U.S.A. For Africa - We Are The World First Time Reaction - IS THIS THE MOST EPIC COLLAB EVER? WOW!

[@reshaud81]

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 “We Are the World” Instrumentalists David Paich - synthesizers Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming Paulinho da Costa - percussion Phil Collins - percussion Louis Johnson - synth bass Michael Omartian - keyboards Greg Phillinganes - keyboards John Robinson - drums Quincy Jones -- conductor

[@seanpatton7406]

@Brandon Powers .....🙂👍👏 Now, that's a GREAT LIST, even time stamps. Also the folks who showed up who aren't really mentioned. Yet, as you watch 👀, you're like "That's Dan Aykroyd !! 👀🤔🤨😳🙂(😎-Blues Brother) Sign before entering said "Leave egos at the door🚪" and everyone did just that 🙂. It STILL BAFFLES me that LITERALLY at a MOMENTS NOTICE (No📱's, No Facebook, No Twitter, No TikTok, etc......) when some of them found out what was going on, they showed up. They came there right after performing at the AMA's. Some personally flew ✈️ there IMMEDIATELY after finding out...Wow 😳. What's EVEN BETTER, EVERYONE KNEW THAT THERE WASN'T a SINGLE PENNY💰 to be Paid to THEM for showing up and contributing their time 🙂👍

[@seanpatton7406]

For anyone who wishes to watch... Here's the behind the scenes 1hr documentary on how this all came to be. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fofKkKF9abeJlc0

[@ShuffleUpandDeal32]

RIP Harry Belafonte

[@kellyanderson7624]

You do realize the time stamps are different for them right lol

[@michaelf8702]

​@@kellyanderson7624The time stamps are for the original video, not this video. So if the reactors, who may not have been familiar with everyone, were to watch this with this list, it would coincide

[@HistInfernalMajesty]

.... those who have not lived the 80s as a teenager like us will never understand what this song means together with another great collaboration that was that of "Band Aid - Do they know it's christmas 1984".... all the our idols singing together.... it makes me cry!

[@Davelakful]

Agree. Never got emotional back when it came out but now gets me emotional every time I listen to it.

[@HistInfernalMajesty]

@@Davelakful .... this happens because at the time we didn't realize what we had. Now that we no longer have it, we obviously miss it!☹ P.S. .... hey ... is your real name like the former drummer of Slayer or is he just a stage name?🤔

[@Davelakful]

@@HistInfernalMajesty So true! Btw yup real name! Haha Never heard of this drummer until i started posting on social media. Some people still don't believe me when i say i am not him😀

[@HistInfernalMajesty]

@@Davelakful ....hehehe....😄 it happens when there are cases of homonymy..... I understood that you are not the drummer because I know how he is because I know him .... not in person of course but I studied his methods so I have the videos .... hehehehe😉

[@Davelakful]

@@HistInfernalMajesty - cool. Glad you know i am not him. Funny thing about watching reaction channels to this song...most start crying halfway through and a few just don't get it. We really grew up in a great age of music and people. Think some kids just don't get it.

[@cajunsushi]

I’m now 68 and this still gets me emotional, such a collaboration and logistical effort by the biggest singers of our day.

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

I am 73 and I can't watch this without tearing up. I'm still waiting for unity among nations to be in peace and help those in need.

[@Falconer1128]

Even more emotional with Tina Turner passing recently.

[@andreharris9363]

YES THIS SONG IS VERY EMOTIONAL STILL HITS HOME AND RESONATES TODAY AND A HOST OF POWERFUL VOICES WITH A POST MESSAGE

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

Gen X here. I was in the first grade when this song and the video came out on MTV. The entire event went viral before viral was even a pop culture term. I am forever thankful and blessed to have been a child able to experience the 80s & 90s. There truly will never be another time like those again.

[@anessalyn1035]

So many artists, you could go down each rabbit hole and have enough music to last you more than a lifetime

[@drjag1155]

You're just watching the dream team of the 80's singers... This is fantastic

[@m0rphe0-8]

maddona and prince, they were not come

[@levil4012]

The BEAUTIFUL thing about this when it happened was that first off no egos and Quincy allowed EVERYONE to sing in their own distinctive tone and it came off beautifully, such a great moment in time

[@jmcquown]

I love that, too. All the individual styles and voices shone through. It was not a church choir where everyone had to sound uniform. And yet it worked so beautifully! You just don't see collaborations like this anymore. The 1980's was rife with fund-raising collaborations by musical artists, comedians (Comic Relief for the homeless springs to mind), Live Aid, etc. People donating their time, talent, no doubt donating money but pointing out real issues and encouraging people to help. I'm glad I was in my 20's and knew about these things (many were broadcast on early cable television) and yes, I called in and donated what little I could for these causes. Sad to say, this kind of spirit has fallen by the wayside. :(

[@rayfaircloth8253]

All the radio stations all over the country played this song simultaneously on the morning of March 28, 1986. I still can remember that special moment!

[@bionicwoman9884]

yes I remember as a kid

[@danachestnut1638]

It was actually released on March 7, 1985

[@marieaug9322]

We watched it. The world did on tv and on radio, remember? before it came on they said it was a world premiere and the tv anchors were in awe? That globe spinning? Then we saw the signatures? Of course MJ had the same world premieres all of us at the same time... I almost can't believe it happened cause no one has achieved that since.😮

[@kangaroojack7678]

Some of the biggest singers in music history this will never happen ever again so much talent together with a purpose

[@LincolnHawk-bk5yr]

There will never be that much talent in one room again. Ever.

[@k17reactions]

Go watch “The Making of We Are The World.” You will see that they all went to the studio after the Grammys & worked from like midnight to 8:00am & produced this song together!

[@sweetkiss119]

I was a kid but amen!! How anyone doesn’t know this song is beyond me.

[@lmmjm10377]

MJ actually wrote 90% of the song!

[@Milkers777]

FACTS!

[@nickhiggins9807]

Mj and Lionel Richie wrote the whole song, You think mj and Lionel Richie went into a room to write this a mj wrote 90% and Lionel only wrote 10%?

[@Milkers777]

@@nickhiggins9807 There’s literally a demo of just MJ singing the entire song Lionel only did a few lines here and there and switched up certain things but the track was practically done already

[@christiandidonato]

@@nickhiggins9807 that is literally what happened

[@ohboi9578]

@@nickhiggins9807 the funny thing is that that's exactly what happened. Do your homework next time

[@lynnecurrie7561]

Stevie and Bruce!! The duet you never you needed!

[@chantellecline6945]

Agree!!

[@minneyruth]

💯💯💯

[@davidkriner3799]

Proof that fire and ice can blend together beautifully 😂

[@IslandBoy-808]

That duo was one of the highlights of the song, next to the trio of Kenny Loggins,Steve Perry, and Darryl Hall.

[@andreharris9363]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

This video is legendary. Every great singer from my generation gathered in one place to sing for peace. Where did those hopes go.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

I believe this was done right after the Grammy Awards, maybe the American Music Awards. After the show they all went to the studio and stayed up until the next day to record this beautiful song. I have to mention England did a collaboration first for African relief. Their song was, Do They know it’s Christmas.

[@christiankalk4668]

Canadian artists did one called "Tears Are Not Enough" not long after.

[@user-do4gb3jd5f]

We are stars sung by metal singers was the best one that's been done

[@jessieball6195]

@@user-do4gb3jd5f no way. This was by far the best of the charity album songs-not even close.

[@dudeshawn100]

28 Jan 1985 can't forget the day

[@bryanmcdonough3558]

The singers are Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson. Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Willie, Nelson, Al Jarreau, Kenny Loggins, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Sheila E, John Oates, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Sean Hopper, Bill Gibson, Johnny Colla, Mario Cipollina, Chris Hayes, Smokey Robinson, Lindsey Buckingham, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer, Anita Pointer, and Waylon Jennings, rip to Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, June Pointer, Anita Pointer and Waylon Jennings

[@josemexicano1910]

Just to mention Quincy Jones was only the director.

[@amyaeschbach3581]

And producer!

[@mimigina7439]

Thank you for listing all of them!

[@LandSharkEatsU]

@@amyaeschbach3581 And Conductor 😎

[@CreedBrattonTheOffice]

And now RIP to Tina Turner. Unfortunately so many of these amazing artists are at that age they're going to start dropping like flies over the next decade.

[@Elmogrl71]

There will NEVER be another decade like the 80s. When people actually cared. Those days are gone. These artist are all legends and amazing people.

[@Rocky-N-Angel]

EXACTLY 100% true. We can only dream that we might one day become as UNITED as we were back then.

[@shermancoleman5941]

Facts thank God I was born in the 80's ❤

[@vickybrackin7483]

I was a teenager in the late 70's and early 80's. THIS is my favorite collaboration PERIOD!! We'll NEVER see thus again. 😢

[@dianedarby442]

If I remember correctly, this was aired as a telethon so that people could donate, raising funds to feed the people of Africa during a terrible famine at the time. I do remember the big deal it was and how "everyone left their ego at the door" - it was really a beautiful thing - still is! Enjoyed your reaction to it.

[@rscottdjr]

The influence of Quincy Jones is strong. For him to get super star multimillionaires to sing "aah" in the background while someone else sings melody shows his status. I always also though that when everybody learned there was a lead part at the end probably caused some discussions. It shows Ray Charles' status that he was able to do that without complaint.

[@walayanzaloloco3670]

Legend says that charles got drunk after the session and Stevie drove him home

[@cog4life]

I absolutely could listen to this every day. A favorite for decades! So glad you’re reacting to this. Pretty soon, you will be able to recognize a LOT of these LEGENDS. Beautiful song….. beautiful message. ❤

[@richardkawucha1232]

The rehersal/recording began at 8:30pm one evening and was completed at 4:30am, the next morning. One take, because attitudes and characters were left outside the door. 64 million was raised.

[@mommahope5844]

I was 15 years old, and I remember the day that this song was played on every radio station around the world at the same time! A lot of people forget to mention that :-) this was unforgettable, and it brings me back such more memories❤ artists today would not be bothered to give their time for free on something like this. They recorded this after the American music awards in a 10 hour power session, and it came out perfectly! Big props to Quincy Jones for putting everyone just where they needed to be! A lot of the stars are gone now, never to be replaced and greatly missed💔💔💔💔💔

[@JTQA_Tester]

When this commercial came on during the commercial breaks, before cable happened. This was a bop for a great cause. All brought together by the conductor and producer Quincey Jones

[@chall5335]

I love this song!! ❤️ especially the Stevie Wonder / Bruce Springsteen collab

[@mksingh79]

What a glorious time this was. People don't realise that this song reached far and wide. I was a 12 year old in a school in India when we actually rehearsed singing this song for some event.

[@betsylocario6453]

There's a 50-minute documentary online about how this song came to ge. It was really great to watch how the personalities came together for an all-nighter after the AMA's.

[@lisacaringello2138]

Definitely something to watch. Amazing how the ego's were left at the door

[@kikialdrich4574]

Here it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fofKkKF9abeJlc0

[@MaryB-pv8jn]

Right too bad Prince couldn’t let his ego go to participate in this collab.

[@peterjohn9495]

Neverever you will find so many Legends of Music in one Room again, this Song let me always get my Eyes real wet

[@dorothyward3234]

We are the world came out in 1985, raising money for Africa.

[@meltorme-ntor2933]

Others have mentioned "Band-Aid" for "Do They Know It's Christmas", but I want to make a case for "Hear N' Aid" which "Stars", which were the metal starts of the 80's coming together in this manner to help as well. Nobody invited the metalheads to help, so they did it on their own! 🙂

[@Richard-g7e3s]

The song was done in 1 night after the 1985 Grammys the only time they was able to get all the artist together at 1 time alot of them was up tilll the early morning!

[@marieaug9322]

All the money went to the right place they did a docu later on a "making of" and in the end they showed food being driven in and cooked and given to people of Africa. I remember

[@magnetmac1]

The money was not given to people of "Africa". It was given to people of ETHIOPIA in Africa.

[@Falconer1128]

This was huge when i was a kid in the 80's. It meant so much to us. Also, as therock mentioned, in 1984 a british supergroup called Band Aid did a christmas song that is still a holiday staple called "do they know its christmas". Phill Collins is on the drums in that one. Same premise as this one only it was for anti-famine relief in Ethiopia. Wonderful song and i hope you'll react to that one soon and see if you recognize the artists in Band Aid.

[@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 as a benefit for Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which was experiencing a severe famine at the time. (I will never forget the pictures of the starving skeletonlike kids with flies crawling on them. The phrase "Stop wasting food. There are children starving in Africa," which parents often use to git their children to clean their plates, took on an entirely new meaning )..Through the sale of the album, I think they 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.

[@Th3Vik1ng]

@3:08 there is actually a "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" song from 2010.

[@muffyrogers5478]

There were so many legends in this video. I love this song and always have. There were others in this video that are rarely mentioned but I noticed not only the ones that had solos but there was also the Jacksons, Latoya Jackson, Dan Ackroid with the glasses, singer from Fleetwood Mac, the man who sang Joy and Pain, Smokey Robinson, Pointer Sisters, and Bette Midler as well.

[@e.s.7272]

The song was written mostly by Michael Jackson - with a little support by Lionel Richie - and produced by Quincy Jones.

[@PlumbPitiful]

It was an equal collaboration by both. It wasn't "mostly" written by either one of them.

[@rippog1]

If it was written by the kiddy fiddler then it should be quietly retired

[@gailseatonhumbert]

Equal collaboration

[@kitharley6159]

Band Aid came first in the UK in late '84 with 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' (and that led directly into Live Aid) and was followed by USA for Africa with 'We Are the World' and then The Northern Lights in Canada with 'Tears Are Not Enough'.

[@nand-78]

I am literally crying. I miss this kind of colab.

[@stacymoore9836]

Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote this song

[@jennhurl]

RIP Kenny, James, Tina, Michael, Al, & Ray. Thank you "for all the love you passed our way". (Stevie Ray Vaughn "Life Without You")

[@jasonregister3494]

They did this right after an award ceremony. No one got paid for their part in this song. It was the creative work of Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. A few different people worked on it for a few extra days.

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

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

[@TheSuriel]

Many years later and this is still as powerful as the first time I heard this An yes this was on cassette back then

[@VincentManiscalco]

How could u stop it right when the legendary greatest songwriter ever sang Mr Bob Dylan !

[@countys32]

Stevie and Bruce was magical

[@christopheroliver7589]

Rest in peace, Mr. Quincy Jones, and thank you so very much for the memories!

[@pamperez9981]

I can not believe that people who do these reactions have no clue who these amazing legends of music are. By the way Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie wrote this so g.

[@leopren]

Many of the greatest stars of the music history in his Prime, specially MJ andBruce Springteen were at the top of the world.

[@cdfdesantis699]

All these mega-stars minded the sign posted outside the recording studio entrance: "Leave Your Egos At The Door". This amazing song happened when they did. Thanks for your reaction.

[@mufasa6324]

So many Hall of Famers/Legends on one song

[@Stenbrotsgatan]

The Bruce and Stevie duet gives me goosebumps every time...just sheer talented singing their hearts out...the combo is incredible.

[@OmegaS-117]

Most of the singers in this video are now gone not sure how many are still around since Harry Belafonte passed away on April 25, 2023

[@sharoninglima1217]

The total fundraising amount that USA For Africa had earned for "We Are The World" was $63 million in 1986, which today would equal roughly $227 million adjusting for inflation.

[@alvamarsh4290]

All proceeds from the worldwide album sales went to the feed the people. All the performers were told by Quincy Jones to check their egos at the door

[@melissacaddell2604]

You guys should watch the making of this video. Talk about super stars who r so selfless. The ones not involved in their own parts were suggesting how another group could do their harmony parts. It's amazing. Once in a lifetime and I am so happy to have heard it in my lifetime. So much talent in one place focusing on a greater good.

[@annettesailors]

This was 1985. I had taken my 2 year old to a movie. Back then, there were stores who sold televisions. We came out of the theater and there was a huge crowd in front of the TV store. We walked over to see and this is what was on. It had just been released and everyone was in tears.

[@AdrianbCozad]

❤ Class of 71❤ living in these area's of the 50s from the big bopper,R.Vallens,60's Beatles,Elvis,Stones,70'sELO,CCR 80's90's etc,to the present 2023/24 its been a great journey to see and hear the entertainment set before everyone.❤😊

[@caretaker158]

I'm sitting here watching this and seeing the ones we've lost since this came out.... and now Tina Turner has joined the choir on the other side.

[@sharoninglima1217]

MJ and Lionel Richie got all the big artists of the day together while they were at the Grammys to perform this song they both wrote to benefit Africa and the famine. Netflix has the documentary called Greatest Night in Pop about making this song possible. ❤

[@bargndigital8874]

" Dont The British artists also did one at the same time for the same cause " Don't they Know It's Christmas, Canadian artist did : Tears are not enough".

[@Pomdownuder]

You need to see the British Band Aid song that preceded this "do the know it's Christmas?"

[@vickialbers8026]

They are legendary singer's you will be able to identify 😮 them as long as you dive into the music . Have a blast ❣️ May be in 6 months play the song again, see how you do.

[@heykittykittykitty]

I was 9 when this song came out. I had the 45 and probably still do somewhere packed away. This song is my childhood I will never not love hearing this ❤

[@DoktorPerryCox]

What many people don't know is that this song was the 'US answer' to the UK/IR's worldwide hit 'Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?' some month before With all the Brit-Pop Legends (Sting, Paul McCartney, Bono, P.Collins, Bowie....) You should check out this song too.

[@cliftonparago4547]

Michael Jackson's idea, Lionel Richie wrote the song and Quincy Jones conducted, arranged and produced it. Everyone volunteered their time to the project.

[@lmmjm10377]

Mj wrote 90% of the song

[@joepowell7025]

It was an idea by Harry Belafonte actually.

[@Akumaten1]

Harry Belafonte's Idea. Michael Wrote it with help from Lionel Ritchie Quincy produced and arranged it.

[@meteerbil2078]

From a time when artists cared about others than themselves. And from my youth. 80s, the best decade in music. 😀

[@chamberlainwonder369]

Powerful, powerful, and powerful and may not be seen.something like it again ever, and that's why I enjoyed it

[@lancevaughn432]

Next you must do the, Band-Aid song “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, some of Britain’s and Europe’s stars.

[@bigsucc3993]

the guy on the left looks like paul simon if he was a tennis instructor

[@Bubbs1234]

Back in the 80s when no one cared about color. Miss those days

[@gerardmiller113]

It was also said that Prince left because he demanded a solo role. Everyone was told before arriving that egos would not be allowed. Prince was asked to leave.

[@PlumbPitiful]

Not exactly. He wanted to play guitar but the music tracks had already been completed a few days earlier. Since he didn't want to just sing he declined the offer to participate. He did however contribute a song for the USA for Africa album.

[@Rocky-N-Angel]

Absolutely the best colab in the history of the world. The absolute biggest stars in the world in the 80's was involved in this song. Also if the musicians and us as a society was as united as we all were back then, the world would be such a better place. We are more divided now than ever before. That is why the 1980's was such a great era and time in this great country we live in and this is exactly the meaning of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I wish every single day that we would return to this time and be free and compassionate like this again. No matter the beliefs of these performers they came together for a great cause and stood UNITED and the whole country back then was on board with the meaning of this song and the inspiration that we can be greater than any ones beliefs or lifestyles. I mean we can only hope to get back to what the world and our country was in these great times and era.

[@marymcdaniel9014]

This was made after an awards show, all met at the studio, stayed all night. Quincy put a sign on the door that said "check your egos at this door"...the only person that declined was Prince. (From what I've read) And the guy in the glasses is Dan Ackroyd, he wanted to participate! Great reaction guys!

[@SunShine-qk4rb]

Great reaction.ive loved this song since it came out

[@jimmy-et1pm]

The most music talent ever put in 1 room in history...FACT.

[@Jojo-pt9ny]

Make sure to watch the behind the scenes making of we are the world

[@gloriaroshto1408]

I still have my USA for Africa sweatshirt like the ones they are wearing , telling my age. One of the best videos EVER.

[@garrymoore2161]

When this originally aired, many, many TV stations left normal broadcasting to air this. We all had the opportunity during this telethon to donate to relieve famine conditions affecting much of Africa. Ethiopia, in particular, had been in the grip of vrop failure and famine for years in a row. The effort resulted in millions donated by average Americans in addition to governmental relief actions. It showed the world what thise who have can do for those who havent without starving themselves.

[@Itzsophie22xx]

This was really cool to watch alongside u a really cool one to watch is the British concert for Africa from 1985 as well because some very famous musicians played in it as well.

[@deg1224ify]

this collaboration is what you get when you have the greatest producer and the greatest singer with a dream. everyone is in

[@rbodee]

Quincy Jones put a sign on the enterance, "Leave your egos at the door.".

[@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 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 in the video mwas 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.

[@MattJocks]

This was done after a groups of British artists recorded a similar song -- Do They Know It's Christmas?. You should check out the live version of that from the Live Aid concert in 1985. A major lineup of heavy hitters from England and Ireland and a stadium full of people losing their minds.

[@Coolrockndad]

At 7:00 with Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder going back and forth IMO is the high light of this tune.

[@andreledauphin]

We had to find a day to bring all these legends together .It wasn't easy realy something will never see again

[@joannebaker4925]

This collaboration was in 1985. It was epic. It was done to raise money for humanitarian aid for Africa to combat femine in Ethiopia.This was also the same year, I graduated from high school. Let me just say that the 80s had some of the best music and entertainers. We had the European invasion, with bands such as, Tears for Fears, U2,Air Supply, Eurythmics, Adam Ant, Aha,Billy Idol, Spandau Ballet, Inxs, Duran Duran,Bonnie Tyler,Frankie Goes to Hollywood,Rick Astley, Paul Young, Berlin, Scorpions, Pet Shop Boys, Thomas Dolby, Howard Jones, Thompson Twins, New Order, Flock of Seagulls, Wham,Depeche Mode,Queen, Def Leopard, Culture Club,The Police, The Cure, Simple Minds,Dexys Midnight Runners and so many more. This was also the time of MTV, which occurred in August 1981. A glorious time for the music industry. Just my opinion.

[@rippog1]

Bob Geldof who had the original idea to help the starving of Ethiopia, wrote and sung in the original UK song and can also be seen in the back row contributing by invitation

[@djgrant8761]

They redid this song with modern day artists in 2010. Known as We Are the World 25 for Haiti.

[@doloresperez5296]

I know this is old, Everytime I look at the first reaction, that's what I'm looking for 1st reactions, and there's 2 things I look for, and I never see it, but this has 1 of the reactions I look for .

[@threekidzmom04]

Many of these singers have passed on. RIP 😍

[@Davelakful]

Great reaction! I will never forget sitting in my college cafeteria and this came on the monitor, and everything seem to stop and all eyes on the monitors when this song played.

[@bgvan37]

Michael and Lionel wrote this song. All the stars of the time 84

[@DeltaElites]

You pointed out the guy in the glasses. It turns out that it's Dan Akroyd who was just doing a delivery to the studio and wound up in the back row for the chorus...lol. Thanks for the review! I watch this at least once every holiday season and yours was the first time this year.

[@mervinmannas7671]

The first collaboration for the African famine appeal was by the British. Bob Geldof and Midge Ure created Band Aid with the song Do they know it’s Christmas and got a load of big UK artists plus some Americans in London st the time. It was the Christmas no.1 and went on to inspire MJ and Lionel Ritchie to put this together

[@kdm71291]

I can't read all the comments but I've seen it eluded to that the international efforts to relieve the famine in Africa (primarily in Ethiopia) started with British pop and rock stars collaborating around Christmastime with the song "Do They Know It's Christmastime".....this video and song was the American answer to that. The song, "We Are The World", was written by Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian. In 1985, this culminated in the biggest concert ever put together....sourced on two continents, Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia and featured NUMEROUS musical artists and bands of that time and from the past.....aired on MTV and simulcast on FM radio stations throughout the country (KLOS, in the LA radio market).....it was a magnificent, all-day mega event! My roommates and I watched the entire thing! Later, the following year, a collection of metal stars got together, headed up by Ronnie James Dio, and called "Hear 'N Aid"....made their similar contribution as the first two groups of people, with their song "We're Stars".

[@Mrmapleleaffan13]

Not only is this the most legendary collaboration of all time was also the one time in history, where they had to record a song with these many artists in one night

[@jessieball6195]

This was released in 1985. I was actually on an aircraft carrier in the US Navy, on our way to Mombasa, Kenya when I first heard the song.

[@yoru4110]

Michael Jackson did something similar after 9-11. "What more can I give"

[@MrYoup11]

There was 2 more famine relief songs put out just after this one, A Canadian ensemble calling themselves Northern Lights, singing Tears are not enough. A British song was made called Don't they know its Christmas, not sure what they called themselves, both can be found on KZbin.

[@RobertCostantino-pg1we]

Fun fact Madonna was not. Invited to sing. However Prince was but he wanted his own private recording room. Needless to say his request was rejected. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. Wrote this song and it was recorded in 1985.