Lionel Richie on the making of "We Are the World"

Four decades ago, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson teamed up to write a charity song to raise funds to fight famine in Africa - and they got the biggest stars of the music world in the same room with producer Quincy Jones to record it. Richie talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the making of "We Are the World," and how - following the new Netflix documentary, "The Greatest Night in Pop" - the song is back on the charts, continuing to raise millions for those in need.
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[@reneeparker7475]

I don't know any of my friends, who did not rush out and buy this album. I'm 68 and was thrilled to see all the musicians of my generation, come together for such a worthy cause and gift us with such a beautiful anthem for that cause.

[@SuperFan02]

That’s gonna be a one time occasion. Nothing like it will ever happen again, I wish I could’ve been around for it!!

[@theincredibleimpression]

Lionel Richie on CBS Sunday. Boy, this makes me "Easy Like Sunday Morning"

[@Richie8a8y]

Awhhhh 😊🌞😎

[@Wildnativeedimentals]

Nice

[@carmarasmussen8118]

Ahhhh, the 80's. Best decade. ❤

[@oogrooq]

I learned this song in sign language in like 1st grade.

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

☝️👆🤘= 🤟

[@Eliasraoficeal]

I watched the documentary back when it came out one of the best documentary’s ever

[@antihero5203]

I just wish more of the still living artists made appearances in the documentary.

[@markblades6790]

I miss the 80s.

[@kaohsiung99]

Not me. (I never left the 80s!)

[@user-er3ri6sc3j]

80's were mostly hideous.

[@bigverybadtom]

@@user-er3ri6sc3j I remember a dance party on an ad which promised "AND NO MADONNA!"

[@user-er3ri6sc3j]

@@bigverybadtom I would attend that. No Michael, no Roger's Nelson, no Ciccone, no Jon Bon Jovi, no boss, etc.....

[@andyroo9381]

Amen to that!!!

[@tonykiriakidis5219]

Cindy Lauper always stood out even amongst legends . Best part about Tik Tok is all the love and respect the great Steve Perry got. I was shocked to see that . I’d say MJ, Perry and Springsteen had most love on there .

[@jeangriffith8017]

Tell you what. There have been several judges on the reality talent show "American Idol." Lionel Richie is the creme de la creme of the whole bunch. What a musician who knows his craft like no other. Great piece CBS News.

[@joeybaseball7352]

Lionel is far from the best judge. Simon was easily the best judge ever. He told it to them straight. He let them know to their face, you suck. Stop wasting your time pursuing this singing career. It's never gonna happen. Because the problem is, so many people have been gaslighted by their friends and family that they are incredibly talented singers, when they're not. That's why so many of them are in denial when Simon told them how horrible they were. But in reality, he was helping them. Hopefully they found a different career path, and were successful at that.

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

And that is why he is so successful. I love how he talked about Quincy being the teacher and all the musicians were his first grade students. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall for that recording.

[@bigverybadtom]

I remember seeing by accident in a gym locker room a TV with "American Idol" on, and it featured a long-haired man singing an Elton John song completely out of tune. All the judges (including Simon) were laughing helplessly, and so was I, and so was a man standing behind me.

[@BobbyHickey]

Still breathing to me too, just barely. The spirit if global unity - we need it back! Thank you for this story! Interestingly, at 65, I got to work as a stage hand on the recent tour! Priceless.

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

This song is wonderful, and it really gives hope to people around the globe. I usually sang it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the world is well-fed.

[@jdfodio]

JESUS CHRIST SAVES.

[@nancymeyhoefer4102]

I have probably listened to it 100+ times.

[@markberryhill2715]

I've been forced to listen 🎶 to it against my will more times than that. Twice at gunpoint. (Just kidding)

[@somoody9322]

That Netflix documentary was excellent.

[@debswatching]

Thanks

[@2legit64]

I remember the morning I first heard "We Are the World." I was in college and the alarm on my clock radio went off. I heard this song that I'd never heard before and did not get out of bed until it ended. I then made it my mission to find it. I went to the local record store and got the long-playing version on vinyl and used money that I couldn't afford to spend. I think that I still have it nearly 40 years later somewhere in my house even though I don't currently have a working record player.

[@tamaramartin4015]

Some really great things came out of the 80s, "We Are the World" was definitely one of the best ♥

[@glenngrinter6818]

Shout out to Steve Perry.❤️

[@brianhumphrey6791]

I remember when this came out! I was 10 & I my mom bought me 45lp record!

[@dwood78part23]

As an 80s kid, that era brings back memories. & if you can, check with the Netflix doc on the making of that song.

[@nancymeyhoefer4102]

it’s excellent.

[@adelaferreira4575]

One of the most amazing acts of kindness ,the song still a gift to all of us humans and a testament of the American generosity ,those were the good times ! Unforgettable experience for people my age !

[@jerrygeist1677]

Man that is just the greatest, changed the world to make a better place thank you!

[@user-li7lh6wc9u]

didnt work tho but its the thought hat counts, hollywierd is to blame and FJB

[@EnronnSierra]

Conceptualized by the legendary Harry Belafonte, co-written by the GOAT Michael Jackson, produced by the master Quincy Jones and sung by the greatest musicians of all time!

[@jojopuppyfish]

And the mystery of why Dan Ackroyd was there still remains. BTW kudos to Quincy Jones for getting the right celebs to blend in with each other. Kenny Loggins blends in nicely with Paul Simon, for example.

[@joeybaseball7352]

Dan Aykroyd is a musician. And he's had #1 albums. The Blues Brothers used to sell out stadiums back when John Belushi was alive.

[@Richie8a8y]

True. He’s a great musician. He had a release party for his Vodka Crystal Head. He wasn’t into the meet and greet till he got on stage and pulled out his harmonica.

[@marywatkins9438]

Epic. And no autotune to be found.❤

[@patrickleitgeb]

3:51 Ray Charles holding a Winchell’s Donut coffee cup. 😅

[@Monika-mh2je]

I missing the time,when music business was more about the music than business and show selling as nowadays. 😢

[@stevefoster4326]

Kudos to Band Aid and company for starting things.

[@billyt4411]

Imagine that ! I had just turned 18 in Jan of 85 I remember this very well ! 😊

[@mililaniman]

I was thirteen years old in January 1985. I enjoyed watching the documentary so much. It is so sad to see all the singers who have passed since this song was released.

[@hollyiannotti4929]

In June of 1985 my 8th grade graduation songs were We Are The Workd and Lean On Me! How we listened to music in those days was the radio! No cellphones or internet!

[@kayakchrispy]

We sang this in elementary school at a big concert ..

[@quinalayoung9191]

I still love this song and the message...kiwanus young ❤

[@nmikali3848]

I love this song so much..all these different voices melding into this thing of such beauty and the beauty of these people donating their time and talents.❤

[@CathDeStefano]

Love in motion…

[@hollyyeh1591]

A an amazing, beautiful , wonderful song, love it very much 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@JoAnnHelms]

I loved this ❤

[@joenop3393]

Another reason the 80s were the BEST!!!!!!

[@user-vn6hl4th2j]

Great song!

[@sianymariebelenguer813]

I was 15 years old when this song came out ❤

[@jamesvradenburg3712]

Talk about a roomful of amazing legends from the best decade of music ever of the 80s. Thankful i was able to experience it in my teen years. I'd relive it all over again if i could. Simpler times they were compared to today.

[@danestegman155]

Good video! I remember when all the singers came together to make this song! Nice!

[@user-fy4ld7kk2g]

Absolutely ❤️ This Post Of We Are The World ❤

[@user-tc3my5ic2o]

I love this song.

[@Wildnativeedimentals]

The best ever♥️

[@evasibrava6895]

This was an awesome event how all these fabulous singers got together for a very worthy cause and great to hear this song has helped bring in more needed funds for Africa even the more. Goes to show you when we all unite as one we can make a greater impact.

[@DannyShipley-rb4nj]

😢 perfect …. Calming, & it’s true…we all make it a Better Day 🇺🇸

[@dotbotha5898]

It was wonderful

[@haroldgraham4441]

One great moment

[@user-fj1em6tf9p]

God Bless those incredible people and their talents.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

Such a massive hit❤ still relevant today

[@LuffyDawn]

Thank you Lionel ❤️❤️

[@AusticHardOfHearingSinger]

I love what they did to help people.

[@raquelaguillon4410]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@janaskibo871]

Listening to these gone artists is beautifully bittersweet.

[@myatypicalworld]

It’s a great documentary

[@b.c.besaint7854]

Hello , blessings young man.

[@yadiavitia-ambriz]

My 1986, 6th grade Graduation song!

[@TdT2211]

I was less than 10 years old when this song came out and I remember my Aunt Carol saying, this is a big deal. She was not kidding.

[@xoxoxoxoxo7997]

❤❤❤

[@JaniceCarter-ws7lu]

💙💚

[@MyHanck]

I remember that time when the single got released

[@shannonbowman5990]

❤

[@marymagdalene3004]

Would be interesting to see an accounting of how that money was spent.

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Here is the prove how music can change the world.. well it took some time but...we are here to talk about it. Looking back in time 😢😢😢yeah, African tragedies were a terrible torture for all of us and they still are but... singing now We Are The World on web connection it feels a bit better 🎉❤🎉now you know, music achievements are not useless, they raise us better humans... sooner or later, in a way or another. Thank you gorgeous might monsters of music for everything you did...it was not in vain... music is never in vain. If you only try to imagine the audience that had Bach or Beethoven, the message of ..make love not war 🎉❤🎉 it's always more than obvious...it works always, beyond time or generations, borders or civilizations, dear friends in Africa, you are not alone 🎉❤🎉

[@ZarifaMEl-lf3zr]

😮

[@Bootstrapsmediaandcommunicatio]

These guys have so.much fans in africa...never honored us with any tours.......hurtful....africa is where the money is

[@Frooshchadfleadeegeehawk-he1tf]

I was 15 when this song was released. It was more about the song and the celebrities than “saving Africa”. The message should have been more clear and explained to children instead of assuming we knew the big idea behind the cause.

[@mateomunoz9235]

Digital recording didn’t exist on those years, all was analog equipment and no linear post-production didn’t exist as well.

[@wpflesh6510]

Funny how Lionel had the same problem as Queen’s Freddie Mercury while doing music stuffs with Michael Jackson (the zoo of animals Mike kept) only Freddie got up and walked out on it and they then had to go get Mick Jagger from The Stones to complete the duet

[@chrisfinch8637]

We Are The World is so much better than how it was done for Haiti, many years ago. While there were some performers I enjoyed in that one, it doesn’t beat out the one I loved with the original crew, for the USA for Africa, at the time.

[@pinkifloyd7867]

And the world is now doing better than ever 😢

[@yvonneplant9434]

In some ways it is.

[@ryandailey2088]

Not really lol.. people are selfish! A large majority. There’s still great people, just slim now a days..

[@jillyinthecityoffical]

Imagine how much bigger this would have been back then if social media existed.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Our current " mess" started with Facebook. 😮 The internet is a blessing. That's how I will continue to see it.

[@chrisfinch8637]

@@yvonneplant9434Sometimes Social Media is usually a last resort, based off of how much it has changed people’s lives, either dramatically or drastically, on a partial level.

[@adelaferreira4575]

Non of that would had happen if social media existed,we have to many distractions today !

[@Candleflower42-zp3sh]

To think they left John Denver out, who was very active in and brought so much attention to world hunger. Suppose being a country boy he wasn’t “cool” enough.

[@vbrown6445]

Considering that Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson were on the album, I'm pretty sure that's not the reason.

[@user-li7lh6wc9u]

All my heros in one room at their prime. Life was good then. It sucks dog Bannas today in comparison

[@cynthiahillian]

Where's the money going now? Just curious.

[@BookwormtoBookworm]

Where does all the money go when it is raised.

[@jorgerodriguez85]

Who invited Springsteen ?

[@vistalite]

Forty years later and Africa is no better off despite the efforts of the US and others. “You can lead a horse…” Most of that continent has been doomed for centuries.

[@user-er3ri6sc3j]

Band Aid was not politically correct. USA for Africa was (African Americans mostly) for Africa is more politically correct.

[@PVu-gf9xy]

1978 Olympic's sing the....

[@TheLast-One]

Today, because of this song, Africa is one of the most safest ,well-fed continent in the world. Lol

[@sarahbaartmansrevenge]

that song was by no means lionel richie’s best work! it’s insulting to even suggest that. his best work was with the commodores, but even once he went solo, his body of work as a solo artist leaves the ‘we are the world’ collab in the dust !!! lionel richie is one of the most talented singer/songwriters this country ever produced

[@emeraldkimble7602]

Was daughter Nicole involved

[@zoner__]

A better time in America when we answered the call. Now we have America First, me, me, me attitude. It stinks.

[@domdela5217]

Like death and taxes, there will always be male and female Karens who criticize everything and who have never accomplished anything in their lives.

[@christinacascadilla4473]

There was no mention of Dan Aykroyd’s contribution to this. He was the best singer there. $60 million is like one year of the average school district’s budget. That really doesn’t go very far and I’d like to see some accounting so we could see who skimmed money from this project. It was mostly a career boost for these “artists.”

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

Absolute ego shitshow that changed NOTHING!

[@adelaferreira4575]

These artist were the big names at the time,they didn’t need no career boosting ,what negative angry soul to make such comment !

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

@@adelaferreira4575 In English, please?

[@christinacascadilla4473]

@@adelaferreira4575 which is why, of course, their albums never had a promotional budget.

[@maga6252]

I thought Lionel Richie was going to touch on if the musician, PRINCE was going to umm participate in the project and if the producers were going to accommodate his wishes and/or demands. Also who invited Canadian actor Dan Aykroyd to participate in a project named USA for Africa?! No, I'm kidding! 🙌🤣😅😂😎🇺🇲🇨🇦

[@robertferguson5562]

Duplications, the real ones were the brits.

[@user-zb3vy7zj3g]

Trump neeee

[@s.thomas6796]

It doesn’t make since to me all that money made for this project Africa is still hungry All the money Oprah donated Africa still in the whole of hunger and famine so what it all for

[@innerlocus]

A snake in the room is a good incentive to finish writing the song and a good symbol of the nature of division.

[@user-em1dw3ft6m]

This was mocked even when it happened. Even as a 9 year old I thought this was corny and unintentionally comedic on so many levels. Not to mention most people openly condemning wasting resources and money on savages.

[@randymaiella4626]

Back in the good old days when none of the musicians suffered from TDS, "Trump derangement syndrome!"

[@darthgumby2406]

We are the grill! We are the chicken!

[@steveconn]

And Africa today is now a well-fed, equitable continent. Oh, wait a minute ..

[@stevensuarez4843]

Yet has gold, oil and two family feud shows from Africa.

[@issiewizzie]

At least they did something ......regardless of Africa or not. Imagine if we all contributed to our communities, not necessarily with money, but with service or time.

[@ryandailey2088]

You’re missing the point…

[@nghtwtchmn129]

That the original effort had little lasting impact should come as no surprise. Ever heard of Thomas Malthus?

[@Gary21259]

Where are the recent stars now when we need to save democracy? I have a title to sing....."We are the world, get rid of Trump". Nothing but self centered money grubber singer and actors .

[@zeldasmith6154]

Greatest night in pop? I think the song is great. But Taylor Swift's performances knock it out of the ballpark over and over.

[@jamesway]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@joeybaseball7352]

We are the world is an awful song. A lot of fame and talent wasted for such a terrible song.

[@patronsaintofnow9765]

HATED this single - it was everywhere courtesy of bland, mainstream Top 40 radio & you could not get away from it. Bob Geldof's Feed The world was an honest, sincere effort, while the US version was nothing but a bloated, self indulgent ego trip for everyone involved. And, since no one is addressing the elephant in the room, WTH has Lionel Richie done to his face!? It looks like an over filled tire ready to burst, smh. #Ego

[@ovh992]

The WORST SONG EVER!!! Soooo sappy and saccharine!

[@flapoverspeed]

So where did the money go? (Don’t say food). I’ll tell you where the money went. Somali warlords made millions off the ego driven music business. Disgusting, frankly. Not one person in the entertainment industry will address arming terrorists with proceeds sold as a charitable event. Truly disgusting

[@gakingsnake]

Worst song in history.