out) every rock, pop and r&b radio station in America played the song at the same time... If I remember correctly it was exactly at 12 noon.

[@k_salter]

This was a beautiful moment in music! In one year from now, you need to do another reaction and try to name the artists. I'll bet you'll be able to name 80% or more. Enjoyed this! ETA: there was another song like this called "Do they Know It's Christmastime." Check it out.

[@jamiepage9046]

Great idea! I always want a follow up!

[@michaelanthony8392]

That man is Bruce Springsteen. Quite literally considered the greatest rock performer ever. Pure emotion and pure energy. Please watch the video for Born To Run. It gives you an idea of how powerful and legendary his concerts are! Still touring today selling out arenas at 73!

[@LucasEdstroem]

Bruce Springsteen is just amazing😍

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

For each and every one of the thousands of times I've seen this video, I'm STILL perplexed every time I see Dan Ackroyd singing in this group.🤔 🤣

[@70sMusicLady]

I've read that he was there because he was one of "The Blues Brothers".

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

@@70sMusicLady oh. 😂

[@christielysdale1815]

Dan gave an interview to NH Magazine and this is what he said about how it happened: “Totally by accident. My father and I were interviewing business managers in LA and we walked into this office of a talent manager, and realized we were in the wrong place. I was looking for a money manager, not a talent manager. I had managed myself at that time and always have. But he said, so long as you are here, would you like to come and join this "We are the World" thing. I thought how do I fit in here? Well, we did sell a few million records with the Blues Brothers and in my other persona I am a musician, so I showed up and was a part of it but it was totally by accident."

[@walkofnails2923]

List of solo vocalists in order ⬇️ 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

[@seanpatton7406]

Great list👍. There's another list that someone made that had *EVERYONE* that contributed; singers/artists running the music 🎵🎶🥁 🎸 🎹 (in the background). There was also *A LOT* of actors who sung in the chorus part of the song.... Example, Dan Aykroyd is getting down with everyone else in the song 👍🤨😳🤔🤯🙂😎

[@camperoh]

Chorus (alphabetically) • 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 Instrument players • John Barnes - keyboards & arrangement • David Paich - synthesizers • Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming • Ian Underwood - synthesizers, programming • Paulinho da Costa - percussion • Louis Johnson - synth bass • Michael Omartian - keyboards • Greg Phillinganes - keyboards • John Robinson - drums

[@kellyjenner5430]

I'd love to see him react to 'Daryl Hall and John Oates' songs "Man Eater" and "I can't go for that". 🔥🔥

[@wiggion]

A couple of guys, Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson wrote the song, conducted and co-produced by Quincey Jones. The idea is said to have been from Henry Belafonte'. When this premiered on MTV, one of biggest video event ever. I mean we had this "oh my god" reaction to the cast and quality of the sound.

[@srincident]

I was a freshman in high school when this song came out. I miss the 80s.

[@itsjustnaima]

"Is that Michael Jackson?" The GOAT wrote 98% of the Song lol.🙌🏼 Please react to some more MJ! Much love from Germany, huge MJ Fan here!

[@vickielewallen3799]

Yes, all those artists came together for this project, it was for famine relief in Africa. They raised several millions. Google "USA for Africa" and you can see which artists performed, the amount raised, etc. So glad you did this one!

[@ToniMg4u]

1st off.. UR AWESOME BROTHA!!.. Ya.. that IS Stevie Wonder!!.. duet with "the Boss" Mr. Bruce Springsteen!!.. The 1st "chocolate sister" with the Krazy hair..Black Queen of Rock...Tina Turner!!.. But EVERYONE in that room "checked the egos @ the door"...and came 2gether for a great cause for Africa... Which I wish could work 2day..for America!! With so much Greatness and HUMILITY preforming HERE...there's no way that u could put this amazing song in one category... Glad I found U bro.. Thnx for keeping it REAL..💯 One of the Best reactions to this song on YT... ✌️❤️😎💯👍👍⭐️

[@documentmedic9385]

I was 9 when this came out in 1985. It was written by Micheal Jackson and Lionel Richie, who gathered famous musicians (and others) to record the song for free as a benefit for Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which was experiencing a severe famine at the time. (I will never forget the footage of the starving skeletonlike kids with flies crawling on them. It gave the phrase "Stop wasting food. There are children starving in Africa"" an entirely new meaning . I also remember that we would have collections in which we took boxes in the shape of milk cartons home from school and got family members and friends to put money in the cartons. The teacher would collect the cartons so that the momey could be donated to charities that could help.) Through the sale of the album, I think USA for Africa raised about 65 million dollars, which they then donated to various charities that could provide relief. They didn't get any proceeds from it. I used to know all the lyrics, because our music teacher would always have us sing it in class. It always felt special to hear it played.

[@walkofnails2923]

Please please look into Ray Charles. He was a blind man, an amazing singer, a piano man, and a king at his craft. ❤❤ He’s gone now but has an amazing legacy. Jamie Foxx won the Oscar for playing him in Ray

[@seanpatton7406]

👍😎. I just watched the *Blues Brothers* again for about the millionth time 🙂 and it's *STILL AWESOME 😎!!!*

[@kangaroojack7678]

Greatest legends put together in music history it will never happen again with this much talent

[@professorstewart6379]

I remember when this song came out, it had all these mega stars in it, but all anyone was talking about was Michael. He was at his peak and everything he did conquered the world all over again.

[@user-so1bs4ef7d]

80's baby, it wasn't for profit at all, it was about what matters heart and soul! ❤ Miss it more than words can say! 😢

[@tofersiefken]

Just to become familiar with all the artists represented here, it would be fun to react to one song by each singer or group represented. It is literally a who's who of the era's top talent.

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

There was a British collab like this about 6 months before, and it's where MJ got the inspiration from. It's called Band Aid - Do they know it's Christmas and you should def. check it out.

[@BonnieMayrens]

The director was Quincy Jones. The writing at the beginning was the autographs of the singers.

[@onlyme114]

You should look up information about this song. They are all legends that came together for one reason. To get this many legends in one place at the same time was amazing but sadly the man MOST responsible for it really never got the recognition he deserved. Harry Belafonte came up with the idea originally. He was the biggest legend there but he stood in the back and never really tried to take the credit. He was a GREAT MAN. It hasn't been long since he passed away.

[@willwhitman7534]

To give you an idea of how big these artists are, it would take an entire day, at least , of music listening just to catch up on all of their hits that were released, and that doesn't even include the writing that they did for other artists. This and Live Aid, and I'll throw in Woodstock, are some of the largest in greatest collaborations ever made. It would be hard to fathom at your age how huge this collaboration actually is.

[@willwhitman7534]

The reason that you find "older people" so attached to our music was due to the fact that music wasn't just tied to the music industry, music was very often intertwined into our movies and TV shows amongst others areas, it was all encompassing. Every person in this video / collaboration was well known in some way or another.

[@roguealien]

Lucky You are! Now you get to dive into each of these artists music catalog and add so much depth to this song when you listen next time. Each and every artist on this song has a long music history. Can't wait to see your reactions to Bruce, Stevie, Ray, Harry, Tina, Billy, and on and on!!!

[@karahansen1184]

Oh Shon, Shon, Shon...I love you buddy, but today you're making me feel OLD!! 🤣I'm happy someone posted the list of artists. I was about to attempt to create one. So many iconic performances here. RIP to those we have lost. And YES, Shon...please feel free to dig into Michael Jackson's catalog more! He's truly a gifted artist and very, very missed on the music scene. Keep up the great reactions!! I'm a proud Gen Xer and love when younger generations discover the 80's gold!

[@The_Vegan_Punk1967]

No auto tune…..just pure singing talent. 😉👍

[@michellejackson6679]

QuincyJone as far as i remember asked all of these artist to do this collaboration after the 1985 Grammy's..... Michael was a main part of it... all of the artists agreed to do this... they literrally stayed up all night after the Grammy's and made this happen... A song for Charity for Africa that had been having such a horrible drought.. There was no water.. for so long.. and they were dying.. I'm crying right now remembering.

[@wright1776]

Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder started the song

[@Wallace1272]

In 1985 American entertainer and social activist HARRY BELAFONTE had the idea to organize the recording of a song including all the generation's best-known music artists. He planned to have the proceeds donated to a new organization called UNITED SUPPORT of ARTISTS for AFRICA (USA for AFRICA). The non-profit foundation would then provide food and relief aid to starving people in Africa "WE ARE THE WORLD" is a CHARITY single originally recorded by the supergroup USA for AFRICA in 1985. It was written by MICHAEL JACKSON and LIONEL RICHIE and produced by QUINCY JONES and MICHAEL O' MARTIAN for the album WE ARE THE WORLD. With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is the eighth BEST SELLING physical single OF ALL TIME.

[@basherman69]

The guy dueting with Stevie Wonder near the end of the song is Bruce Springsteen. He's a legendary rocker also known as "The Boss".

[@jasonsteuer2237]

As you continue your musical journey you will probably watch every single person because they are all legends in music.....I hope you revisit this video in 6 months and say omg thats this or that one it will be eye opening for you the amount of talent that was in that room for a good cause !!!!

[@michaelwalker5257]

Two of them died within the past month: Tina Turner and Harry Bellafonte. And if you don't know who Harry was...man, Look. Him. Up. A lot of people are standing on his shoulders.

[@MOS650]

They recorded it after a music award show. Lol the chocolate lady is none other than Tina Turner.

[@WriterusAeternus]

I’m always surprised how many youngins know Kenny Rogers. And the mustached chocolate brothers 😂😂😂 are Stevie Wonder and Lionel Ritchie. So many icons in this video.

[@Pallhh]

I don't know if it's envious to just now experience these great artists or disappointing to not know them. Either way, please take it upon yourself to open your mind to all music, you never know what you're missing out on. Good job!!

[@Single-Pringle]

Great song, great reaction :) Around the same time - just the winter before this single - this kind of collaboration to help Africa by mega stars happened in the UK with another song. They called themselves Band Aid. Worth checking out, seeing the biggest stars of that time working together in a historical collaboration across oceans to get Africa some relieve! The song is called 'Do They Know It's Christmas'.

[@TheDivayenta]

These were the biggest pop stars on the planet in the 80’s. Watch it again next year and you’ll be be recognizing many more. The first Black lady was Tina Turner. Then along came Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick!

[@lorilxn1597]

I remember when they aired this on MTV the first time, excellent

[@you2449]

This was a Classic Reaction. The fact that you came into it totally unaware made it even better. I'm still shocked that the only one you recognized at first was Kenny Rogers. (besides MJ, but everybody would have gotten that) Great Honest Reaction.

[@andrewcoyle3511]

The UK done "Feed the World" which was for the same cause of the famine in Africa and was Christmas number 1 for ages, and you already reacted to Queens full concert at Wembley, which again was for the same cause.

[@chrischar9428]

DO THEY KNOW ITS CHRISTMAS

[@andrewcoyle3511]

@@chrischar9428 Yea Yea, that one. Thank you Lol.

[@kathyude9457]

I just love when younger people see this for the first time. This song is ageless.

[@RussVerbofsky]

Unfortunately, several of these legends are no longer with us but their music lives on.

[@tammyfinnemore]

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 (alphabetically) 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

[@spicy321]

Don't forget Quincy Jones arranging and conducting!

[@tammyfinnemore]

@@spicy321 100%

[@rodb9275]

I always wish reactors would wait to do this song until after they've done LOTS of older stuff. It's more fun to see you recognize more people and be blown away with how epic this was.

[@Jagangela]

I like when they do it early and find out that they don't know nothing! (Well not much anyway.)

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

@@JagangelaStill, they know other stuff that we don’t know.

[@papamoose13]

SHON !!! you are KILLING me !!!! I know someone already posted a list of the artists , let me help you figure out how you MIGHT know them . First of all , the two chocolate brothers that started the song was Lionel Richie and STEVIE WONDER !!!! How did you not recognize him there , but recognize him it the middle of the chorus ?? lol Lionel Richie is one of the judges on American Idol and he has been for YEARS , and he has numerous mega hits. The first "chocolate lady" as you called her was the legendary Tina Turner !! She is known for Private Dancer, Proud Mary, What's Love got to do with it, Billy Joel sang right after Tina and is known as "The Piano Man" which is one of his biggest hits. The woman who sang after and with MJ is Diana Ross ( lead singer of The Supremes , and one of MJ's closest friends) You may know her from the song Endless Love , which she sang with Lionel Richie , Next on the list is Dionne Warwick , who is probably best known as Whitney Houston's Aunt , she is an amazing talent but probably way before your time. Willie Nelson , is one of the biggest country stars of all time, ranking right up there with Kenny Rogers, One song you may know is On the Road Again . Bruce "the BOSS" Springsteen is best known for his song Born in the USA, Kenny Loggins ( spikey hair ) is best known for his two mega hits Danger Zone ( from the movie Top Gun, and FOOTLOOSE which EVERYONE knows ) Steve Perry !!!! Legendary front man and lead singer of Journey, the have TOO many huge hits to list but you may know Open Arms , or Faithfully . Cyndi Lauper !!! with her pink/red/yellow hair and very distinct voice !! Known best for Girls Just Wanna Have fun, and Time after Time. If you've seen the movie The Goonies, then you've heard her music for sure !!! Ray Charles !!! THE LEGENDARY RAY CHARLES , Georgia on my Mind, and Hit the Road Jack are two huge hits , Ray is also blind like Stevie Wonder and I believe was a huge inspiration for Stevie. Tons of other famous singers/ faces in the chorus that didn't have a solo part include most of the Jacksons ( minus Janet unfortunately) Sheila E, Bette Midler, Waylon Jennings , the Pointer Sisters, and Smokey Robinson. Hopefully that will help you connect some names/faces with songs you may already know !! Love your reaction and I love your energy !!

[@miamichaels5999]

The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie. It was recorded in a studio that Kenny Rogers had.

[@FourFish47]

Michael Jackson is the greatest musical entertainer in history of you ask me. "King of pop". 👍

[@monica11760]

Your reaction was great fun to watch! Thanks to @bella-xp7qd, she listed everyone in the order they sang, so I'm sure you will recognize a lot of the names, even if you didn't recognize their faces. That is the amazing Quincy Jones leading everyone. Since you are such a fan of Michael Jackson you may have spotted some of his family there, too -- LaToya, Jackie, Marlon, Randy and Tito. Yes, that was Stevie Wonder , and that was Bruce Springsteen who was singing with him.

[@bigdragon8004]

Everyone was a musical legend. You will never hear or see so many legends sing together again. Once in a lifetime event. Quency Jones was a genius put this together.

[@bobhoffman9848]

You just got introduced to some of the biggest stars of the 1980s, all in one song, and for the greatest of causes: feeding starving children.

[@1971tallica]

Love this song and colab as much today as when it came out ,here's a little help We Are the World soloists, 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 Huey Lewis Cyndi Lauper Kim Carnes Bob Dylan Ray Charles

[@akastarchild]

You should get to know each of the soloists music.

[@letsstock-a-lot4095]

As much as I love this song and enjoy your reaction, as always, I almost wish you had waited a while to do a reaction to this until you had explored some of the artists featured in it. Nevertheless, I am so glad that you experienced this timeless collaboration.

[@eugeneklechevsky3607]

Even better go explore the artists then come back in 6 months to record a second react

[@letsstock-a-lot4095]

@@eugeneklechevsky3607 I was actually thinking that too, but I forgot to mention it.

[@vickyrobertson3166]

I cant believe people were making rude comments. I am 51 years old and i have listened to so much amazing music thru the years. I doesn't matter that you dont know these people. Now you will have fun discovering so many amazing singers thru your channel.

[@emmahowells8334]

You love MJ, you got great taste, ive been a huge fan of MJ for 43 years and still a huge fan. The lady you were referring to was Tina Turner, sadly she died recently.

[@audracrawford8836]

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 (alphabetically) 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

[@IceQen1]

Maybe make a particular day of the week and start doing videos from all the artist from the video. We Are The World Wednesdays and just work your way through the list.

[@lewkat67]

“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

[@Jerralyng49]

Not to mention many other stars who didn't have solos like Harry Belafonte.

[@Jerralyng49]

They were the choir you loved.

[@g.dubyou6263]

@@Jerralyng49the guy with the glasses next to Harry is Dan Aykroyd.

[@bloodnthuner]

Wow this brings back memories of my childhood. I bought this on VHS when it came out and my parents and siblings and I would watch it over and over again and try and name everybody who was singing. Such a classic!

[@ladylisaromance8129]

You should take the list of singers in the comments and react to each one. Every artist in that room deserves to be known. Most are huge legends.

[@SueK51]

All the artists were told to check their egos at the door. And they all did. This was an amazing collaboration.

[@djoetma]

Tell that to Brett Barnes...

[@animuslord9993]

Every performer did it for FREE. They flew in from around the world on their own dime to do it.

[@garyatwood-mendez6465]

Many were already there for the AMAs (American Music Awards).

[@aManOnaJourney]

The music/instruments, Michael Jackson solos, and guiding vocal tracks were recorded at Kenny Rogers's Lion Share Studios in the days leading up to the big recording. Days later, some solos (Stevie Wonder) were also recorded at Lion Share. He donated that studio time. The singers gathered at A&M Studios. Harry Bellefonte spoke to Kenny Rogers about a fundraising song. Kenny's (and Harry) long-time manager Ken Kregan spoke with Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson. It was largely Ken Kragen, given his connections in the industry, who pulled more artists into the project.