Roger Ebert
The Greatest Night in Pop: The Making of "We Are the World"
A Legendary Collaboration
In January 1985, the music industry came together for a night that would forever be etched in the annals of pop history. Led by Harry Belafonte and Lionel Richie, dozens of the biggest names in music gathered at A&M Recording Studios in Los Angeles to record "We Are the World," a charity single aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Africa.The Song's Birth
The idea for "We Are the World" was born out of a television special that Belafonte had hosted on the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Inspired by the song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by the British supergroup Band Aid, Belafonte enlisted Richie to write and produce a similar anthem for the American music scene. With the help of music executive Quincy Jones, Richie penned the lyrics and melody for "We Are the World" in just one night. The song's simple yet powerful message of unity and compassion resonated with musicians across the spectrum.The Recording Session
On January 28, 1985, a staggering array of artists assembled at A&M studios. Among them were Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Bob Dylan. The recording session lasted throughout the night, with each artist donating their time and talent. As the vocals were laid down, Richie reportedly had tears in his eyes. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, with the musicians realizing that they were creating something truly special.A Timeless Anthem
"We Are the World" was released on March 7, 1985, and quickly became a global phenomenon. The single topped the charts in over 20 countries and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The proceeds were donated to African famine relief, making a significant impact in the fight against hunger. To this day, "We Are the World" stands as a timeless anthem of unity and compassion. Its message continues to inspire people around the world, reminding us of the power of music to bring about positive change. 
Mashable
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