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. 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, and received several Grammy Awards in 1986.
The album includes in addition to the title track nine previously unreleased songs by donating artists, including Prince, Steve Perry, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner and others. The associated home video features the music video and the story behind the song.
Writer: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie
Producer: Quincy Jones
Release: March 07, 1985 / April 01, 1985 (Album) / 1994 (DVD)
Label: CBS / Columbia
Charts: USA, UK: #1 / Germany: #2
Single: 7“ Vinyl / 12“ Vinyl
Album: Vinyl / Cassette / CD
Video: VHS / LaserDisc / DVD
Grammy: Record of the Year / Song of the Year / Best Pop Performance by a Group
- We Are The World 6:22
- We Are The World 7:07
- Total Control (Edit) 3:39
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.
Director: Howard G. Malley, Craig B. Golin
Producer: April Lee Grebb
MTV Award: Best Group Video / Viewer’s Choice
Grammy Award: Best Music Video (1986)
Time: 7:04
The song was also promoted with a cover story about the recording session in Life magazine with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson and Tina Turner on the cover.