Soloists (in order of appearance) • Lionel Richie • Stevie Wonder • Paul Simon • Kenny Rogers • James Ingram • Tina Turner • Billy Joel • Michael Jackson • Diana Ross • Dionne Warwick • Willie Nelson • Al Jarreau • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Loggins • Steve Perry • Daryl Hall • Huey Lewis • Cyndi Lauper • Kim Carnes • Bob Dylan • Ray Charles Chorus (alphabetically) • • Anita Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters) • Bette Midler • Bill Gibson (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Bob Geldof • Chris Hayes (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Dan Aykroyd • Harry Belafonte • Jackie Jackson • Jeffrey Osborne • John Oates • Johnny Colla (of Huey Lewis and the News) • June Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters) • La Toya Jackson • Lindsey Buckingham • Mario Cipollina (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Marlon Jackson • Randy Jackson • Ruth Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters) • Sean Hopper (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sheila E. • Smokey Robinson • Tito Jackson • Waylon Jennings Conductor • Quincy Jones
@Chris it's okay, it happens to all of us! 😂 BUT at least we get to see them learning about how cool and lucky we were to grow up with all of this great music. 😉❤️😎🤘 #NYGenXBikerLady
That makes two of us (among many others) and I'm not even American. Yet I'm glad to be growing up in the 80s where world's events were parts of our lives back then. Speaking of being old, I'd rather be old and have a sense of nostalgia rather than being young and being nonchalant about history.
Soloists (in order of appearance) • Lionel Richie 1:33 • Stevie Wonder 1:40 • Paul Simon 1:48 • Kenny Rogers 1:52 • James Ingram 2:07 • Tina Turner 2:11 • Billy Joel 2:19 • Michael Jackson 2:26 • Diana Ross 2:39 • Dionne Warwick 2:55 • Willie Nelson 3:03 • Al Jarreau 3:16 • Bruce Springsteen 3:22 • Kenny Loggins 3:29 • Steve Perry 3:35 • Daryl Hall 3:42 • Huey Lewis 3:55 • Cyndi Lauper 4:01 • Kim Carnes 4:08 • Bob Dylan 4:55 • Ray Charles 5:49
You've got to love it : ) "Who's the guy with the raspy voice?"... Apparently not a "Boss" fan... And Paul Simon, Steve Perry, Harry Belafonte, Bette Midler and even Dan Akroyd... So my question to any young rap music fan is: Is there any way 30 prominent rappers could put together an UPLIFTING song like this in 2023?... To raise $100 Million for a worthwhile cause?... No prancing, no graphic gesticulating, no misogyny?... It does say something if the answer is "no, not likely..." And that's kind of sad, isn't it?
This was a time where everyone came together to show, no matter how different we are, we can be united. I miss this. I love this. This is MY Generation!
Quincy Jones put up a sign that said "Leave your egos at the door." Singers in order of appearance: • Lionel Richie • Stevie Wonder • Paul Simon • Kenny Rogers • James Ingram • Tina Turner • Billy Joel • Michael Jackson • Diana Ross • Dionne Warwick • Willie Nelson • Al Jarreau • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Loggins • Steve Perry • Daryl Hall • Huey Lewis • Cyndi Lauper • Kim Carnes • Bob Dylan • Ray Charles
Lol, guess the 'ego' part is why Prince wasn't there. 😅 (I kid) The other interesting note is that most of these stars came straight from the American Music Awards that night. So in essence the 'after party' was creating one of the biggest hits of that decade. Pretty remarkable.
@Ricardo Spatafore She was almost certainly instructed to do exactly what she did. They were building up to a climax and using higher and higher pitched voices as it went along. She provided the cap to that section of the song.
This still brings tears to my eyes and gives me goosebumps even after alllll these years. THIS is what AMERICA is about. NOT the crap that’s going on today. Such a a huge difference from back then to now. I’m going to go wipe my tears of joy off my cheeks now. ❤️. Thank you !!!!
It hurts my heart when I watch reactions to this and some people don't know more of the artists. These are legends. Some of the best musicians of all time from an era of the greatest music of all time
Then recommend them songs from these artists to set them on their path. I knew most of them because of my parents and grandparents being fans, me being only 18, but I learned the ones I didn’t know by looking up the list of everyone who worked on this video.
It’s funny. Watch the behind the scenes video of everybody rehearsing. Everyone is off pitch, messing up lyrics, because they are just then learning the song. Not Bruce. He belts it out with all the passion he can on every take.
I'm 19 years old and thank God my mom has an amazing music taste and she used to play this song almost every single day when I was a kid, I grew up knowing who all of the people are and liking their music despite my age. Music really is timeless and I wish people my age and younger would appreciate more songs like these. Especially this one since it was for such a great cause and have so many wonderful artists featured❤️
I died a little on the inside when none of them recognized Stevie Wonder but was relieved when Lex finally recognized him later in the video. Sure, she mentioned inclusivity with Stevie and Ray Charles but let's not forget that they were also both blind. Lots of black artists made it big but being blind adds another level of obstacles.
I think the one I was most surprised by was when Brad said Who's that to Michael Jackson.. I thought everyone no matter their age knew who Michael Jackson was.
When Brad & Lex say "who's this" or "what a funny voice", I take it as an insult or offensively, cause they're acting like jerks. Brad & Lex are just kids, and they should respect their Elders and Musical Legends way better than that. 🎶🎙🎹.
I remember all of this growing up. Wish this same kind of thing was going on now in our current world we all now live in. The 80's was a kinda "special" time. Then there were specials on HBO, raising money for the homeless, etc; all of this has disappeared now. Pop radio, bands, and such, new wave/synth pop, etc; meanwhile, the true story, or meanings, were back then, protest songs about the "Cold War." Tears for Fears, was one who were very vocal about it, but, it was just so "poppy sounding", the songs just kinda were dismissed. Cause it was catchy, had a hook.
@@jindas4217 you've stirred up memories of the Jerry Lewis telethon and watching MTV air their very first video " video killed the radio star", remote control,..the first time seeing HBO in all the colored dots, the tune still stuck in my mind like it was yesterday, family ties, boom boxes and the American flag waving just before the static at midnight. 😌 so many wonderful memories.
Lol I'm "old". Oh the HBO, premier movie, and having "cable" tv. Haha. Then there were the lucky ones who had a literal Satellite antenna picking up the signals, and experienced so many channels.
My first and last reaction to them. He's racist against whites. These amazing artists weren't - they all loved and respected each other. Brad is exactly what this song is against.
If it hasn’t already been mentioned in this thread, the cause of this song was extreme famine in Ethiopia. People were desperate to do something, anything to help. The song was the brainchild of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Lionel Ritchie, who wrote the lyrics. After the Grammys, they gathered all of these artists and asked if they’d like to participate. All the artists you see, some of which were only featured in the chorus, gave their time and talent free of charge rather than attending after-Grammy parties. They were there all night and the song was recorded in one night. It went on to become one of the most successful fundraising efforts, sending millions of dollars to Africa to help alleviate the famine in Ethiopia. I remember when it came out, it’s all you could hear on the radio. The recording came out as a single which just flew off the shelves (yes, we still had to go to the record store back then to buy our music). The sweatshirts you see some of the stars wearing were also available for sale and, for a bit, it became a fashion statement to wear one. The song also inspired artists in other countries to come together and do similar efforts, most notably UK artists who recorded “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and Canadian artists who recorded “Tears are Not Enough”.
It's not a flex to have that attitude as a " musically superior knowledge or culture". Music isn't supposed to be refined and forced as a specific carbon copy variation of the same 8 notes? Here is a flex-Mozart....most popular bring in from history. Reason being...he was a true born musical genius. He wrote his first sonata by the time he was 5 and he went too crazy with his harpsichord. He was told to use tried and true history. He said nah..gonna play like I want. By the time of his death he had successfully begun free expression in music. We don't know their childhood, their parents maybe didn't believe in music beyond their church. Please, it is impressive to me enough that you are a foreign and knew such legends, especially when more than a few had passed 5 years later. Please, in the future, when someone says hey...wanna vibe. Even if you don't like it, I promise youll find something in there to appreciate. And it's fun cause while you nay not vibe with theirs but then you may have something you'll like and give a go and they love it. It's a great feeling.
@@michaelw3809 it's ok... They're young and they're catching up, so really that's the beautiful part of this. They'll be able to understand what real music is like and what they've missed out on so far. Then they'll be able to take what they've learned from our music and push it on into the future to share with other people. One of the greats that we enjoyed, their music won't die and that's the biggest gift that music can give to the world through these young people. I love watching this channel because when they discover things it's like they've discovered plutonium for the first time! I watch their eyes light up at certain people's voices just hit these notes that they never realized people could without Auto-Tune. It just opens up a whole new world to them and it makes me so happy that they can enjoy what we all had. 😏❤️😎🤘 #NYGenXBikerLady
Well, actually... I never understood how Dan Aykroyd got an invite to this. Never. I mean, the original Blues Brothers film is awesome, and they shed the light on numerous awesome musicians that was out of the limelight at the time, but still... in this crowd he sticks out like a sore tumb :-)
@@paranoidewok6772 What differnece does it make? Absolutely none. Why do you ask? I was making an arguement to how they all earned their spot. In my opinion, Dan Aykroyd, if anyone, is the one that maybe didn't.
The sad thing is, there used to be actual artists who had God given talent to perfect their craft, and it took them their whole lives. Now, it is how you look and what type of "eye candy" young people like to look at.
I always looked forward to hearing Cindy Lauper belt out her powerful solo and then Bob Dylan following it up with his strange and funny voice, they both seemed so perfectly placed in this song.
@The Duke I didn't get to be a teenager in the 80's as I turned 13 in 1990 but I still understood how great the 80's were. The last decade where kids played outside all day. Every kid had a bike and the best way to know where everyone was was to find the yard with all the bikes in it. Playing war out in the woods and building forts. Sleeping outside in those forts. Always a sport being played in my neighborhood. Best music a decade ever produced and you got to skate to it at the local skating rink and finding a good corner to make out with your girl at all night skate! Getting the newest album of your favorite artist and playing it for the first time on the turntable with that static sound that the record produces. You actually had to call a girl on the rotary phone and speak with her instead of sending a text. Swimming in ponds with a dock in the middle. Going to the arcade to spend your allowance on video games. Going to the video store to rent a VCR because your parents couldn't afford to buy one at the $1200 price tag and rent Back to the Future because you didn't see it at the drive in theatre when it came out. Man I wish they would bring Drive Ins back! Too many great things about the 80's to mention but man was that decade great? The last great decade! The only bad thing about the 80's was worrying about the Russians and Nuclear war.
Oh yeah, nothing like the 80s music, blockbuster movies, singers and artist's! I'm so grateful I grew up in those years! THE BEST!!! All musical legends in that video!!!
Do ‘Band Aid - Do they know it’s Christmas’ it’s where the American artists got the idea to do this 👍. The people who arranged Band Aid also arranged Live Aid with the huge concerts either side of the pond
I said it back then, when it came out and I still say it today. Whoever decided to pair Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen is a friggin genius! Still best part of the song!
There have to be Thousands of people born in the sixties or seventies who watch these reaction videos and are really baffled when reacters do not know the greats of the music. But in a weird way this creates the interest in these reaction videos. This is an iconic song, not because it is that great of a song, because of the message and these titans came together for it.
Right? When people don't immediately recognize Stevie Wonder and don't recognize Willie Nelson or Rick Springsteen, I feel seriously old. lol... It's why I enjoy watching these kids though.
This song is proof, that you can take amazing singers from different genres, different singing styles, different vocal abilities, different music abilities, different backgrounds, different races, different levels of success, & more than likely different points of view, yet when put together, for a cause that is dear to their hearts, there is absolutely *NO* difference whatsoever!!! 💗 **THIS SONG IS PURE MAGIC, & STILL GIVES ME GOOSEBUMPS AFTER ALL THESE YEARS** 💗
ICONIC- this is what our award shows looked like in the 80’s- soooo much music,etc. diversity, ( waaay unlike these days) all these folks topping the charts back then - and yes that was Steve (THE voice) Perry lead singer from Journey- I see where others have listed the names so.. And I’m Soooo glad I was a teen in the 80’s, even tho feeling old now sux- 🧡🤎🤍👍
Everyone involved with this song checked their "ego" at the door for a great cause!! They were all successful, individually, in their careers. A lot of them are still around/successful. But this was about helping others, a song for charity. This was Awesome!!
I get the chills when I hear how powerful Cyndi Lauper's voice is. This is a true room full of legends. NO auto tune real singers and none of this garbage now days.
Since its release, "We Are the World" has raised over $63 million (equivalent to $149 million today) for humanitarian causes. Ninety percent of the money was pledged to African relief, both long and short term. The long-term initiative included efforts in birth control and food production.
Horrifying. We raised money to oppress the people even more. But that’s not what we were told. Everybody was gonna eat. It didn’t happen. That’s the reality to everyone’s goosebumps and chills at this seemingly charitable event.
Good point. The diversity in this song/video was very organic. Just talented people working together for a charitable cause. I don't remember the diversity of it really even being talked about much at the time. (Just a group of the most famous singers at that moment.)
@@DarrenPrice333 do your damn research. The clever ones know that it’s not what the dumb ones are thinking. Educate yourself before spreading such nonsense. I’ve looked into every single case and done my research for 2 damn years. If you’ll do your research correctly nowadays,it’ll take you 30 minutes with all the social media and internet Opportunities we have today. The only one thinking like a pervert is you rn.
@@pulsarlights2825 nope,I believe what the fbi is saying. Look up their files. They made them public. :) an investigation for over a decade,private investigators,MULTIPLE unexpected raids,and not the tiniest piece of evidence. cmon now 😂 dive more into it instead of believing what the news or social media is saying because that’s what influences people like y’all. :) the media covers a LOT when it comes to good news about Michael Jackson. He just got proven innocent for the 6th time these past 3 years. If I would’ve been molested I wouldn’t sue the estate of a Dead Man for $1 Billion. I wouldn’t have ran to my lawyers instead of the police. And I wouldn’t have changed my stories for more than 4 times. ‼️😂
@@pulsarlights2825 actually YOU do. That, & general paid media. We believe 2 grand juries who evaluated 15 weeks of nothing but evidence and testimony, the fbi who investigated every inch of this man for over a decade. Moreover the accusers found lying multiple times in court. And the US media covered none of it. What a damn shame ..
@@kmjkmjkmj Good for you, i guess. Still wouldn't take that bet for a majority of people, music interest or not. Maybe i'm a little biased b/c in my youth (around the time of that song) hardly any of my "age-mates" would have recognized the names of 2 dozen artists from the 40s/50s, let alone know their faces.
When this was released EVERY rock radio station and every country radio station played this song all at the same time, I remember exactly where I was standing when they played it, prince was feuding with MJ at the time so he wouldn't join in, sad but it was a great time in music.
I started watching this i just sobbed uncontrollably. All those loved artists, some of whom are no longer with us trying to made the world better. I no longer believe people care that much and it breaks my heart
@@lonedinosaur13 Ya. I just wanted to make sure she had the credit for being in one of the most powerful female singles in one the groups and not just a Wizard of Oz remake.
I just love everyone here! My son was born in 1985 😃Huey Lewis' powerful vocals and Cindy Lauper's "well, well, well!" to the mic gives me goosebumps! Not forgetting James Ingram, Steve Perry and Bruce Springsteen with Stevie Wonder combo 🥰 They are all legends and awesome 💖
But absolutely true. As I commented, I was raised to parents who exposed me to music history and that paved the way for me to widen my musical horizons beyond culture, race, religion and country and appreciate who came first. Every one of these ppl contributed to modern musical artists of today that these two probably listen to. If you want to appreciate the present and look forward to the future, you must understand what came first.
Kinda insulting comment don't you think? Literally telling an entire generation that they're heartless and souless. What about those that are trying to? Not to mention, things weren't all sunshine and rainbows back then either.
@@Providence.. your taking that comment the wrong way. Today’s singers sing well, but mostly think of themselves, they don’t work together and their egos get in the way. Back then everyone cared and were proud to work together.
LEGENDS, my children! Each and every single one of them are musical L-E-G-E-N-D-S and HEADLINERS! Be worth your while to find the time to react to each of their numerous hits! You'll LOVE it!
The British also did one it's called DO THEY KNOW IT"S CHRISTMAS all their stars came together as part of a worldwide push for famine relief. Truly a fantastic and magical effort.
Wow, you guys are so young! When this song came out we were amazed at all the huge talent that was in it. Every voice in it is a legend in their own genre - and having them all together on one colab was out of this world! we couldn't get enough of it. Glad you enjoyed it!
In a sense she could ... There were other songs for Africa at that time, the first one being "DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS" with many British artistes of the day she would know - I think.
*(We Are the World)* opens with *Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, & Billy Joel* singing the first verse. *Michael Jackson & Diana Ross* follow, completing the first chorus together. *Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, & Al Jarreau* sing the second verse, before *Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, & Daryl Hall* the second chorus. *Michael Jackson, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, & Kim Carnes* follow with the bridge. Concludes with *Bob Dylan & Ray Charles* singing a full chorus, *Stevie Wonder & Bruce Springsteen* duetting... The song was written by *Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie* produced by *Quincy Jones*
Every time I watch the We Are The World video is like watching it for the first time - that's how powerful both the song and the message it projects is.
It was really a wonderful time in the 80's. in my High school we were black / white/ brown/ punk / geek ect . This song showed unity in the elite song industry . The song raised money for a famine in Africa and all proceeds went for that cause. Michal Jackson and one other put it all together . This was the best of the best proving that you can put your feelings aside and make a difference if we try ! I love this song and love the way it was inclusive to all who wished to sing . We need this today so bad. I miss the 80's so much .
It’s not fair to let young people believe that. Racism, sexism and homophobia were alive and well in the 80s. Radio stations were very divided. Black artists were mostly relegated to Black radio stations and they certainly weren’t getting rotation on MTV. Neither were female artists unless you looked the part. And being gay would kill your career before it started. There were the occasional exceptions, of course. I’m not saying it was a bad time to grow up. We had a lot of great things then, too. But it wasn’t a big lovefest with equal opportunity for all.
@ADub Flips I’m glad that was your experience of the 80s. I was in my 20s then. I remember when David Bowie demanded live on MTV that they play black artists, because they wouldn’t. I remember when CBS records had to force MTV to play Michael Jackson by threatening to pull all their artists from the channel. I remember when Ronald Reagan let people die of AIDS for 4 years before he ever said the word AIDS because he thought he would be endorsing the immoral behavior of gay men if he did. I remember when gay artists like George Michael had to hide it in order to keep their careers. Yes, there were exceptions. And MTV played more black artists in the late 80s. I was in college from 1983-1987 and it wasn’t terribly unusual to hear the N word and using the F word for gay men was ubiquitous. I’m glad all the people you knew didn’t care about race, color or sexuality. It must have been a lovely corner of the world. But it’s incorrect to generalize and say that “people didn’t care” in the 1980s.
@ADub Flips I’m sorry you feel victimized by the lack of shows for white people on MTV and all the gay people who had sex. It must have been very disconcerting for you. As for the “I want your sex” video, I’m pretty sure that was the one with the half naked woman strutting around the whole time. What’s gay about that?
This song introduced me to Bruce Springsteen when I was young. I still know every single artist. And Lex is right; there was (no forced) inclusivity before (let's say) 2010 (before Woke took over). Just humans trying to help humans in trouble. I miss those days. Keep up the good work, cheers from the Netherlands
That’s a nice fiction to tell yourself to make you feel good, I guess. There was MASSIVE bias against people and a LOT of the minorities who made it to that stage had to struggle. The fact that Ray Charles was there was because he fought against the racism that otherwise kept him down and kept him banned. Don’t forget that they had to fight for their rights. And they should NOT have had to fight for them. They were God given, but those in power took them away.
And I kinda hate it now for that very reason. The absolute Apex of celebrity hubris and virtue signalling. Makes me sick. And look at the state of the world for all their corporate saccharine pablum. They needn't have bothered... corporate whores the lot of em
@@LordEriolTolkien 🙄 the song raised the equivalent of $149 million for humanitarian causes. So their “corporate whoring” has helped millions of people while you’re just bitching on the internet about a charity song. If they’d done nothing you’d be bitching about how selfish they are. Go outside and touch grass, please.
In the long history of music, there has never been a collection of iconic singers performing together like this. This was a one time event that cannot be duplicated again in our lifetimes, nor in lifetimes to come...This is the performance that should be put in a time capsule to be savored by those who come after us.
It was inspired by Bandaid, a Christmas benefit for Africa that featured all of the biggest names in music from the UK. It was Bob Geldoff's idea. So, it wasn't exactly the first time.
This followed "Do they know it's Christmas" in the UK a month later ...these songs all came about just before Live Aid organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure from Ultravox
Love Lex reaction when Bruce Springsteen steps up. Every one of these artists are/were awesome in their genre's. When this first aired I was in High School and everyone stopped what they were doing and listened in silence as it was played over the PA system.
All these artists donated their time and talents for this charity to aid hunger in Africa. Together, people, we can do great things. Divided, we all suffer.
I am literally crying with joy and nostalgia for beautiful and intense memories. I remember as a child that I used to play this song on drums and every time I watched that video on TV, and listened to all my idols, my heart and mouth were open.
I highly remmond "Hear N´Aid - Stars", description: The song was recorded on May 20 and 21 1985 at the A&M Records Studio in Hollywood, California. The project included contributions from Ted Nugent, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tommy Aldridge and members of Dio, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Dokken, Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, Queensrÿche, Blue Öyster Cult, Vanilla Fudge, Y&T, Rough Cutt, Giuffria, Journey, W.A.S.P. and Night Ranger as well as the parody band Spinal Tap. Lead vocals were shared between Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Kevin DuBrow, Eric Bloom, Geoff Tate, Dave Meniketti, Don Dokken and Paul Shortino. Vivian Campbell, Carlos Cavazo, Buck Dharma, Brad Gillis, Craig Goldy, George Lynch, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Ojeda and Neal Schon all added guitar solos. Iron Maiden's Dave Murray and Adrian Smith were in the middle of their 'World Slavery Tour' at the time and flew in to attend the main session. A documentary was shot of the recording process and released simultaneously.
When this came out I was already a big fan of EVERY band on the list except Rough Cutt ... not due to them being a bad band but just due to them not being played in my area. The minute I heard Paul Shortino's voice on this I became a huge fan. Even his album with Quiet Riot is wayyyyy too underrated (QR3).
Good GOD!!! ALLL of these singers were HEAVY HITTERS back in the day. Like their music or not (To fellow old timers), but you can't argue the fact that they were VERY HEAVY hitters in the day.
Lexi, you can. Grab the list of performers. Choose a couple. React to their songs. Come back and watch this. Then repeat until you know everybody. Each time you come back it will be like seeing it for the first time as you recognise new faces.
You guys make me feel really old lol! This song represents some of THE GREATS OF MUSIC HISTORY!! Thankfully UA-cam provides a platform for you to do musical research to discover these legends!😎
40 years ago my toddler son would sing it over and over in the car. I think of that every time I hear it. He'd be, " We are the wo-wod, we are the chiwdwen". 🥰
I remember watching this and it being the biggest collaboration ever. You see all these amazing artists come together for humanitarian aide for Africa. No egos, no manager, no team of people or contracts no boundaries or discrimination. The message was and still remains love and we are one. I love how Lex was so connected and I look forward to watching more videos.
The Real Star here was Quincy Jones , who brought together the biggest Stars of the Time, seamlessly blended their talents together. It shows just how much Respect Quincy Jones commands in the music world
I love the story of the split screen with Bruce Springsteen and Stevie wonder, the story is after hour on hours of recording and filming everyone had left for home and Quincy jones released there wasnt enough audio and footage, he made some calls and Bruce Springsteen turned around and came back where Stevie Wonder was still there and they stayed a couple hours longer to lay down the audio and footage needed to finish the project, and that's the part we see of them on the split screen....
Not only were you both introduced to an amazing song performed by amazing artists, but you were also introduced to the magnitude of talent in that room. I hope you look up some of these artists because their body of work and what they contributed to the music industry is amazing.
I'll never forget the first time I heard this song. It was a Sunday morning and it had just been released, and it was being played like every hour on the hour, on every radio station. I was out partying/clubbing the Saturday night before, but I always kept the radio on low when I went to sleep. Suddenly, barely awake, I hear this song come on and I, like everyone else back then, instantly recognized every voice because these were like all the biggest music artists at the time, so I was like: GOOD LORD, DID I DIE IN MY SLEEP AND GO TO HEAVEN OR AM I REALLY HEARING THIS ON THE RADIO RIGHT NOW?!?! :-0
Looking back, that was one of the great moments in popular music history. The collection of super stars from the era was a dream team, not likely we'll ever see a production like this again. Almost all of them were in one room!
A fun one to react to out of this crowd would be Kenny Loggins….he made music that went in damn near every movie of the 80’s. So you’d recognize a lot of his stuff 💯😎
"I wish I could watch that the first time again." That's why we watch you. Because we can't do that either, so we do it by proxy, through you two. Thank you.
That song brought back so many good memories of my childhood! I was just a kid 2 or 3 grade when this song came out but it brought tears to my Eyes because of How much we took advantage of stuff Like this back then, and now.... it really means the WORLD TO ME!!
So many Legends in one room!! It was truly amazing! I was 11 years old when this song came out. I remember getting the single on 45. 😂 Man I’m getting old.
THIS is the feeling of going to church! It was truly moving back when it came out, but Lex it felt like the first time everytime I see it is ❤️🔥❤️🔥 RIP to the beautiful artists that have passed who were a part of this is beautiful time & event in music history. Quincy Jones has never chosen to attempt this again bc he felt it would never recapture the magic Iike they did that day
I remember when this came out. Just amazing. Each person was personally invited to participate in this and If I remember correctly, they did this all in one night after a grammy show. That's why most of them were holding the sheet notes/with lyrics. There's a "making of We are the World" here on you tube. It really is amazing.
I’m amazed at the lack of knowledge that exists in today’s youth. When I was a kid I knew the music of my parents and some of my grandparents. But they seem to be hit from left field by these outrageously famous and iconic performers. These weren’t lightweights at all.
Images of starving kids was all over TV during that time as Ethiopia was undergoing a severe famine. Somewhere in the neighborhood if 1/2 million died within a year or two. Do They Know It’s Christmas was a charity song to send support there, and We Are the World was made shortly after. I think it sold around $20 million records. This song was absolutely everywhere as were the pictures of emaciated children in USA for Africa tshirts. If I remember correctly I think one of those clips is in MJs Man in the Mirror video.
No matter how many of these videos I watch, I always love those who haven't heard Bruce's voice get their initial taste. Lex's reaction here was one of the best though. Oooo who is this? Perfect. He and Stevie was the chef's kiss of duets IMO.
As a person who was a teenager when this song came out its rough knowing you two don't know a lot of these legends in the music industry but it also makes me happy to know you want to find out who they are and listen to their music
James Ingram sang behind Kenny., You’ll like his songs “just once”, “ find one hundred ways”, somewhere out there ( Disney movie) , “baby come to me” and “Yah- Mo- be there with Michael McDonald”. His music was produced by Quincy Jones who was conducting the choir in this song.
Lex: "Who is that???" when Bruce Springsteen shows up. Lex, you are such a rocker chick. That is the best musicians of the 70s, 80s and 90s. I remember when it came out. Still gives me chills today.
Exactly. It wasn't about having the right amount of this group or that group. No garbage corporate quota established to try to earn more sales. It's was just about including PEOPLE.
@@outlawwrestle Right? I am an Eastern European and grew up with the music of these legends in the 90s and I never cared about their skin color or sexuality. The left today wants to confuse and isolate people from each other. These weren't big issues back than because most people didn't care about this.
"Who's this?" Every single person in that room is a musical legend. Every one.
except dan aykroyd off course 😁
@@Ashen_Sukar who you gonna call?😅
@@Ashen_Sukar Legend yes...and Blues Brothers sort of gets him a music mention.
Even Latoya?
Kim Carnes....nope
Soloists (in order of appearance)
• Lionel Richie
• Stevie Wonder
• Paul Simon
• Kenny Rogers
• James Ingram
• Tina Turner
• Billy Joel
• Michael Jackson
• Diana Ross
• Dionne Warwick
• Willie Nelson
• Al Jarreau
• Bruce Springsteen
• Kenny Loggins
• Steve Perry
• Daryl Hall
• Huey Lewis
• Cyndi Lauper
• Kim Carnes
• Bob Dylan
• Ray Charles
Chorus (alphabetically)
• • Anita Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters)
• Bette Midler
• Bill Gibson (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Bob Geldof
• Chris Hayes (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Dan Aykroyd
• Harry Belafonte
• Jackie Jackson
• Jeffrey Osborne
• John Oates
• Johnny Colla (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• June Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters)
• La Toya Jackson
• Lindsey Buckingham
• Mario Cipollina (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Marlon Jackson
• Randy Jackson
• Ruth Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters)
• Sean Hopper (of Huey Lewis and the News)
• Sheila E.
• Smokey Robinson
• Tito Jackson
• Waylon Jennings
Conductor
• Quincy Jones
wow!
Young ones. These are the people you need to learn about. Some are just famous people singing, but the others are famous singers.
Thank you for this research. You saved me a lot of work.😃
Thx, was gonna show my age by doin it... lol
Bruce Springsteen was the raspy one Lex liked!
There will never be this much legendary talent in one room ever again…. 80s really was and still is the best
and this was only the American group, the brits did it even better
Doesnt get better than this, equally good maybe, but not better
@@julieeverett7442no they didn't even came close
WAS the very best!!! I was so very glad to worness this as a teenager when it came out. We need something like this again!!🐾🐾
When you don't know who half of these people are I realize both how young you guys are and how old I've gotten.
@Chris it's okay, it happens to all of us! 😂 BUT at least we get to see them learning about how cool and lucky we were to grow up with all of this great music. 😉❤️😎🤘 #NYGenXBikerLady
That makes two of us (among many others) and I'm not even American. Yet I'm glad to be growing up in the 80s where world's events were parts of our lives back then. Speaking of being old, I'd rather be old and have a sense of nostalgia rather than being young and being nonchalant about history.
I feel old too. Funny when they don’t know these artists. Love how they listen to everything though. Giving it all a chance.
@@jenniferbyrd1970 my nephew is 16 and he knew half of them.
Hey, they all just look different now....after nearly 40 years... crap... never mind 🤣
Soloists (in order of appearance)
• Lionel Richie 1:33
• Stevie Wonder 1:40
• Paul Simon 1:48
• Kenny Rogers 1:52
• James Ingram 2:07
• Tina Turner 2:11
• Billy Joel 2:19
• Michael Jackson 2:26
• Diana Ross 2:39
• Dionne Warwick 2:55
• Willie Nelson 3:03
• Al Jarreau 3:16
• Bruce Springsteen 3:22
• Kenny Loggins 3:29
• Steve Perry 3:35
• Daryl Hall 3:42
• Huey Lewis 3:55
• Cyndi Lauper 4:01
• Kim Carnes 4:08
• Bob Dylan 4:55
• Ray Charles 5:49
Good looking out
You missed Dan Akroyd and Harry Belafonte 6:00
@@adamdansiger They were there but weren't soloists. Some of them have passed, most recently Harry. RIP
This isnt right at all?
You've got to love it : ) "Who's the guy with the raspy voice?"... Apparently not a "Boss" fan... And Paul Simon, Steve Perry, Harry Belafonte, Bette Midler and even Dan Akroyd... So my question to any young rap music fan is: Is there any way 30 prominent rappers could put together an UPLIFTING song like this in 2023?... To raise $100 Million for a worthwhile cause?... No prancing, no graphic gesticulating, no misogyny?... It does say something if the answer is "no, not likely..." And that's kind of sad, isn't it?
This was a time where everyone came together to show, no matter how different we are, we can be united. I miss this. I love this. This is MY Generation!
Well not everyone. Prince refused to be part of it.
You mean before social media.
@@wermagst Well, the condition was that everyone had to leave their ego at the door... I don't think Prince was physically capable of that 🤣
Amen!
Correct , Stephanie !
Quincy Jones put up a sign that said
"Leave your egos at the door."
Singers in order of appearance:
• Lionel Richie
• Stevie Wonder
• Paul Simon
• Kenny Rogers
• James Ingram
• Tina Turner
• Billy Joel
• Michael Jackson
• Diana Ross
• Dionne Warwick
• Willie Nelson
• Al Jarreau
• Bruce Springsteen
• Kenny Loggins
• Steve Perry
• Daryl Hall
• Huey Lewis
• Cyndi Lauper
• Kim Carnes
• Bob Dylan
• Ray Charles
The guy with the raspy voice is Bruce Springsteen also known as "The Boss".
Great job
Lol, guess the 'ego' part is why Prince wasn't there. 😅
(I kid)
The other interesting note is that most of these stars came straight from the American Music Awards that night. So in essence the 'after party' was creating one of the biggest hits of that decade. Pretty remarkable.
@Ricardo Spatafore She didn't seem to have ego she just belted out her part like everyone else.
@Ricardo Spatafore She was almost certainly instructed to do exactly what she did. They were building up to a climax and using higher and higher pitched voices as it went along. She provided the cap to that section of the song.
This still brings tears to my eyes and gives me goosebumps even after alllll these years. THIS is what AMERICA is about. NOT the crap that’s going on today. Such a a huge difference from back then to now. I’m going to go wipe my tears of joy off my cheeks now. ❤️. Thank you !!!!
💯
true that....
Yes! Absolutely!
🎯
You’ve got that right! 🎯
It hurts my heart when I watch reactions to this and some people don't know more of the artists. These are legends. Some of the best musicians of all time from an era of the greatest music of all time
Then recommend them songs from these artists to set them on their path. I knew most of them because of my parents and grandparents being fans, me being only 18, but I learned the ones I didn’t know by looking up the list of everyone who worked on this video.
But you heard them say they want to hear more from these legends… it has to start somewhere!
exactly
You don't have to be hurt, you didn't know all of the artists when you were born.
Bette Midler was even there and couldn’t get a spot. That’s how great this lineup was.
Bruce Springstein is "raspy voice" All are absolute legends. You guys have to hear all of them separately. :)
Streets od Philadelphia
LOL
Springsteen
It’s funny. Watch the behind the scenes video of everybody rehearsing. Everyone is off pitch, messing up lyrics, because they are just then learning the song. Not Bruce. He belts it out with all the passion he can on every take.
Bob Dylan sings.
Lex: "what a funny voice! 🤣"
Bob Dylan: "the story of my life".
Dylan is the second best artist in this crew! MJ is the first! Dylan has won a NOBEL!!
@@fabinhonha88 I don't like his voice anyway.
He sounded pretty good here. He doesn't always....
I think he was most known for his lyrics. Growing up in the 70's and 80's I never liked him. Older now, I like him better
Dude wrote over 500 songs!
I'm 19 years old and thank God my mom has an amazing music taste and she used to play this song almost every single day when I was a kid, I grew up knowing who all of the people are and liking their music despite my age. Music really is timeless and I wish people my age and younger would appreciate more songs like these. Especially this one since it was for such a great cause and have so many wonderful artists featured❤️
I’m 19 too and i feel the sameee way , THIS IS MUSIC i wish more people of our age listen to this
Ugh…Brad and Lex saying “who is this?” Aged me a year each time it was said .
I died a little on the inside when none of them recognized Stevie Wonder but was relieved when Lex finally recognized him later in the video. Sure, she mentioned inclusivity with Stevie and Ray Charles but let's not forget that they were also both blind. Lots of black artists made it big but being blind adds another level of obstacles.
I lost a piece of my soul every time they said it.
Diana Ross "She was in 'the Wiz"' "I never saw it."
Yikes.
I think the one I was most surprised by was when Brad said Who's that to Michael Jackson.. I thought everyone no matter their age knew who Michael Jackson was.
When Brad & Lex say "who's this" or "what a funny voice",
I take it as an insult or offensively, cause they're acting like jerks.
Brad & Lex are just kids, and they should respect their Elders and Musical Legends way better than that. 🎶🎙🎹.
I'm privileged to have grown up in such an iconic time. Can't wait for you both to look up these magnificent artists and react to them.
I remember all of this growing up. Wish this same kind of thing was going on now in our current world we all now live in. The 80's was a kinda "special" time. Then there were specials on HBO, raising money for the homeless, etc; all of this has disappeared now. Pop radio, bands, and such, new wave/synth pop, etc; meanwhile, the true story, or meanings, were back then, protest songs about the "Cold War." Tears for Fears, was one who were very vocal about it, but, it was just so "poppy sounding", the songs just kinda were dismissed. Cause it was catchy, had a hook.
@@jindas4217 you've stirred up memories of the Jerry Lewis telethon and watching MTV air their very first video " video killed the radio star", remote control,..the first time seeing HBO in all the colored dots, the tune still stuck in my mind like it was yesterday, family ties, boom boxes and the American flag waving just before the static at midnight. 😌 so many wonderful memories.
Lol I'm "old". Oh the HBO, premier movie, and having "cable" tv. Haha. Then there were the lucky ones who had a literal Satellite antenna picking up the signals, and experienced so many channels.
My first and last reaction to them. He's racist against whites. These amazing artists weren't - they all loved and respected each other. Brad is exactly what this song is against.
@@mcm0324 GTFO. Your the RASCIST/FASCIST promoting propaganda. STFU!
If it hasn’t already been mentioned in this thread, the cause of this song was extreme famine in Ethiopia. People were desperate to do something, anything to help. The song was the brainchild of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Lionel Ritchie, who wrote the lyrics. After the Grammys, they gathered all of these artists and asked if they’d like to participate. All the artists you see, some of which were only featured in the chorus, gave their time and talent free of charge rather than attending after-Grammy parties. They were there all night and the song was recorded in one night. It went on to become one of the most successful fundraising efforts, sending millions of dollars to Africa to help alleviate the famine in Ethiopia. I remember when it came out, it’s all you could hear on the radio. The recording came out as a single which just flew off the shelves (yes, we still had to go to the record store back then to buy our music). The sweatshirts you see some of the stars wearing were also available for sale and, for a bit, it became a fashion statement to wear one. The song also inspired artists in other countries to come together and do similar efforts, most notably UK artists who recorded “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and Canadian artists who recorded “Tears are Not Enough”.
I agree with everything 😊 except UK came first in 1984
I'm not even American and in my 20's and I know every single person singing in that group lol. Legends.
Same here.
Diana Ross? I've never heard of her. These young people have missed so much about our culture in music
It's not a flex to have that attitude as a " musically superior knowledge or culture". Music isn't supposed to be refined and forced as a specific carbon copy variation of the same 8 notes? Here is a flex-Mozart....most popular bring in from history. Reason being...he was a true born musical genius. He wrote his first sonata by the time he was 5 and he went too crazy with his harpsichord. He was told to use tried and true history. He said nah..gonna play like I want. By the time of his death he had successfully begun free expression in music. We don't know their childhood, their parents maybe didn't believe in music beyond their church. Please, it is impressive to me enough that you are a foreign and knew such legends, especially when more than a few had passed 5 years later. Please, in the future, when someone says hey...wanna vibe. Even if you don't like it, I promise youll find something in there to appreciate. And it's fun cause while you nay not vibe with theirs but then you may have something you'll like and give a go and they love it. It's a great feeling.
@@DreamWriterDKS damn
@@michaelw3809 it's ok... They're young and they're catching up, so really that's the beautiful part of this. They'll be able to understand what real music is like and what they've missed out on so far. Then they'll be able to take what they've learned from our music and push it on into the future to share with other people. One of the greats that we enjoyed, their music won't die and that's the biggest gift that music can give to the world through these young people. I love watching this channel because when they discover things it's like they've discovered plutonium for the first time! I watch their eyes light up at certain people's voices just hit these notes that they never realized people could without Auto-Tune. It just opens up a whole new world to them and it makes me so happy that they can enjoy what we all had.
😏❤️😎🤘 #NYGenXBikerLady
"I don't care what they looked like. They earned their spot." Absolutely perfectly put young man.
Well, actually... I never understood how Dan Aykroyd got an invite to this. Never. I mean, the original Blues Brothers film is awesome, and they shed the light on numerous awesome musicians that was out of the limelight at the time, but still... in this crowd he sticks out like a sore tumb :-)
@@sveinstmobekken2175 what difference does it make? His appearance doesn't add nor take away from the video and song.
@@paranoidewok6772 What differnece does it make? Absolutely none. Why do you ask? I was making an arguement to how they all earned their spot. In my opinion, Dan Aykroyd, if anyone, is the one that maybe didn't.
@@sveinstmobekken2175 Because he was part of the Blues Brothers
The sad thing is, there used to be actual artists who had God given talent to perfect their craft, and it took them their whole lives. Now, it is how you look and what type of "eye candy" young people like to look at.
I always looked forward to hearing Cindy Lauper belt out her powerful solo and then Bob Dylan following it up with his strange and funny voice, they both seemed so perfectly placed in this song.
That guy with the raspy voice was "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen!! New Jersey's own.🤘🔥
yes and Lex is right about everything.
I review weed products on my UA-cam channel for educational reasons
@@SevenHunnid ?
Ya, Springsteen is the one Arron Lewis is referring to in Am I the Only One.
@@otakumagnet8106 and rightfully so!
The 80's were absolutely the best time to be alive! Nothing like today. The 80's was a very fun decade!
I'm gutted I only experienced years 1-9 in it.
It was the perfect blend of old and new.
@The Duke Absolutely.
@The Duke I didn't get to be a teenager in the 80's as I turned 13 in 1990 but I still understood how great the 80's were. The last decade where kids played outside all day. Every kid had a bike and the best way to know where everyone was was to find the yard with all the bikes in it. Playing war out in the woods and building forts. Sleeping outside in those forts. Always a sport being played in my neighborhood. Best music a decade ever produced and you got to skate to it at the local skating rink and finding a good corner to make out with your girl at all night skate! Getting the newest album of your favorite artist and playing it for the first time on the turntable with that static sound that the record produces. You actually had to call a girl on the rotary phone and speak with her instead of sending a text. Swimming in ponds with a dock in the middle. Going to the arcade to spend your allowance on video games. Going to the video store to rent a VCR because your parents couldn't afford to buy one at the $1200 price tag and rent Back to the Future because you didn't see it at the drive in theatre when it came out. Man I wish they would bring Drive Ins back! Too many great things about the 80's to mention but man was that decade great? The last great decade! The only bad thing about the 80's was worrying about the Russians and Nuclear war.
Unless you grew up in the 70s.lol
Oh yeah, nothing like the 80s music, blockbuster movies, singers and artist's! I'm so grateful I grew up in those years! THE BEST!!!
All musical legends in that video!!!
The talent in that room is just off the charts.
Sad to tnink of the ones who are no longer with us.....
That was all of the biggest stars in the mid-1980's. Many of them didn't even get solos, but they still looked happy to be there.
All but Prince
Do ‘Band Aid - Do they know it’s Christmas’ it’s where the American artists got the idea to do this 👍. The people who arranged Band Aid also arranged Live Aid with the huge concerts either side of the pond
@RedDevil_Joe YES! I'm so glad you brought up Fo They Know It's Christmas. THAT is definitely a song they need to react to. 🤘
Band Aid sang “Feed the world”, the US response was “we ARE the world” 😊
Yes they defo need to check this out
@@Macilmoyle lol you made it seem like America responded with “yeah feed us”
@@Macilmoyle and Canada's was "tears are not enough"
I said it back then, when it came out and I still say it today. Whoever decided to pair Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen is a friggin genius! Still best part of the song!
The genius of Quincy Jones! It was the best duet in the song! I also love the one with Stevie and Ray! The song was a masterpiece!
Mj was a genius
So true
My favorite part too, but i never analyzed it like that 👋🙃
No, no, no! That's the least of them all! Ray Charles is the best hands down!!! 😎👍
Only Quincy could corral all these Legends!
It's just too many GOATs in one room for this event to ever be duplicated!
FACTS!
The got together after the American Music Awards for that year. They recorded all night and part of the next day.
I think Michael Jackson ask others to join
@@cirexmusic yes
Only Whitney and Prince could've made it better.
@@balutoyou3004 joke
There have to be Thousands of people born in the sixties or seventies who watch these reaction videos and are really baffled when reacters do not know the greats of the music. But in a weird way this creates the interest in these reaction videos. This is an iconic song, not because it is that great of a song, because of the message and these titans came together for it.
Right? When people don't immediately recognize Stevie Wonder and don't recognize Willie Nelson or Rick Springsteen, I feel seriously old. lol... It's why I enjoy watching these kids though.
@@mckrackin5324 RICK Springsteen?
Exactly! It's so weird that they don't know who most of these people are. But I guess it's a reflection of how young they are. LOL!
This song is proof, that you can take amazing singers from different genres, different singing styles, different vocal abilities, different music abilities, different backgrounds, different races, different levels of success, & more than likely different points of view, yet when put together, for a cause that is dear to their hearts, there is absolutely *NO* difference whatsoever!!! 💗 **THIS SONG IS PURE MAGIC, & STILL GIVES ME GOOSEBUMPS AFTER ALL THESE YEARS** 💗
ICONIC- this is what our award shows looked like in the 80’s- soooo much music,etc. diversity, ( waaay unlike these days) all these folks topping the charts back then - and yes that was Steve (THE voice) Perry lead singer from
Journey- I see where others have listed the names so.. And I’m Soooo glad I was a teen in the 80’s, even tho feeling old now sux- 🧡🤎🤍👍
Everyone involved with this song checked their "ego" at the door for a great cause!! They were all successful, individually, in their careers. A lot of them are still around/successful. But this was about helping others, a song for charity. This was Awesome!!
There was one amazing artist who got invited but failed that "check your ego at the door" requirement... Prince 😝
I get the chills when I hear how powerful Cyndi Lauper's voice is. This is a true room full of legends. NO auto tune real singers and none of this garbage now days.
There’s still good music today, c’mon now. You just have to be open minded to actually appreciate it.
"Diana Ross, she was in The Wiz" Lol, She was in the freaking Supremes!
The most successful female group of all time.
Since its release, "We Are the World" has raised over $63 million (equivalent to $149 million today) for humanitarian causes. Ninety percent of the money was pledged to African relief, both long and short term. The long-term initiative included efforts in birth control and food production.
Horrifying. We raised money to oppress the people even more. But that’s not what we were told. Everybody was gonna eat. It didn’t happen. That’s the reality to everyone’s goosebumps and chills at this seemingly charitable event.
Good point. The diversity in this song/video was very organic. Just talented people working together for a charitable cause.
I don't remember the diversity of it really even being talked about much at the time. (Just a group of the most famous singers at that moment.)
Michael Jackson and lionel Ritchie wrote this. Sadly several of these iconic singers are no longer with us.
Glad! One was a pervert
@@DarrenPrice333 do your damn research. The clever ones know that it’s not what the dumb ones are thinking. Educate yourself before spreading such nonsense. I’ve looked into every single case and done my research for 2 damn years. If you’ll do your research correctly nowadays,it’ll take you 30 minutes with all the social media and internet Opportunities we have today. The only one thinking like a pervert is you rn.
@@itsjustnaima You believe everything you read online and on social media? lol
@@pulsarlights2825 nope,I believe what the fbi is saying. Look up their files. They made them public. :) an investigation for over a decade,private investigators,MULTIPLE unexpected raids,and not the tiniest piece of evidence. cmon now 😂 dive more into it instead of believing what the news or social media is saying because that’s what influences people like y’all. :) the media covers a LOT when it comes to good news about Michael Jackson. He just got proven innocent for the 6th time these past 3 years. If I would’ve been molested I wouldn’t sue the estate of a Dead Man for $1 Billion. I wouldn’t have ran to my lawyers instead of the police. And I wouldn’t have changed my stories for more than 4 times. ‼️😂
@@pulsarlights2825 actually YOU do. That, & general paid media.
We believe 2 grand juries who evaluated 15 weeks of nothing but evidence and testimony, the fbi who investigated every inch of this man for over a decade. Moreover the accusers found lying multiple times in court. And the US media covered none of it. What a damn shame ..
Man, it amazes me every time I watch a reaction to this song that so many reactors don't know who these icons of 80's music are. Wow!
probably b/c this was almost 40y ago and half the reactors here on YT weren't even born at least a decade or more later ;)
it sure is and that they never heard it before
@@ymirssohn79 maybe😁
I was born in 2000 and this song was one of my favorite as a child. It's the reason I know who all these people are
@@kmjkmjkmj Good for you, i guess. Still wouldn't take that bet for a majority of people, music interest or not. Maybe i'm a little biased b/c in my youth (around the time of that song) hardly any of my "age-mates" would have recognized the names of 2 dozen artists from the 40s/50s, let alone know their faces.
When this was released EVERY rock radio station and every country radio station played this song all at the same time, I remember exactly where I was standing when they played it, prince was feuding with MJ at the time so he wouldn't join in, sad but it was a great time in music.
Yes, they said the 2nd MJ's line before Huey Lewis' was supposed to be Prince's.
Rock, country, pop and R&B stations. They all played it. We didn’t have hip hop stations quite yet.
I started watching this i just sobbed uncontrollably. All those loved artists, some of whom are no longer with us trying to made the world better. I no longer believe people care that much and it breaks my heart
Well-said bro,i was reflecting on the exact thing 😢😢
Diana Ross was the lead singer for the legendary Motown group, The Supremes.
She was in the wiz tho
@@lonedinosaur13 Ya. I just wanted to make sure she had the credit for being in one of the most powerful female singles in one the groups and not just a Wizard of Oz remake.
Loved her when she was in the Supremes and when she branched out on her own. Great singer.
@@ladyjane8855 ya she was.
Lol..Naive white people, they know damn well who Springsteen is, who Diana Ross is blah blah blah
I just love everyone here! My son was born in 1985 😃Huey Lewis' powerful vocals and Cindy Lauper's "well, well, well!" to the mic gives me goosebumps! Not forgetting James Ingram, Steve Perry and Bruce Springsteen with Stevie Wonder combo 🥰 They are all legends and awesome 💖
Today’s generation just will never have the Heart and Soul these artist truly had back then.
well thats a depressing thought
But absolutely true. As I commented, I was raised to parents who exposed me to music history and that paved the way for me to widen my musical horizons beyond culture, race, religion and country and appreciate who came first. Every one of these ppl contributed to modern musical artists of today that these two probably listen to. If you want to appreciate the present and look forward to the future, you must understand what came first.
Kinda insulting comment don't you think? Literally telling an entire generation that they're heartless and souless. What about those that are trying to? Not to mention, things weren't all sunshine and rainbows back then either.
@@Providence.. your taking that comment the wrong way. Today’s singers sing well, but mostly think of themselves, they don’t work together and their egos get in the way. Back then everyone cared and were proud to work together.
@@phillipwalker4747 that's a huge generalisation
LEGENDS, my children! Each and every single one of them are musical L-E-G-E-N-D-S and HEADLINERS! Be worth your while to find the time to react to each of their numerous hits! You'll LOVE it!
My children. Yes 🤣🤣🤣
Two solos caught your attention Lex, Bruce Springsteen and Jeffrey Osborne…and yes Bob Dylan does have a funny voice
This truly was how the 80s was. We literally all hungout and had a good time. Miss this!
A room full of legends, every one, there for love, we need this song back on the radio ASAP!
The British also did one it's called DO THEY KNOW IT"S CHRISTMAS all their stars came together as part of a worldwide push for famine relief. Truly a fantastic and magical effort.
There was also Farm Aid (mostly country artists i think) and Hear N Aid (heavy metal artists).
@@garymorris7472 There was also one made in Canada I think
The British did it first and better.
This is contrived and trite garbage compared to "Do They Know It's Christmas".
Canada did one too
@@johnstjohn6658 with you on this
Wow, you guys are so young! When this song came out we were amazed at all the huge talent that was in it. Every voice in it is a legend in their own genre - and having them all together on one colab was out of this world! we couldn't get enough of it. Glad you enjoyed it!
"I wish I could watch that for the first time again!"
Lexi, that says it all!
In a sense she could ... There were other songs for Africa at that time, the first one being "DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS" with many British artistes of the day she would know - I think.
Very well said, by Lexi.
*(We Are the World)* opens with *Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, & Billy Joel* singing the first verse. *Michael Jackson & Diana Ross* follow, completing the first chorus together. *Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, & Al Jarreau* sing the second verse, before *Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, & Daryl Hall* the second chorus. *Michael Jackson, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, & Kim Carnes* follow with the bridge. Concludes with *Bob Dylan & Ray Charles* singing a full chorus, *Stevie Wonder & Bruce Springsteen* duetting...
The song was written by *Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie* produced by *Quincy Jones*
With bob dylan who seems to have a bad trip)
Every time I watch the We Are The World video is like watching it for the first time - that's how powerful both the song and the message it projects is.
It was really a wonderful time in the 80's. in my High school we were black / white/ brown/ punk / geek ect . This song showed unity in the elite song industry . The song raised money for a famine in Africa and all proceeds went for that cause. Michal Jackson and one other put it all together . This was the best of the best proving that you can put your feelings aside and make a difference if we try ! I love this song and love the way it was inclusive to all who wished to sing . We need this today so bad. I miss the 80's so much .
Back in the day it didn't matter what colour, race or sex you were, it was all about the talent. Absolutely a great time to grow up!
It’s not fair to let young people believe that. Racism, sexism and homophobia were alive and well in the 80s. Radio stations were very divided. Black artists were mostly relegated to Black radio stations and they certainly weren’t getting rotation on MTV. Neither were female artists unless you looked the part. And being gay would kill your career before it started. There were the occasional exceptions, of course.
I’m not saying it was a bad time to grow up. We had a lot of great things then, too. But it wasn’t a big lovefest with equal opportunity for all.
@ADub Flips Boy George. Was made fun of for his style, yes, but certainly had a big career and wasn't denied opportunities.
@ADub Flips I’m glad that was your experience of the 80s. I was in my 20s then. I remember when David Bowie demanded live on MTV that they play black artists, because they wouldn’t. I remember when CBS records had to force MTV to play Michael Jackson by threatening to pull all their artists from the channel. I remember when Ronald Reagan let people die of AIDS for 4 years before he ever said the word AIDS because he thought he would be endorsing the immoral behavior of gay men if he did. I remember when gay artists like George Michael had to hide it in order to keep their careers. Yes, there were exceptions. And MTV played more black artists in the late 80s. I was in college from 1983-1987 and it wasn’t terribly unusual to hear the N word and using the F word for gay men was ubiquitous. I’m glad all the people you knew didn’t care about race, color or sexuality. It must have been a lovely corner of the world. But it’s incorrect to generalize and say that “people didn’t care” in the 1980s.
@@Y_.R Not in the UK plenty of black and female artists both home grown and from the states in concerts and on tv.
@ADub Flips I’m sorry you feel victimized by the lack of shows for white people on MTV and all the gay people who had sex. It must have been very disconcerting for you.
As for the “I want your sex” video, I’m pretty sure that was the one with the half naked woman strutting around the whole time. What’s gay about that?
This song introduced me to Bruce Springsteen when I was young. I still know every single artist. And Lex is right; there was (no forced) inclusivity before (let's say) 2010 (before Woke took over). Just humans trying to help humans in trouble. I miss those days.
Keep up the good work, cheers from the Netherlands
Cheers
Absolutely agree with you greeting from the USA crazy crap going on here these days.
That’s a nice fiction to tell yourself to make you feel good, I guess. There was MASSIVE bias against people and a LOT of the minorities who made it to that stage had to struggle. The fact that Ray Charles was there was because he fought against the racism that otherwise kept him down and kept him banned. Don’t forget that they had to fight for their rights. And they should NOT have had to fight for them. They were God given, but those in power took them away.
This song was EPIC back in the day. It was EVERYWHERE.
And I kinda hate it now for that very reason. The absolute Apex of celebrity hubris and virtue signalling. Makes me sick. And look at the state of the world for all their corporate saccharine pablum. They needn't have bothered... corporate whores the lot of em
@@LordEriolTolkien 🙄 the song raised the equivalent of $149 million for humanitarian causes. So their “corporate whoring” has helped millions of people while you’re just bitching on the internet about a charity song. If they’d done nothing you’d be bitching about how selfish they are. Go outside and touch grass, please.
Not every spot is earned....Exactly Brad...Exactly. And yes, you are correct...EVERY ONE of those artists earned their spot. :-)
In the long history of music, there has never been a collection of iconic singers performing together like this. This was a one time event that cannot be duplicated again in our lifetimes, nor in lifetimes to come...This is the performance that should be put in a time capsule to be savored by those who come after us.
It was inspired by Bandaid, a Christmas benefit for Africa that featured all of the biggest names in music from the UK. It was Bob Geldoff's idea. So, it wasn't exactly the first time.
Well they did make a second version of this song.
there was just year before this song bruh it was Do they know its christmas
This followed "Do they know it's Christmas" in the UK a month later ...these songs all came about just before Live Aid organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure from Ultravox
Willie steps in ...
Lex: Who's he?
Brad:
y'all broke my heart, but ok
I totally understand.. I was like WHAT!!???
There’s a Haití one too.. but not the same..
For real how does one not recognize Willie Nelson?
@@catrissiaRecognizing Kenny instantly and Willie not..........? How can that be?
I loved when they busted out singing for Harry Belafonte. This footage is pure magic
Love Lex reaction when Bruce Springsteen steps up. Every one of these artists are/were awesome in their genre's. When this first aired I was in High School and everyone stopped what they were doing and listened in silence as it was played over the PA system.
All these artists donated their time and talents for this charity to aid hunger in Africa.
Together, people, we can do great things. Divided, we all suffer.
And most of them had just left the Grammys (or some other award show) to go record.
Mainly michael donated
I am literally crying with joy and nostalgia for beautiful and intense memories. I remember as a child that I used to play this song on drums and every time I watched that video on TV, and listened to all my idols, my heart and mouth were open.
This song is at least a thousand years of combined musical greatness.
I highly remmond "Hear N´Aid - Stars", description: The song was recorded on May 20 and 21 1985 at the A&M Records Studio in Hollywood, California. The project included contributions from Ted Nugent, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tommy Aldridge and members of Dio, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Quiet Riot, Dokken, Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, Queensrÿche, Blue Öyster Cult, Vanilla Fudge, Y&T, Rough Cutt, Giuffria, Journey, W.A.S.P. and Night Ranger as well as the parody band Spinal Tap. Lead vocals were shared between Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Kevin DuBrow, Eric Bloom, Geoff Tate, Dave Meniketti, Don Dokken and Paul Shortino. Vivian Campbell, Carlos Cavazo, Buck Dharma, Brad Gillis, Craig Goldy, George Lynch, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eddie Ojeda and Neal Schon all added guitar solos. Iron Maiden's Dave Murray and Adrian Smith were in the middle of their 'World Slavery Tour' at the time and flew in to attend the main session. A documentary was shot of the recording process and released simultaneously.
Yeah. Y'all really need to do that one.
When this came out I was already a big fan of EVERY band on the list except Rough Cutt ... not due to them being a bad band but just due to them not being played in my area. The minute I heard Paul Shortino's voice on this I became a huge fan. Even his album with Quiet Riot is wayyyyy too underrated (QR3).
It breaks my heart that they don't these great singers, and the USA for Africa movement to help feed the people starving in Africa.
Good GOD!!! ALLL of these singers were HEAVY HITTERS back in the day. Like their music or not (To fellow old timers), but you can't argue the fact that they were VERY HEAVY hitters in the day.
Lexi, you can. Grab the list of performers. Choose a couple. React to their songs. Come back and watch this. Then repeat until you know everybody.
Each time you come back it will be like seeing it for the first time as you recognise new faces.
These people in this video... They are legends, the GOAT'S. No contest!!! 😎
I was like "What?!" when you asked "Who is this?" when Bruce Springsteen started singing. He is a very famous singer songwriter
Same with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson.
You guys make me feel really old lol! This song represents some of THE GREATS OF MUSIC HISTORY!! Thankfully UA-cam provides a platform for you to do musical research to discover these legends!😎
40 years ago my toddler son would sing it over and over in the car. I think of that every time I hear it. He'd be, " We are the wo-wod, we are the chiwdwen". 🥰
This is so heartwarming. We need a whole lot more of this right now.
This world is to political, woke and poisoned now and full of hate.
I remember watching this and it being the biggest collaboration ever. You see all these amazing artists come together for humanitarian aide for Africa. No egos, no manager, no team of people or contracts no boundaries or discrimination. The message was and still remains love and we are one. I love how Lex was so connected and I look forward to watching more videos.
I love how you guys are saying who's this, and every single person singing is a musical icon.
Every. Single. One.
The Real Star here was Quincy Jones , who brought together the biggest Stars of the Time, seamlessly blended their talents together. It shows just how much Respect Quincy Jones commands in the music world
Quincy is the leader: experience producing and writing for/with musicians from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson paid off! 😃
This would've never happened actually if it weren't for Harry Belefonte....the brainchild philanthropist being this being made 🕊️💗
I love the story of the split screen with Bruce Springsteen and Stevie wonder, the story is after hour on hours of recording and filming everyone had left for home and Quincy jones released there wasnt enough audio and footage, he made some calls and Bruce Springsteen turned around and came back where Stevie Wonder was still there and they stayed a couple hours longer to lay down the audio and footage needed to finish the project, and that's the part we see of them on the split screen....
Not only were you both introduced to an amazing song performed by amazing artists, but you were also introduced to the magnitude of talent in that room. I hope you look up some of these artists because their body of work and what they contributed to the music industry is amazing.
I'll never forget the first time I heard this song. It was a Sunday morning and it had just been released, and it was being played like every hour on the hour, on every radio station. I was out partying/clubbing the Saturday night before, but I always kept the radio on low when I went to sleep. Suddenly, barely awake, I hear this song come on and I, like everyone else back then, instantly recognized every voice because these were like all the biggest music artists at the time, so I was like: GOOD LORD, DID I DIE IN MY SLEEP AND GO TO HEAVEN OR AM I REALLY HEARING THIS ON THE RADIO RIGHT NOW?!?! :-0
This is the university of musical greatness..each one a legend ...never before, never again will this happen..great artists and beautiful people
Looking back, that was one of the great moments in popular music history. The collection of super stars from the era was a dream team, not likely we'll ever see a production like this again. Almost all of them were in one room!
A fun one to react to out of this crowd would be Kenny Loggins….he made music that went in damn near every movie of the 80’s. So you’d recognize a lot of his stuff 💯😎
All the Legends and top recording artists of the 60,s,70,s, and 80s, all the best ever in the business.
God bless them all.
Remember this well ... The Heavy Metal/Hard Rock singers (Hear n Aid) was a good one too .. Organized by Ronnie James DIO ...
The song was called We're Stars
Organized by Ronnie James Dio idea by Vivian Campbell
A MUST reaction! LOVE that song (and this song too).
"I wish I could watch that the first time again." That's why we watch you. Because we can't do that either, so we do it by proxy, through you two. Thank you.
That song brought back so many good memories of my childhood! I was just a kid 2 or 3 grade when this song came out but it brought tears to my Eyes because of How much we took advantage of stuff Like this back then, and now.... it really means the WORLD TO ME!!
Ray Charles + Willie Nelson "Seven Spanish angels" live is a good one.
So many Legends in one room!! It was truly amazing! I was 11 years old when this song came out. I remember getting the single on 45. 😂 Man I’m getting old.
THIS is the feeling of going to church! It was truly moving back when it came out, but Lex it felt like the first time everytime I see it is ❤️🔥❤️🔥 RIP to the beautiful artists that have passed who were a part of this is beautiful time & event in music history. Quincy Jones has never chosen to attempt this again bc he felt it would never recapture the magic Iike they did that day
I remember when this came out. Just amazing. Each person was personally invited to participate in this and If I remember correctly, they did this all in one night after a grammy show. That's why most of them were holding the sheet notes/with lyrics. There's a "making of We are the World" here on you tube. It really is amazing.
“I don’t know who Diana Ross is”
“She was in the Wiz”
God I’m old
Me too. (*Head in hand*)
Yea in the beginning when they talked about how old the video was and brad was like "yea its super old"... 😭
Felt that...
I’m amazed at the lack of knowledge that exists in today’s youth. When I was a kid I knew the music of my parents and some of my grandparents. But they seem to be hit from left field by these outrageously famous and iconic performers. These weren’t lightweights at all.
@@MGV-ob5rf Yes, it was the same for me. It's truly amazing and a little sad how some people can be raised so sheltered.
Hope you’re not buying that line because if you are I want to talk to you about your auto warranty!
This video was a HUGE deal when it was released. Literally EVERYONE was in it.
I was sobbing like a baby when this came out and to this day I still year up Everytime. Greatest group ever put together.
Images of starving kids was all over TV during that time as Ethiopia was undergoing a severe famine. Somewhere in the neighborhood if 1/2 million died within a year or two. Do They Know It’s Christmas was a charity song to send support there, and We Are the World was made shortly after. I think it sold around $20 million records. This song was absolutely everywhere as were the pictures of emaciated children in USA for Africa tshirts. If I remember correctly I think one of those clips is in MJs Man in the Mirror video.
Unfortunately very little of the food sent actually got to those starving.
@@montylc2001 yeah, unfortunately that’s a reality in most war zones.
No matter how many of these videos I watch, I always love those who haven't heard Bruce's voice get their initial taste. Lex's reaction here was one of the best though. Oooo who is this? Perfect. He and Stevie was the chef's kiss of duets IMO.
As a person who was a teenager when this song came out its rough knowing you two don't know a lot of these legends in the music industry but it also makes me happy to know you want to find out who they are and listen to their music
James Ingram sang behind Kenny., You’ll like his songs “just once”, “ find one hundred ways”, somewhere out there ( Disney movie) , “baby come to me” and “Yah- Mo- be there with Michael McDonald”. His music was produced by Quincy Jones who was conducting the choir in this song.
Some Where Out There (American Tail) is not a Disney movie It's a Don Bluth film made by Universal Studios.
I remember when this song came out we all went outside and lit a candle for to save the children in Africa
Lex: "Who is that???" when Bruce Springsteen shows up. Lex, you are such a rocker chick.
That is the best musicians of the 70s, 80s and 90s. I remember when it came out. Still gives me chills today.
It was a true representation of diversity and love! ❤️🌎✌️
Exactly. It wasn't about having the right amount of this group or that group. No garbage corporate quota established to try to earn more sales.
It's was just about including PEOPLE.
@@outlawwrestle Right? I am an Eastern European and grew up with the music of these legends in the 90s and I never cared about their skin color or sexuality. The left today wants to confuse and isolate people from each other. These weren't big issues back than because most people didn't care about this.
One of the greatest songs of all time, no judgement just pure talent and love
Y'all are absolutely sincerely such a couple of cute and adorable kids. I'm only 45 by the way, but I love you two.
Those are some of the greatest Superstars of music that came together because of love and compassion. 💖💖💖