USA For Africa - We Are The World (VIDEO REVIEW)

[@latreasemcclary9151]

My favorite part is stevie wonder and Bruce Springsteen. Who in their right mind would think those 2 voices would blend. But it was like a pertect blend of soft and hard. Smooth as silk and rough as nails

[@wannamontana4130]

Stevie and Bruce: The duet we needed but never expected.

[@sueprator9314]

Each super artist's voice is so unique the minute you hear it. We are so lucky we have this recorded because several have past on.

[@deboneighr4201]

Perry crushes it as always

[@miguelbotelho2613]

And 40 some years later this still gives me the chills and joy. ✌️

[@denroy3]

Seriously? No one listened to this after a couple weeks...so treacle, I think it caused a diabetic pandemic.

[@jessieball6195]

@@denroy3 check your facts-this song was huge throughout that whole year (1985). Just because you didn't like it, millions around the world clearly did.

[@Greecosoph]

It was Harry Belafonte's idea; he wanted to raise money for the victims of the famine in Ethiopia in 1984-1985. He commissioned Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson to write the song and the producer Ken Collar to do everything else... without Harry Belafonte this song wouldn't exist...Harry Belafonte Singer, actor, producer and civil rights activist A hero in so many ways!!!! ...Rip Harry Belafonte.

[@Andrew-ve9ls]

really? always thought it was MJ’s idea

[@Greecosoph]

@@Andrew-ve9ls... he wanted to help, do something, he had this urge...he was one of the greatest civil rights activist... It's unbelievable how much good he did...Harry Belafonte - “Sing Your Song” (2011) a biographical documentary about his life...a must see!!! ( Watch on KZbin - Harry Belafonte - Sing Your Song (2011) - HD (1080p) )

[@noggie3934]

​@@Andrew-ve9lshe is correct. It was Harry Belafonte's idea.

[@seanscanlon9067]

It was Harry Belafonte's idea, having seen that British and Irish artists had done the same thing the year before just before Christmas with a song called Do They Know It's Christmas? for the same cause. Bob Geldolf of Irish band Boomtown Rats and Midge Ure of the British band Ultravox were the driving force behind Do They Know It's Christmas? and Geldolf gave a talk to the participants of We Are The World prior to the recording here.

[@johannadavis7594]

The idea came from Britian. Particularly Bob Geldof. He saw a news report on the refugee crisis. British musicians did the song " Do they know it's Christmas" to raise money. He is actually at this recording and said a few words to everyone before the recordings began.

[@azziztoudert4323]

the boss (springsteen) and Steve Wonder form an incredible duo who convey strength and hope!

[@kayblock-bourghs8285]

I like the Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall transition.

[@JesseMadrigal-q4z]

Till this day I still cry when I see and hear Ray Charles sing. Stevie and Bruce sends chills through me.

[@kimcorihill1783]

For real- Ray makes me cry every time

[@johnthegreek5836]

All of them were great, my favorites are Cindy Lauper, Bruce Springsteen and don’t forget how great James Ingram

[@0okamino]

It still cracks me up that she had to remove some of her customary jewelry because the mic was picking up the jingling from it. She’s such a good sport and humorous about it, of course.

[@christopherone1]

love James Ingram

[@MrRuperty]

@@christopherone1 I love him to, sorry that he gone so soon.

[@fabianaalba3268]

Soo sweet smooth voice The journey Man legend perry forever Legends and One room ❤❤❤❤❤

[@loisr3970]

This should be a TV commercial right now! Air it as many times a day as possible!!!!

[@Beerglass1980]

Agree👍👍💯💯

[@wannamontana4130]

Yes, ... in these divisive times, this is one of those great coming together moments.

[@meriannestoneback7436]

So much of it is amazing. The very first voice to hit me emotionally is Kenny Rogers, and it just continues throught the whole song. ❤❤

[@joannerichards1750]

I'm so happy that you recognize all the great singers, especially Harry Belafonte, who was the organizer of this event.

[@maggynewtown3500]

The principal organizer was Q. Quincy Jones. After the British group BandAid, did Do They Know It's Christmas, Jones said the black musicians of the USA should be ashamed because every one came from Africa. That's where the drought and starvation were happening.

[@sallyhart3044]

I think I took this song for granted back in the day. But the Netflix show and rewatching here has reminded me how monumental this effort was back in the day! Really great memories and music.

[@billschafer9668]

That seems like a lifetime ago. Everyone looks so young.

[@helenespaulding7562]

It WAS a lifetime ago…for many people

[@christopherone1]

who looks young?

[@visiblepixels4632]

RIP James Ingram. What a voice.

[@barrypos55]

Thats a goose bump maker.....right there. What a collection of talent.

[@steviemccormick3762]

When the world still had some humanity.

[@0okamino]

I wish it was something we could just inject a big dose of back into the world, but I think we all know it’s not realistically that simple. There is no real panacea. It’s worth working together towards, though.

[@karenpowell6063]

Exactly! I was just thinking about that . I remember when this video was released I watched on a huge screen in the downtown in Columbia SC . There was a huge crowd there , everyone was just wonderful and giving money for Africa .

[@denroy3]

Lol. Half of them were probably tanked up on dope.

[@alberto-os1bx]

They were tanked up with talent as well my friend.@@denroy3

[@MrBoombast64]

@@denroy3Youré one sorry being... Is It the only thing you could come up with?

[@veadairavani5692]

I appreciate your reaction more than anyone elses, because you Brothers know music. Also, you respect musicians and vocalists. This song I never tire of, mainly because of the message, and the beauty of the the music and voices.

[@calgary2800]

Steve Perry and Cyndi are my favs.

[@colleentrygg7376]

This song still chokes me up. So beautiful. Watching the documentary all these years later was wonderful but bittersweet seeing all those who are no longer with us singing their hearts out just to help people. ❤

[@lynnmack2208]

Watched it back then. Might be good for the world to watch it right now man! God knows we need some kind of positive message! 🙏🏼

[@michaelescareno7048]

I want to pay you all a compliment. I worked in the concert business for 23 years, and saw many of the musicians in this video live as well as having met a few of them. I've seen many reaction videos to this, and i enjoyed yours the most.

[@kenlawless7247]

Listening to so many great singers at one time proves one thing; the voice is most beautiful, unique instrument.

[@deborahdennehy9937]

Just superb listening to this fantasic song, with all the famous singers joined together showing all the love in their heart for Africa. It truly was incredible to listen to.💝💝💝

[@ShannyShan20]

Tears still, almost 40 years later! Beautiful!

[@got2soar]

It's great seeing all those legends working together. "Handing off the baton" is a good description and they were all crushing it. Gotta be a few singers in that lineup that you guys are not familiar with. Find them and review their big songs. I almost didn't watch because that hit in high school for me and radio and MTV overplayed it.

[@hpawebster65]

Gives me chills too. Lauper, springsteen, stevie and ray especially

[@pamelabourgeois2628]

This song gives me goosebumps everything I hear it ❤

[@cindybird3247]

This will never ever get old! I remember MTV was huge and was on constantly in most homes I remember as a teen (even when at my grandparent's house with all the cousins) and whenever that intro (the chimes) was heard - everyone, young and old, came running from every part of the house to watch the video! If someone didn't hear the intro we beckoned them with a yell "We Are the World is oooonnnn". Great memory!

[@maryleonard6133]

Best reaction to this I've seen! They call Steve Perry The Voice, I've heard Whitney called The Voice...but, Diana Ross's voice is absolutely flawless!

[@itsmadfar]

Brings tears. Wonderful production heard around the world. It became an anthem for school children to sing. A song for the ages.

[@sokay2laugh512]

Diana and Michael are such a beautiful blend of vocals, love Stevie, love Ray, The Boss… The one that I always forget is Cyndi Lauper who really goes off and gets me every time.

[@williamlovett619]

Now that you know everyone

[@vivianstone1053]

Singers in order of singing - Lionel Richey, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick (aunt of Whitney Houston), Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry from Journey, Darryl Hall from Hall & Oates, Michael Jackson, Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis and the News, Cindy Lauper, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan, Quincy Jones as the Conductor, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, James Ingram, Ray Charles.

[@wadehines9971]

I'm getting old so remembering names comes harder these days but I think I'm going to start quizzing myself off this every other week or so. I get about 70% of the featured singers but some take an extra half a second to dig up the names. It's also nice to see them when we was young(er)

[@donaldwhite1928]

Steve Perry voice unmistakable

[@ligayamanibog4874]

Love the reactions❤❤

[@theinsightfulvisionary0197]

It sure is!!!

[@sueprator9314]

STEVE PERRY IS THE GOAT

[@hernanvillalta]

I made a video about We Are The World with each star's hits. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnKsdqV6q8ubaNU

[@ConstanceHurst-r8v]

I love the duo of Stevie and Bruce

[@newyorker3766]

This song brings tears to my eyes as I see stars who are no longer with us. The song and video really have a special place in my heart. I have to say of the many reviews I have seen i feel yours is the best version. Egos were left at the door making this a great event.

[@markbarnwell942]

we need a moment like this one in the worst way.

[@0okamino]

Purely humanitarian, purely social, and not bogged down in politics (not that I’m saying that’s never needed, as I can get down with some politics, too; but with this, it’s just better without). Is it really possible right now?

[@karenpowell6063]

@@0okaminoI certainly hope so

[@kareng4658]

This gives me chills EVERY TIME!

[@williamclifford6112]

I always get the chills when I hear this song, especially because of what they were trying to do. Helping people in need!

[@DariaBilowus]

This song still chills every time I hear it.

[@etc7070]

Maybe it's just me and being raised on all these '80s music greats, but you notice how distinct, truly DIFFERENT, each singer's voice is, which is why it was possible to make this song sound as amazing as it did. Honestly, I don't think you could do that with today's current artists. I mean, you could probably do it, but I'd have to have a checklist on who's singing what part 😄 Oh funny anecdote about Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen--they were buddies, so they hung out while this was being recorded, and in the video you might see them in the chorus, or you might not. When you don't see them, they're at the crafts table chowing down on sandwiches.

[@sueprator9314]

True. Seems that the criteria for the younger singers is : the whole package for females meaning they have to be really attractive on stage (first) and their voices tend to sound all the same -depending on the style of music. Watching younger reactors they don't always have the patience for the lengthy tunes of the late 60s and 70s even 80s. THERE WAS REASON THE SONGS WERE LONG, LOL. Either in the late 60S THE psychedelic experience was a trippy journey through a song of sorts and much instrumental. The songs of the 70s similar but not for psychedelia but for appreciating solo instrumentals within a song. WE DIDN'T JUST FLY THROUGH THE SONG like a pop song from the 50s/early 60s OR TODAY WHERE with hip hop/rap it is mostly about ANGER.

[@kaydevault1675]

Love this it makes me cry so hard , I truly Love us all ❤❤❤ save us Vote Blue

[@edwardmeradith2419]

I do much agree - the combination of Bruce and Stevie is incredible

[@johnathanstruble1064]

That documentary was amazing! ❤

[@joshb23]

Maybe the most "this will never happen again" moment in music history. It's truly staggering the level of talent in that room, matched only by the level of humility. World class superstars singing one line, or less sometimes. World class superstars only singing together in the chorus! SMOKY ROBINSON for god's sake! Belefonte, Bette Midler, the other Jacksons, Lindsay Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac!) - it's just incredible.

[@sueprator9314]

Bob Dylan was there and hardly gets mentioned (yes I know his voice is not what he is known for but ITS STILL DYLAN, LOL) and also some of the younger reactors have no clue who Paul Simon (or Bob D) are at all.

[@vickybrackin7483]

THIS IS HOW it is done!!! Will always be a favorite of mine!! I remember Watchung the world premiere on TV!! AMAZING!!❤❤

[@jeffreywolff329]

I am surprise how many the these we have lost in all the years

[@jackikarmichael65]

I am LIVING that you know Steve Perry was also called The Voice. GAGGED!!! 🖤❤🖤

[@Bosnbabe]

Still get chills and puts a lump in my throat.❤

[@jeancarroccino8574]

Most ICONIC gathering EVER!!!!❤❤

[@NUNYA79.]

Man, that brings back memories of my youth watching that video on m. TV good one guys.

[@kathiek4239]

Are you kidding me?! I can’t believe this just popped up on my feed. I just watched a short of Billy Joel on Howard Stern talking about making “We Are The World.” So of course I had to go watch the video. Then I decided to watch reactions to the song. I was thinking, I wonder if La and Che ever reacted to this and there it was, 6 minutes old. Crazy. This song always gives me goosebumps and makes me teary-eyed. So many great moments. Everything Ray Charles. Stevie’s voice is just so joyful, then add Bruce. Paul Simon & Kenny Rogers. Everything James Ingram. My favorite 2 moments, though, Dionne and Willie, and Cindy Lauper’s “Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!” PS, I heard that Madonna wasn’t invited to do a solo because she can’t sing! (It’s true, though.) She was so put out that she declined to be a part of the chorus. 🤣

[@BlairandGeorgie]

I always get chills watching all of them together singing. What a treat we still have this to watch. Great reaction! ❤

[@rozequinn1519]

I've watched many a reactors to this video. Some of the less knowledgeable, or even younger, would either make a face or kind of make fun of Dylans singing. One even asked why he was in it. That's when I like to respond & let them know all the facts about Bob Dylan and his greatness. One of the greatest songwriters. Won Academy award(s). Inducted into 3 hall of fames (rock & roll, nashville songwriter & songwriter). Plus so so many accomplishments.

[@aminreviews2311]

I still get chills every time. Out of many high points, for me it’s still MJ with “When you’re down and out, there seems no hope at all” that takes first place.

[@scottstewart5784]

Elwood Blues in the house.

[@tjrivers]

Thank you for doing this magnificent song with all these great artists…just amazing then, just amazing today!

[@geoffsullivan7902]

The behind the scenes documentary is worth watching.❤️🎥❤️this is one of the reasons the 80’s were so great. Band-Aid, and Live Aid are a couple more. Music history is beautiful.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

It’s a nice gesture n now a good historical document of some great performers. It was great seeing Diana Ross n Dylan there. Dylan had a hard time at first until he got Stevie to help him. Bob n Ray Charles were my personal favorites

[@raymondhira2723]

This was HUGE back then... In the Netherlands (and I really think all over the world) every man, woman and child could sing this song word by word and even imitate the way the artists sang it.... epic, epic, EPIC! Truly the Greatest Night In Pop!

[@marlonsummey1983]

If this song doesn't make you smile, nothing will!!

[@danielmccann8325]

The part that sticks out most to me is Cindy Lauper's fill. Also forget the extended version and how cool Ray was. And the most interesting thing about the doc, Al Jarreau was hammered lol!

[@26shedan]

If you watch the making of this video, Diana Ross is perfect take after take. Flawless. I have always loved her music but never appreciated how beautiful her voice is.

[@G_Demolished]

Her and Michael Jackson together should have happened more.

[@gavinsheridan4680]

I’ve heard that the other supreme’s think she is an A+ human being too. 🙄

[@warrenhughes911]

I know, right!!!

[@cathyvickers9063]

Til I saw the making of, I didn't appreciate why Cyndi Lauper was bouncing up & down with energy. Then I saw the documentary, & realized how very late it was they finally got the take they used! You'd think a professional would be aware of her jewelry...

[@cathyvickers9063]

​@@G_DemolishedYou should watch The Wiz: Wizard of Oz retelling with Diana Ross as Dorothy & Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. Original story & great music.

[@wentibbetts7833]

What a production. Gives me goosebumps every time. Thx guys. 👍🏽

[@kens32052]

First and last time you would see so much musical talent in one room.

[@rossemarieflores183]

Que placer al haber disfrutado de éste maravilloso lanzamiento de todos los mejores de los 80 tas Que orgullo ser parte de ésta época tan bella y lo viví tan lindoooooo❤❤❤❤❤ Rayy charles uuuuuuuu

[@charliecochran3035]

A lot of talent in that room! Its crazy how this song hits me. I probably didnt hear it for 30 years. I saw q reaction a year or so ago and it gave me chills...even welled up in my eyes a bit. This is still going on, actually more of it, but there's so much of it, and so much other horrific sh!t, that nobody has time for projects like this anymore.

[@Show_time3]

This was the “Dream Team” of great singers and entertainers. Just like the NBA dream team I don’t think we will ever see such an iconic group of performers from so many different genres and decades ….truly epic video !!

[@jacobhearns9724]

I forgot that this was broadcast over the entire world at the same time. Thanks for the reminder, I think that’s an important part.

[@cog4life]

No other song in the world hits me like this one 😊❤

[@MattJocks]

If there's anyone who doesn't know, this was inspired by the British Do They Know It's Christmas. Would love to see a reaction to the live version of that from the Live Aid concert in London. The heavyweights of British rock and pop going at it and a soccer stadium full of folks losing their minds. Give you the shivers.

[@andreadeamon6419]

Done by the same guy.

[@alrivers2297]

​​@@andreadeamon6419 Bob Geldof, right?

[@alrivers2297]

​@@andreadeamon6419 Bob Geldoff

[@sueprator9314]

yES IT WAS. However it turned out to have its own synergy and unique American experience. The DO YOU KNOW ITS CHRISTMAS is a wonderful compilation with its own special vibe.

[@bluelionvintage8134]

Dan Akroyd in this always cracks me up. Beautiful collaboration and song!!

[@danielthompson2894]

Growing up in the 70s and 80s I had the privilege of listening to some of the greatest artists songwriters and singers that have ever existed.

[@Dr3amtime]

I love the part of the documentary where Stevie has to show Dylan how to sing like Dylan, and Dylan's like "really, that'll work?" and ends up singing it just like that.

[@kelliwinters8843]

Have heard this song countless times (have the 45), seen video countless times, even participated in Hands Across America….but watching anyone/everyone get that smile on their face as soon as they see the start of the sparkling socks that is MJ still melts my heart and puts a smile on my face. Keep it up. You are my favorite reactors right now.

[@johnnada6117]

Good reaction❤

[@jennhurl]

Everyone always says "Stevie & Bruce the collab we never knew we needed" Where's the lie?

[@markhopkins222]

You could never get a group with that much talent together these days

[@endoraismygma]

Y'all did not disappoint with the background research before Reacting! I still tear up when Stevie sings 🥹 his music was such a huge part of my childhood, all of these artists were. ❤

[@ConstanceHurst-r8v]

My favorite part of the documentary was when they started singing Harry Belafontes song and everyone joined in! Most of the young KZbinrs have no idea who he was.

[@ChronicExcessiveManliness]

Stunning amount of talent, gathered for a superb and worthy cause that benefitted millions of people.

[@ChristopherRobinson-l5v]

Willie to Herbie to Bruce is insane.

[@sueprator9314]

Who is HERBIE? Do you mean HUGIE LEWIS?

[@ChristopherRobinson-l5v]

@@sueprator9314 my bad. I mixed up Al Jarreau and Herbie Hancock lol

[@324cmac]

They couldn't agree on whether to say 'brighter day' or 'better day' so you hear both.

[@jons.105]

Several years before, Diana and Michael had a hit single with "Ease On Down the Road".

[@AirplayBeats]

Love the Wiz

[@JanetCousins-to3hz]

We can do without the comparisons as all were excellent. That is the spirit with which this wonderful and timeless work of art and compassion was made. Incidentally, if any of these fine artistes had any thoughts of making this a competition Quincy Jones, the producer and conductor advised them to "leave their egos at the door"

[@TheColdrush22]

Someone FINALLY recognizes Harry Belafonte!!!

[@paulmurphy8993]

Still holds up today! So good.

[@sebastiangarla8558]

The star power on that one stage ! Wow.... It held pretty good from collapsing 😊

[@richdiana3663]

Thanks guys. A wonderful memory brought alive again.

[@terryconnelly484]

Dan aykroyd? Really I've always wondered why They say they grab them all from the awards show to do this together

[@brianharris9835]

So much talent

[@cooter-of7ej]

check out tht tribute they all did for harry belafonte its great

[@78zappaf]

I remembered all these super groups charity songs. As a kid it seemed like it was a common thing in the mid 80s. Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas released months prior, and Canada's super group Northern Lights "Tears Are Not Enough" being released around this time. All were good tracks, just weird seeing musicians that you saw on TV working on the same track together.

[@SeaMark782]

Always a Steely Dan or Toto connection. David Paich, Steve Porcaro from Toto, play along with Greg Phillinganes and Michael Omartian, who also produced the song and are Steely players.

[@MaryEllen10862]

Amazing to see something we will never see again in our lifetime a room full of legends singing for charity and did it all in one night. 40 years later and still an amazing song that is timeless! We were truly Blessed back then with all these legends and their amazing music. One thing I am just sorry that Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen would have recorded duos together back then that would have been awesome because their vocals are epic together.

[@mitchellbeston1033]

The Boss makes this song for me. Him and Cindi Lauper.

[@luckylenny8634]

Imagine being Dan Ackroyd, walking through the building, and being asked to join the collaboration.

[@christopherone1]

Ackroyd sings...i.e, The Blues Brothers with Belushi

[@lalida6432]

When this came out, it was played so much people got sick of it. I know I got tired of it and I didn’t want to hear it again. But all these years later, I’m loving it again.