We Are The World (1985)

We Are The World was recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa with some of the most famous artists in the music industry, including Tina Turner. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones. With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it’s the fastest-selling American pop single in history, raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Ethiopia. Tina contributed also an edited version of the song „Total Control“ for the album. A longer version was later included on the 1994 box set The Collected Recordings. The associated home video features the music video and the story about the song.

Writer: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie
Producer: Quincy Jones
Release: March 1985 / 1994 (DVD)
Label: CBS / Columbia
Format: Single: 7“ Vinyl / 12“ Vinyl / Album: Vinyl / Cassette / CD / Video: VHS / LaserDisc / DVD
Charts: USA, UK: #1 / Germany: #2
Grammy: Record of the Year / Song of the Year / Best Pop Performance by a Group / Best Music Video (1986)
MTV Award: Best Group Video / Viewer’s Choice

The music video was filmed on January 28, 1985 at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood during the recording session with all participating artists. It shows the solo parts, the lead singer Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and the whole choir together. It starts with the USA for Africa logo and all signatures from the artists.

Director: Howard G. Malley, Craig B. Golin
Producer: April Lee Grebb
Home Video: We Are The World (DVD)
Time: 7:04