USA for Africa Records 'We Are the World'
January 28th, 1985
January 28th, 1985

How Long Ago?
40 years, 1 month, 14 days ago
Location
Los Angeles, California, USA
Category
Arts & Culture
People
- Michael Jackson
- Lionel Richie
- Bruce Springsteen
- Tina Turner
- Diana Ross
- Bob Dylan
- Stevie Wonder
Links & References
Tags
USA for Africa Records 'We Are the World'
Musicians from various genres collaborated to record 'We Are the World', with proceeds aimed at alleviating famine in Ethiopia. The song featured prominent names, creating a powerful anthem for humanitarian aid. This major effort took place in Los Angeles, uniting artists for a common cause, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility and global awareness.
Fundraised millions for Ethiopian famine relief.
Featured over 40 top artists from various genres.
Recorded in a single day at A&M Studios.
Paved the way for future charity collaborations.
What Happened?
'We Are the World' was an iconic charity single recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa, and it came to fruition through a collaborative effort by renowned artists in music. Spearheaded by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, who penned the song, this monumental project was recorded in a single day at A&M Studios in Los Angeles on January 28, 1985. The initiative was motivated by the severe famine in Ethiopia, which had drawn widespread media coverage and public concern. Many of the biggest names in music, including Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder, gathered to contribute their talents to this historic recording. The song combined pop and rock elements, appealing to a broad audience while delivering an urgent message about humanitarian support. The collaboration was not solely limited to music; it also marked an unprecedented moment of unity in the entertainment industry. Artists, singers, and musicians across genres came together and put aside rivalries to create a powerful message encapsulated in the lyrics of 'We Are the World'. The recording session itself was a significant cultural convergence, showcasing collective efforts toward a noble cause. The outcome was both a chart-topping hit and a fundraising effort that would generate millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia, ultimately leading to increased awareness around the global food crisis. The release of 'We Are the World' on March 7, 1985, resonated internationally, reaching audiences far beyond the United States. The song topped charts worldwide, selling over 20 million copies and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. It also paved the way for similar philanthropic projects, inspiring artists to engage in social causes through their music. Furthermore, the broadcast of the recording session and the subsequent efforts highlighted the role of celebrity influence in philanthropy.
Why Does it Matter?
'We Are the World' is notable for its impact on both music and global humanitarian efforts. It set a precedent for artist collaborations with social intentions, influencing future charity singles like 'Lady Gaga's 'We Are the World 25 for Haiti'. The song also represented a significant moment where popular culture intersected with activism, inspiring awareness and generosity towards international crises.
Discover More Historic Events from January 28th
Protests Erupt Following Tyre Nichols' Death
Following the brutal beating and subsequent death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, widespread protests emerged across the United States. The incident, captured on police body cameras, showed officers using excessive force during his arrest. Demonstrations were organized to demand justice for Nichols and greater accountability for police brutality. These events unfolded in various cities, highlighting the ongoing issues of police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement. Activists called for reforms to the policing system and expressed solidarity with victims of similar violence.
Continue ReadingNitrogen Leak Causes Fatal Incident in Gainesville
A nitrogen leak at a poultry food processing facility in Gainesville, Georgia resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to at least ten others. The incident highlighted the dangers of chemical exposure in industrial settings. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the leak was detected, assisting those who were affected and evacuating the facility. The facility's operations were halted while investigations were carried out to determine the cause of the leak and ensure safety protocols were followed.
Continue ReadingKatowice Fair Building Roof Collapse
A catastrophic roof collapse at the Katowice International Fair in Poland resulted in 65 fatalities and more than 170 injuries due to heavy snowfall. The incident occurred when the weight of accumulated snow exceeded the building's structural integrity. Rescuers worked tirelessly to evacuate victims trapped beneath the debris, amidst tragic scenes of despair in freezing temperatures.
Continue ReadingTAME Flight 120 Boeing 727 Crash in Andes
TAME Flight 120, a Boeing 727-100, crashed into the Andes mountains in southern Colombia, resulting in the deaths of 94 individuals. The aircraft was en route to Pasto when it encountered severe weather conditions, leading to the tragic incident. Emergency responders were dispatched to the remote location to assist with the recovery efforts. This crash highlighted the challenges of air travel in mountainous regions.
Continue ReadingSupreme Court Strikes Down Anti-Abortion Laws
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled against existing anti-abortion laws, determining they violated women's rights as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This landmark decision came from a case involving Henry Morgentaler, who challenged the constitutionality of the laws after performing abortions without medical approval. The court's ruling effectively legalized abortion in Canada, allowing women to make autonomous choices regarding their reproductive health without legal restrictions.
Continue ReadingChallenger Disaster During STS-51-L Launch
The Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after liftoff during the STS-51-L mission. All seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected for the mission, tragically lost their lives. The disaster occurred due to a failure in the O-ring seals at low temperatures, leading to the catastrophic explosion. This incident marked a significant turning point in the U.S. space program, leading to a suspension of flights and a thorough investigation into the Shuttle program's safety protocols.
Continue Reading