May 1985: my mom was dying for 5 years. We watched the video together. She started crying during the Tina Turner part. She died on 9/15/1985; 11 days after I left for Basic Training. "We are the world" is a precious memory.
That's an absolutely beautiful story, Tony. It evokes all the emotions. Nostalgia, broken heart, devastation, yet hope and renewal. I'm sure your mom is still looking down on you smiling and proud of you to this day!
This was the greatest collaboration of singers ever hands down,. When you realize what it took for this video to happen, it is amazing. There will never be more talent assembled in one room. I am in awe that this happened and that I remember the original release, I was 11 at the time. Now I feel old …lol
@@tackymm466 I thank you. I was Infantry and Airborne but never served in combat. Thank me for my service. Thank combat Veterans with Thank you for your sacrifice. Someone shared this with me long ago. I agreed. He was a LRRP in Vietnam. I was humbled.
@@maverick4you don't forget the Metal contingent, the group Hear N' Aid with the song "Stars' - included Dio, Dokken, Halford, etc . . . and some of the best guitarists of all time
@havok6280 That group wasn't even close to this one! This group had numerous legends, and there were other legends who were not there like Prince, Whitney Houston and Elton John.
That wasn't just a music video. It was a moment in time that won't happen again. They've tried but it don't think you will see the level of talent together in a room again.
Because they all have such distinguished sounds vocally, unlike these days, there was no need for any of them to try and outsing or outdo each other! Superstars dropping their egos for a great cause!
Some of these new artists of todaywould probably try to google “how to sing like these music icons” and get an answer of “you are stupid. Impossible to replicate. 😆
This came out in 1985 and featured the majority of pop/rock/and blues artists. It was a fundraiser for Ethiopia when they were in severe drought and people were dying by the hundreds or thousands per day. It was the first of it's kind...followed by the fundraiser for Live Aid, We Are The World for Haiti and Farm- Aid. We haven't come together like that in probably 20+ years. I pray/wish we could all unite again and show love to all of our fellow human beings 🙏
no disrespect intended but maybe the second of its kind, not the first? Bob Geldoff's Band Aid and the song, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" kinda lead right up to this, first, right?
@@JuandeFucaU Yup. I worked in a record store at the time and "Do They Know It's Christmas?" came out in late November 1984. "We Are The World" was recorded in January 1985 immediately after the American Music Awards - as an American response to what the Brits had already done. There's a really good documentary on Netflix about the whole thing that came out a couple months ago about the making of the song and how it all happened.
Didn't john Denver do some kind of fundraiser before this? I thought I seen a program a year ago talking about him doing that before other celebrities an his "farm" in aspen still gives out food or something allong those lines. Maybe....
@benniecourter657 Yes. John Denver was well known throughout his career/life for his fundraising efforts. John Denver"s manager said, in an interview after John Denver's passing; that not being asked to sing with this group on "We Are The World", was one of the greatest disappointments in John Denver's life. I've seen references to this through the years, that they didn't think John Denver's voice would mesh with the rest. I think that's bull, because just look at all of the very different voices singing in this choir.
I had totally forgotten about John Denver doing fundraising and....Band-Aid! I had totally forgotten that one as well! Of course, I was very young, and We Are The World stuck with me the most. We are the world 2 (for Haiti)....was a travesty! I absolutely love a bunch of the singers on it, but the egos and Wyclef Jean ruined it for me.
Times are for the original video. Not this video. Lionel Richie - 0:26 Stevie Wonder - 0:39 Paul Simon - 0:43 Kenny Rogers - 0:53 James Ingram - 0:59 Tina Turner - 1:06 Billy Joel - 1:13 Michael Jackson - 1:19 Diana Ross - 1:32 Dionne Warwick - 1:48 Willie Nelson - 2:02 Al Jarreau - 2:09 Bruce Springsteen - 2:15 Kenny Loggins - 2:21 Steve Perry - 2:28 Daryl Hall - 2:36 Huey Lewis - 2:48 Cyndi Lauper - 2:54 Kim Carnes - 3:02 Bob Dylan - 3:48 Ray Charles - 4:27 “We Are the World” Chorus (alphabetically) Dan Aykroyd Harry Belafonte Lindsey Buckingham Mario Cipollina Johnny Colla Sheila E. Bob Geldof Bill Gibson Chris Hayes Sean Hopper Jackie Jackson La Toya Jackson Marlon Jackson Randy Jackson Tito Jackson Bette Midler John Oates Jeffrey Osborne The Pointer Sisters Smokey Robinson “We Are the World” Instrumentalists David Paich - synthesizers Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming Paulinho da Costa - percussion Phil Collins - percussion Louis Johnson - synth bass Michael Omartian - keyboards Greg Phillinganes - keyboards John Robinson - drums Quincy Jones -- conductor
@rogerd1961 truth. It was Stevie Wonder who wanted to add the Swahili in, and then after Waylon left, someone told Stevie that they don’t speak Swahili over there. So, it was taken out.
I remember when this came out, I was in highschool. My mom purchased the record. I remember each singer but it's nice to see their names written down. Oh, BTW Harry Belafonte was the person with the idea to do the song for African famine relief. He approached Quincy Jones for assistance and it took off from there.
I know you're young but you are looking at the the top singers of that generation! I can't believe you don't know BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN! He is a legendary singer!
The singer towards the end where you were like "Woo! Do you know who that is?" is the legendary James Ingram. A superstar of R&B and one of Quincy Jones' favorite singers; he was essentially Quincy's vocalist throughout the 80s. He passed away a few years ago sadly. He had so much emotion in his singing, which is what R&B is all about, and his range was incredible and he would go from deep bass to high falsetto in a single phrase. Some of his most popular songs which you should definitely check out are "Just Once" "Find One Hundred Ways" "I Don't Have the Heart" and some popular duets of his were "Baby Come to Me" (with Patti Austin) "Yah Mo Be There" (with Michael McDonald) "What About Me" (with Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes) "The Day I Fall In Love" (with Dolly Parton) and "Somewhere Out There" (with Linda Ronstadt)
It never ceases to amaze me. Your generation has the entire world at your fingertips with the internet, but you can barely name one legend. No music you listen to today would exist without these trailblazers. The other thing that is the underlying truth. Reactors may not know who anybody else is, but regardless of age, race, nationality, religion or any other label, EVERYONE knows who Michael Jackson is.
I kniw.We didn't even have internet, but I know a lit of the singers in the video by name just by seeibg their face. I even recognized that Dan Aykroyd was in the video too.
1985... I was 13 when this song and video came out. Everybody checked their ego at the door and were one voice for Ethiopia. Sad to say, but Americans of all colors were more united in the '80s than they are now.
When I watch this, one of the things I'm always amazed by is how much Smokey Robinson flies under the radar. He didn't get a solo and reactors don't recognize him in the chorus. Absolute legend.
@@kayblock-bourghs8285 And I think I've only heard 1 or 2 mention Lindsey Buckingham and Harry Belafonte. I have heard a couple wonder what Dan Aykroyd is doing there.
@@MattJocks I agree. They always miss some, that are so obvious to me. I think Dan Akyroyd being there is great; "The Blues Brothers" represented. I'm 65 years old. How old are you?
This sone will forever be etched into my soul, I remember it's release and I have loved it since. Now that we have movie / music reactors on YT, I watch nearly every reaction to this song. The bad part, and it's understandable, is that many do not realize how truly amazing this group of individuals are and the impact that they had on the industry at the time. Thank you for reacting to this one.
A couple of months back, there was a documentary released on Netflix about the making of this, i cant recommend it enough, incredible amount of work in a very short space of time
I know this is only the comment section but great idea to react on the most popular songs of each artists here and you will be surprise how big of a superstar all are.
I remember we had to sing this song when I was in the 4th grade for our school program in 1986". This song came out in 1985" This song was made to help people who were dying due to starvation over in Africa at that time. When this song came out It was a very touching song that touched people all around the world. I remember how i felt when hearing this song back when i was a kid in the 80s, And I still feel that same feeling when ever i see this video And hear this song!
Released in 1985 and all proceeds went for relief of the famine in Africa. As you seen in the beginning, tha album cover had the autographs of all of the performers; and they also sold T shirts with the autographs for extra funding for the cause. Many people purchased 2 copies of the album; one to collect and not open and one to listen to. Quincy Jones approached Lionel and Michael about this and they wrote this song. Quincy coordinated the recording of this after an awards show where all of the performers had attended.
@@indomasindah Madonna was never even invited or involved in this unlike Prince who was invited to sing but he let his big ego get in the way of being involved hence why he isn’t here so don’t drag the Queen of pop into something she’s never been affiliated in 💀
So yes, you had to be there, lol... I was. Anyway, in the early 80s, there was some attention given to starving peoples in West Africa. Very sad videos coming through. Bob Geldof, of the British band, The Boomtown Rats saw this and organized a charity fundraiser song called "Do They Know it's Christmas" which featured all of the British acts that were popular at the time (You should definitely react to this as this was the precursor to this video/song). Later, after the American Music Awards broadcast, US artists gathered to do the same thing which you watch and react to here. Later on, in 1985, there was a dual-broadcast concert both in London and Philadelphia and it was covered for almost 20 hours on MTV where the world watched it live. All proceeds went to this charity of feeding Africa and the Live Aid charity still exists today.
You mentioned that you wondered if they battled because they were all stars. In fact, there was a sign on the door that read " leave your egos at the door". To remind them they were all equals in this room
@@larrybuster1178 I didn't say they weren't. Just stating facts. I wouldn't need to do any homework anyhow I was in high school during that era. I knew them all
At 2:40 that was Bruce Springsteen "The Boss". MJ & Quincy Jones said we can't make this without Bruce. Bruce had the #1 album of the year the year before this was made with "Born in the USA" and was the biggest act live around the world.
There are no words to explain the awesomeness of this song. Getting this many stars together in one room is awesome by itself, but them singing all together for a great cause is awesome. God works in mysterious ways! Love this so much! Love your reactions! ♥
@@jennifertebomosiane9596 What world do you live in? It's Elvis Presley you talk about..The King. Not the faked "pop" one Michael named him. But something his fans named him. Elvis never liked being called the King. To him that title belonged to Jesus Christ. But Jacksons management came up with "King of pop" somewhere along the line. Pathetic stuff.
@@stege9979 oh please elvis is a pathetic excuse of an artist, he was a copycat that was influenced by black music,he was never the best at anything. he certainly was never the king. please put this rivalry to sleep
Every one of the singers are Legends.. you have country singers pop singers blues singers. r&B singers rock singers some names as big as Michael.. before Michael....this was 1985...
We Are the World” Soloists (in order of appearance) Time codes indicate start of first solo Lionel Richie - 0:26 Stevie Wonder - 0:39 Paul Simon - 0:43 Kenny Rogers - 0:53 James Ingram - 0:59 Tina Turner - 1:06 Billy Joel - 1:13 Michael Jackson - 1:19 Diana Ross - 1:32 Dionne Warwick - 1:48 Willie Nelson - 2:02 Al Jarreau - 2:09 Bruce Springsteen - 2:15 Kenny Loggins - 2:21 Steve Perry - 2:28 Daryl Hall - 2:36 Huey Lewis - 2:48 Cyndi Lauper - 2:54 Kim Carnes - 3:02 Bob Dylan - 3:48 Ray Charles - 4:27
this was the second charity song for Ethiopia this came out in 1985 the first song was called do they know its Christmas which was released in late 1984 and had a lot of the top uk music stars in it and led to this song and the massive live aid concert in 1985
We are the World is from 1985. I would say the name Elvis is known by everyone. This was recorded after an awards show, Their was a sign that said check your Egos at the Door. This song was written because of a Famine in Ethiopia
I remember when this was released on the same night across the country. Most cities had large screens for the crowds to watch and sing along . It was beautiful, just awesome. And millions of dollars was raised to help the desperate ppl in Ethiopia. Sadly I doubt we will see such a thing happen again with the country being so selfish these days
This was 1985. There was a famine in Ethiopia, hundreds of people were dying of starvation. This song raised a lot of money to help. There was a 'CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR' sign for all to see.
We Are the World” Chorus (alphabetically) Dan Aykroyd Harry Belafonte Lindsey Buckingham Mario Cipollina Johnny Colla Sheila E. Bob Geldof Bill Gibson Chris Hayes Sean Hopper Jackie Jackson La Toya Jackson Marlon Jackson Randy Jackson Tito Jackson Waylon Jennings Bette Midler John Oates Jeffrey Osborne The Pointer Sisters Smokey Robinson
Lionel Richie - 0:26 Stevie Wonder - 0:39 Paul Simon - 0:43 Kenny Rogers - 0:53 James Ingram - 0:59 Tina Turner - 1:06 Billy Joel - 1:13 Michael Jackson - 1:19 Diana Ross - 1:32 Dionne Warwick - 1:48 Willie Nelson - 2:02 Al Jarreau - 2:09 Bruce Springsteen - 2:15 Kenny Loggins - 2:21 Steve Perry - 2:28 Daryl Hall - 2:36 Huey Lewis - 2:48 Cyndi Lauper - 2:54 Kim Carnes - 3:02 Bob Dylan - 3:48 Ray Charles - 4:27
If I’m remembering correctly (I was about 12 at the time) they all got together after an awards ceremony and they did this in one night. They actually went all night long so at times there were people lying on the floor dozing when they had the chance! I believe it was one of the most profitable fundraisers at the time
it was 1985...best decade!! Oh and this was Michael Jacksons production...he and Quincy Jones produced it and put it together. This was to raise money for famine in Africa.
There were a few egos & arguments in the room, despite the sign on the door to leave your egos out. Then Bruce Springsteen spoke up & told everyone to stop the arguments & get to work. That's why he's The Boss.
There was a big famine in Ethiopia in 83 i think, so they did this song and a live tv show lasting days to raise $ to help Africa with food water and supplies they raised around 75 million for the cause. And your daughter was just sharing!😂
Not only did Michael Jackson appear in this, but he and Lionel Ritchie wrote the song and organized the entire thing... which wound up being a single night to record and film the video after the music awards because there was no other time that so many artists could get together.
They didn't organize the entire thing. Not coming at you or anything. Just a correction. Harry Bellefonte came up with the idea and a music producer started it in motion. It was a huge effort and ultimately it was decided to do this after the awards show. There was somebody matching voices before this all took place, too. He specifically put Bruce Springsteen and then Kenny Loggins right after him because of how "dirty" Bruce's voice is to contrast with how clean Kenny's is. They sent out demo tapes before recording of the song so that singers could learn their parts and the chorus (the chorus was recorded first). It was a lot of work for a lot of people.
@@shortaybrown I think there's a shift now 😊 More and more people discovers the old "real music" now, through UA-cam reactions, tiktok videos etc etc. I've seen a upgoing trend in younger people listening to Pink Floyd, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Springsteen, Dire Straits and of course 70s hard rock like black sabbath, Led zeppelin and Deep Purple.
@@djclabbe88 - it’s just a minuscule amount of a few random people doing reaction videos but billions of people and tens of millions of Americans were young couldn’t care less. It’s OK we just have to accept that music is terrible today; it’s overproduced and uninteresting. The reason is because nobody played Instruments and formed bands growing up, they just played video games.
Things l didn't know l needed till l seen this the first time Diane Warwick and Willie Nelson singing together, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen and Stevie. Cyndi Lauper killed it, and the guy who always touched my heart Ray Charles, God gifted that man he just lifts up anyone he sings with. Along with anybody listening, takes you to Church.
There was a drought in eastern Africa, so very few crops were growing. And, Ethiopia was in the middle of a civil war, with armies from both sides (not ALL the armies, but most) taking, for themselves, what little food did grow. Plus the people were getting bombed out of their homes. Millions were dying. This was done to raise money to help the people in Ethiopia suffering from the famine that resulted from the drought and war.
@@PML78 yes, stunning.I lived 80's completely (from 16 to 26 years old)and know well all the artists to contribute even though i'm not american but italian. Bob Dylan, Quincy Jones,Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Cindy Lauper,The Boss, obviously Michael Jackson etc etc are big also here in Italy. Maybe 3 or 4 of 'em are less well know . Greatings from Italy
All of these folks were told to leave their egos at the door -- and they did just that. There are 44 icons of music here. Some list 45, but Waylon Jennings left before the taping. And yes, this was all done in one session.
We Are the World” Instrumentalists David Paich - synthesizers Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming Paulinho da Costa - percussion Phil Collins - percussion Louis Johnson - synth bass Michael Omartian - keyboards Greg Phillinganes - keyboards John Robinson - drums
These are all legends of the 70's and 80's and from all genres. Blues, Pop, Rock, Hard-rock and Country. And all the subclasses of those genres as well and actors who are talented singers like Sidney portiere and Dan Aykroyd.
I've watched your generation watch this video for the first time, many times. I must say watching you two young Christians watch this from a position of true love and belief in God, was by far the best I've seen. Not just because you liked it. It was seeing your appreciation for my generation and the Christians we tried to be. Good luck to you both. God bless🙏
Hi there, this is a wonderful work of art and emotion indeed, I wonder though why you did not notice the serious problems with what they say in that song. Just check those two passages and maybe read the lyrics again because this is extremely serious, this song is their statement of faith and they put their eternal destiny on the line there. The Tower of Babel …5Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men were building. 6And the LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they devise will be beyond them. 7Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”… Gen. 11. Warning against Pride …3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?… James 4 And also, The Temptation of Jesus …2After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”… Matt. 4. May God lead and keep you in these last days, in the days of deceit, darkness and devastation!
There’s a reason they call Steve Perry “the voice” his voice is just next level. So much talent in that one room never see music industry come together like this again
MJ was a huge talent and global star but Elvis is still famous 75 years after he started his career. There are very few people in the world who have never heard of Elvis and MJ
Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Roger's, Jeffrey Osborne, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Michael, Diana Ross, Dione Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Christopher Cross, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Michael, Huey Lewis, Cindy Lauper, Kim Karnes, Ray Charles, Stevie and Bruce, Bob Dillon, Ray.
Egos are so much worse now so I don’t think this could happen again. But that’s why there was a sign on the door when all the artists got there to check their egos at the door
This was 1985!! Still the best collection of big names ever! I would say that Elvis is just as well known as Michael Jackson! By the way, they could have dubbed in Michael Jackson, if they wanted to, yes we had that technology then, but they didn't have to, he not only wanted to be there, he co-wrote the song, and organized the whole thing!
This video is from 1985, the movement to fight famine in Africa was initiated by Bob Geldof, an Irish singer-songwriter and political activist who co-wrote "Do They Know It's Christmas?", one of the biggest-selling singles to date. Geldof is widely recognized for his activism, particularly his efforts to fight poverty in Africa. In 1984, he and Midge Ure founded the charity supergroup Band Aid to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia, many artists from all over the world came together to help raise funds. They went on to organise the Live Aid charity super-concert the following year and the Live 8 concerts in 2005. Geldof is currently an advisor to the ONE Campaign, co-founded by fellow Irish rock singer and activist Bono, and is a member of the Africa Progress Panel (APP), a group of ten eminent figures campaigning at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa.
It's a testament to their talent that they were able to repeat essentially the same verses a bunch of times and still it sounded amazing and unique each time!
May 1985: my mom was dying for 5 years. We watched the video together. She started crying during the Tina Turner part. She died on 9/15/1985; 11 days after I left for Basic Training. "We are the world" is a precious memory.
That's an absolutely beautiful story, Tony. It evokes all the emotions. Nostalgia, broken heart, devastation, yet hope and renewal. I'm sure your mom is still looking down on you smiling and proud of you to this day!
This was the greatest collaboration of singers ever hands down,. When you realize what it took for this video to happen, it is amazing. There will never be more talent assembled in one room. I am in awe that this happened and that I remember the original release, I was 11 at the time. Now I feel old …lol
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 to yall
Thank you for your service
@@tackymm466 I thank you. I was Infantry and Airborne but never served in combat. Thank me for my service. Thank combat Veterans with Thank you for your sacrifice. Someone shared this with me long ago. I agreed. He was a LRRP in Vietnam. I was humbled.
The guy you were asking who is that is Bruce Springsteen!! He is a legend!!
The Boss!
It is too bad that Stevie and Bruce never did an album together. That would have been great and would have sold millions.
They are all legendary artists!
Stevie and Bruce... All I can say is Quincy Jones is brilliant. Who else would of come up with that pairing?
They all are
They weren't comparing themselves with each other
There won't ever be collaboration like this ever again.
Exactly... no more legends are out there at this time ... 70s and 80s we had multiple... as u can see ❤️
There were two others super groups BandAid (british and original) and Northern Lights (Canadian)
Really? Because Jamie Foxx organized a version of this in 2010. It included everyone from Bieber to Celine Dion to Kanye.
@@maverick4you don't forget the Metal contingent, the group Hear N' Aid with the song "Stars' - included Dio, Dokken, Halford, etc . . . and some of the best guitarists of all time
@havok6280 That group wasn't even close to this one! This group had numerous legends, and there were other legends who were not there like Prince, Whitney Houston and Elton John.
That wasn't just a music video. It was a moment in time that won't happen again. They've tried but it don't think you will see the level of talent together in a room again.
They were all stars. All legends. But at the door there was a sign that said check your ego and they all did
Back when the adults were running the music industry.
So much truth! I miss gatekeeping in this industry. That’s when you get real talent.
Because they all have such distinguished sounds vocally, unlike these days, there was no need for any of them to try and outsing or outdo each other! Superstars dropping their egos for a great cause!
“Check your ego at the door” was written outside the studio for those participating for this recording.
You could never redo this song today because there are no singers of this caliber or as popular as these people were singing today.
Some of these new artists of todaywould probably try to google “how to sing like these music icons” and get an answer of “you are stupid. Impossible to replicate. 😆
This came out in 1985 and featured the majority of pop/rock/and blues artists. It was a fundraiser for Ethiopia when they were in severe drought and people were dying by the hundreds or thousands per day. It was the first of it's kind...followed by the fundraiser for Live Aid, We Are The World for Haiti and Farm- Aid. We haven't come together like that in probably 20+ years. I pray/wish we could all unite again and show love to all of our fellow human beings 🙏
no disrespect intended but maybe the second of its kind, not the first? Bob Geldoff's Band Aid and the song, "Do They Know It's Christmas?" kinda lead right up to this, first, right?
@@JuandeFucaU Yup. I worked in a record store at the time and "Do They Know It's Christmas?" came out in late November 1984. "We Are The World" was recorded in January 1985 immediately after the American Music Awards - as an American response to what the Brits had already done. There's a really good documentary on Netflix about the whole thing that came out a couple months ago about the making of the song and how it all happened.
Didn't john Denver do some kind of fundraiser before this? I thought I seen a program a year ago talking about him doing that before other celebrities an his "farm" in aspen still gives out food or something allong those lines. Maybe....
@benniecourter657 Yes. John Denver was well known throughout his career/life for his fundraising efforts. John Denver"s manager said, in an interview after John Denver's passing; that not being asked to sing with this group on "We Are The World", was one of the greatest disappointments in John Denver's life. I've seen references to this through the years, that they didn't think John Denver's voice would mesh with the rest. I think that's bull, because just look at all of the very different voices singing in this choir.
I had totally forgotten about John Denver doing fundraising and....Band-Aid! I had totally forgotten that one as well! Of course, I was very young, and We Are The World stuck with me the most. We are the world 2 (for Haiti)....was a travesty! I absolutely love a bunch of the singers on it, but the egos and Wyclef Jean ruined it for me.
Times are for the original video. Not this video.
Lionel Richie - 0:26
Stevie Wonder - 0:39
Paul Simon - 0:43
Kenny Rogers - 0:53
James Ingram - 0:59
Tina Turner - 1:06
Billy Joel - 1:13
Michael Jackson - 1:19
Diana Ross - 1:32
Dionne Warwick - 1:48
Willie Nelson - 2:02
Al Jarreau - 2:09
Bruce Springsteen - 2:15
Kenny Loggins - 2:21
Steve Perry - 2:28
Daryl Hall - 2:36
Huey Lewis - 2:48
Cyndi Lauper - 2:54
Kim Carnes - 3:02
Bob Dylan - 3:48
Ray Charles - 4:27
“We Are the World” Chorus (alphabetically)
Dan Aykroyd
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham
Mario Cipollina
Johnny Colla
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof
Bill Gibson
Chris Hayes
Sean Hopper
Jackie Jackson
La Toya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Bette Midler
John Oates
Jeffrey Osborne
The Pointer Sisters
Smokey Robinson
“We Are the World” Instrumentalists
David Paich - synthesizers
Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming
Paulinho da Costa - percussion
Phil Collins - percussion
Louis Johnson - synth bass
Michael Omartian - keyboards
Greg Phillinganes - keyboards
John Robinson - drums
Quincy Jones -- conductor
@rogerd1961 truth. It was Stevie Wonder who wanted to add the Swahili in, and then after Waylon left, someone told Stevie that they don’t speak Swahili over there. So, it was taken out.
I remember when this came out, I was in highschool. My mom purchased the record. I remember each singer but it's nice to see their names written down. Oh, BTW Harry Belafonte was the person with the idea to do the song for African famine relief. He approached Quincy Jones for assistance and it took off from there.
@@raquelobryant7504you’re welcome! 😊
@rogerd1961 That's shown in the new Netflix documentary on the making of this "The Greatest Night in Pop"...Waylon peaced out completely...just left.
@rogerd1961My understanding is while he isn't in the video his voice is in the chorus audio track.
Bob Dylan, a folk singer from the 60s and now a Nobel Prize winner. Isn't life amazing?!
I know you're young but you are looking at the the top singers of that generation! I can't believe you don't know BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN! He is a legendary singer!
The singer towards the end where you were like "Woo! Do you know who that is?" is the legendary James Ingram.
A superstar of R&B and one of Quincy Jones' favorite singers; he was essentially Quincy's vocalist throughout the 80s. He passed away a few years ago sadly. He had so much emotion in his singing, which is what R&B is all about, and his range was incredible and he would go from deep bass to high falsetto in a single phrase. Some of his most popular songs which you should definitely check out are "Just Once" "Find One Hundred Ways" "I Don't Have the Heart" and some popular duets of his were "Baby Come to Me" (with Patti Austin) "Yah Mo Be There" (with Michael McDonald) "What About Me" (with Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes) "The Day I Fall In Love" (with Dolly Parton) and "Somewhere Out There" (with Linda Ronstadt)
This always gives me goosebumps 🥹
MVP cindi lauper..its the dream team of singers, richie, billy joel, rodgers, mj, ray charles and more.. wow
Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder duo was awesome
It never ceases to amaze me. Your generation has the entire world at your fingertips with the internet, but you can barely name one legend. No music you listen to today would exist without these trailblazers. The other thing that is the underlying truth. Reactors may not know who anybody else is, but regardless of age, race, nationality, religion or any other label, EVERYONE knows who Michael Jackson is.
Agree, I'm 21 and know em all....now...only knew Michael Jackson, so your last statement are true... Africa belongs to MJ.
I kniw.We didn't even have internet, but I know a lit of the singers in the video by name just by seeibg their face. I even recognized that Dan Aykroyd was in the video too.
USA for Africa what does USA stand for?
@@magnetmac1 United States of America
@@thegreytone
No!
It's United Support of Artists for Africa. (USA for Africa)
1985... I was 13 when this song and video came out. Everybody checked their ego at the door and were one voice for Ethiopia. Sad to say, but Americans of all colors were more united in the '80s than they are now.
song was produced in 1982 not 1985 . there was no famine in 1985
@@bamboo1165
In 1985, not '82.
There's something very spiritual about mr Ray Charles...AMAZING
When I watch this, one of the things I'm always amazed by is how much Smokey Robinson flies under the radar. He didn't get a solo and reactors don't recognize him in the chorus. Absolute legend.
Bette Midler is also in the chorus, but rarely recognized by reactors.
@@kayblock-bourghs8285 And I think I've only heard 1 or 2 mention Lindsey Buckingham and Harry Belafonte. I have heard a couple wonder what Dan Aykroyd is doing there.
@@MattJocks I agree. They always miss some, that are so obvious to me. I think Dan Akyroyd being there is great; "The Blues Brothers" represented. I'm 65 years old. How old are you?
So far no reaction video on youtube caught Smokey Robinson and Jeffery Osbourne. kind of sad
Bette Midler was also there and she was not unknown either.
Definitely worth looking up songs by each person here to check them each out.
I have read that Quincy Jones had posted a note that read, "check your ego at the door."
This sone will forever be etched into my soul, I remember it's release and I have loved it since. Now that we have movie / music reactors on YT, I watch nearly every reaction to this song. The bad part, and it's understandable, is that many do not realize how truly amazing this group of individuals are and the impact that they had on the industry at the time. Thank you for reacting to this one.
A couple of months back, there was a documentary released on Netflix about the making of this, i cant recommend it enough, incredible amount of work in a very short space of time
And Lewis acted like a jerk to Michaael.
Wish I could give you 2 thumbs up 😊
What's the name of it?
@@Meghan-bv8ib The Greatest Night In Pop
Premiered in 1985! I watched it when it was released for the first time
I was 16. It still brings me to tears.
Same
Video was in 1981 not 1985 your 4 years to late! ahahahahha
@@bamboo1165 you are wrong!. Premiered in 1985.. not 1981.
I know this is only the comment section but great idea to react on the most popular songs of each artists here and you will be surprise how big of a superstar all are.
Can u imagine this being your church's choir?
I remember we had to sing this song when I was in the 4th grade for our school program in 1986". This song came out in 1985" This song was made to help people who were dying due to starvation over in Africa at that time. When this song came out It was a very touching song that touched people all around the world. I remember how i felt when hearing this song back when i was a kid in the 80s, And I still feel that same feeling when ever i see this video And hear this song!
Each artist is a legend! Icons of the industry! This was unfathomable to have all these artists together in one room!😊😊
And it may never happen again in all probability.
Released in 1985 and all proceeds went for relief of the famine in Africa. As you seen in the beginning, tha album cover had the autographs of all of the performers; and they also sold T shirts with the autographs for extra funding for the cause. Many people purchased 2 copies of the album; one to collect and not open and one to listen to. Quincy Jones approached Lionel and Michael about this and they wrote this song. Quincy coordinated the recording of this after an awards show where all of the performers had attended.
not released in 1985 ! in 1982
It was recorded on January 28, 1985 and released March 7, 1985.
All superstars - who left their egos at the door.
Hence, Prince wasn't there.
@@jp3813 so does Madonna
@@indomasindah Did they even specifically invite her?
@@indomasindah Madonna was never even invited or involved in this unlike Prince who was invited to sing but he let his big ego get in the way of being involved hence why he isn’t here so don’t drag the Queen of pop into something she’s never been affiliated in 💀
@@jp3813 Nope, despite the fact that she was also at the american music awards where everyone else was at before recording the song
"We Are the World" was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. The reason: to raise money for the victims of the famine in Ethiopia.
You just watched the Rock and Roll Museum as one voice
So yes, you had to be there, lol... I was. Anyway, in the early 80s, there was some attention given to starving peoples in West Africa. Very sad videos coming through. Bob Geldof, of the British band, The Boomtown Rats saw this and organized a charity fundraiser song called "Do They Know it's Christmas" which featured all of the British acts that were popular at the time (You should definitely react to this as this was the precursor to this video/song). Later, after the American Music Awards broadcast, US artists gathered to do the same thing which you watch and react to here. Later on, in 1985, there was a dual-broadcast concert both in London and Philadelphia and it was covered for almost 20 hours on MTV where the world watched it live. All proceeds went to this charity of feeding Africa and the Live Aid charity still exists today.
You mentioned that you wondered if they battled because they were all stars. In fact, there was a sign on the door that read " leave your egos at the door". To remind them they were all equals in this room
Do some musical homework. These are the greatest SIGNERS of all time.
@@larrybuster1178 I didn't say they weren't. Just stating facts. I wouldn't need to do any homework anyhow I was in high school during that era. I knew them all
Our country needs to come together again stop all of this anger and hate and fighting.
There was famine and all these famous singers were brought together to raise funds for Africa.
Imagine if you were standing there in that room with the biggest names in music hearing them sing while u work the staff snack table
At 2:40 that was Bruce Springsteen "The Boss". MJ & Quincy Jones said we can't make this without Bruce. Bruce had the #1 album of the year the year before this was made with "Born in the USA" and was the biggest act live around the world.
They have a documentary on Netflix made during the making of this song. Makes you appreciate it even more.
If this moved you, so will That’s What Friends Are For with Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight❤.
Never again will there be this level of musical talent brought together for a great world cause to fight against famine proud teenager of the 80s
The last 2 singers that you enjoyed were the Late James Ingram and Ray Charles, 2 legends!
You interrupted the boss omg lol
There are no words to explain the awesomeness of this song. Getting this many stars together in one room is awesome by itself, but them singing all together for a great cause is awesome. God works in mysterious ways! Love this so much! Love your reactions! ♥
Jackson and Lionel Ritchie co wrote this I believe
a lot of 80's legends came together for this....
Some of the legends go back to the 60s.
Elvis and Michael Jackson BOTH were AMAZING artists and were known by everyone!!❤ RIP to Elvis and Michael Jackson!
Elvis wasn't and isn't as well known as Michael Jackson.
@@jennifertebomosiane9596 What world do you live in? It's Elvis Presley you talk about..The King. Not the faked "pop" one Michael named him. But something his fans named him.
Elvis never liked being called the King. To him that title belonged to Jesus Christ.
But Jacksons management came up with "King of pop" somewhere along the line. Pathetic stuff.
@@stege9979 oh please elvis is a pathetic excuse of an artist, he was a copycat that was influenced by black music,he was never the best at anything. he certainly was never the king. please put this rivalry to sleep
@@jennifertebomosiane9596 LMAO
Every one of the singers are Legends.. you have country singers pop singers blues singers. r&B singers rock singers some names as big as Michael.. before Michael....this was 1985...
None of em , was doing what he was doing... Untouchable yet so humble and shy, what a guy... I'd be too...
RIP Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Al Jarreau & Ray Charles.
We Are the World” Soloists (in order of appearance)
Time codes indicate start of first solo
Lionel Richie - 0:26
Stevie Wonder - 0:39
Paul Simon - 0:43
Kenny Rogers - 0:53
James Ingram - 0:59
Tina Turner - 1:06
Billy Joel - 1:13
Michael Jackson - 1:19
Diana Ross - 1:32
Dionne Warwick - 1:48
Willie Nelson - 2:02
Al Jarreau - 2:09
Bruce Springsteen - 2:15
Kenny Loggins - 2:21
Steve Perry - 2:28
Daryl Hall - 2:36
Huey Lewis - 2:48
Cyndi Lauper - 2:54
Kim Carnes - 3:02
Bob Dylan - 3:48
Ray Charles - 4:27
this was the second charity song for Ethiopia this came out in 1985 the first song was called do they know its Christmas which was released in late 1984 and had a lot of the top uk music stars in it and led to this song and the massive live aid concert in 1985
One of the things they asked before recording this was to leave egos outside, they were all there together.
We are the World is from 1985. I would say the name Elvis is known by everyone. This was recorded after an awards show, Their was a sign that said check your Egos at the Door. This song was written because of a Famine in Ethiopia
As an African, I'll have to disagree. Whites and coloureds know Elvis in South Africa. Rest of Africa belongs to the King, Mister Michael Jackson.
Never has there ever been so much talent in one room! Great video!❤
I remember when this was released on the same night across the country. Most cities had large screens for the crowds to watch and sing along . It was beautiful, just awesome. And millions of dollars was raised to help the desperate ppl in Ethiopia. Sadly I doubt we will see such a thing happen again with the country being so selfish these days
Cream of the CROP... Read the list, yes they are ALL stars...
This was 1985. There was a famine in Ethiopia, hundreds of people were dying of starvation. This song raised a lot of money to help. There was a 'CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR' sign for all to see.
This is the 80's and the song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie.
This came out in 85
We Are the World” Chorus (alphabetically)
Dan Aykroyd
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham
Mario Cipollina
Johnny Colla
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof
Bill Gibson
Chris Hayes
Sean Hopper
Jackie Jackson
La Toya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Waylon Jennings
Bette Midler
John Oates
Jeffrey Osborne
The Pointer Sisters
Smokey Robinson
Lionel Richie - 0:26
Stevie Wonder - 0:39
Paul Simon - 0:43
Kenny Rogers - 0:53
James Ingram - 0:59
Tina Turner - 1:06
Billy Joel - 1:13
Michael Jackson - 1:19
Diana Ross - 1:32
Dionne Warwick - 1:48
Willie Nelson - 2:02
Al Jarreau - 2:09
Bruce Springsteen - 2:15
Kenny Loggins - 2:21
Steve Perry - 2:28
Daryl Hall - 2:36
Huey Lewis - 2:48
Cyndi Lauper - 2:54
Kim Carnes - 3:02
Bob Dylan - 3:48
Ray Charles - 4:27
If I’m remembering correctly (I was about 12 at the time) they all got together after an awards ceremony and they did this in one night. They actually went all night long so at times there were people lying on the floor dozing when they had the chance! I believe it was one of the most profitable fundraisers at the time
We Are The World was made in the 1980's
it was 1985...best decade!! Oh and this was Michael Jacksons production...he and Quincy Jones produced it and put it together. This was to raise money for famine in Africa.
There were a few egos & arguments in the room, despite the sign on the door to leave your egos out. Then Bruce Springsteen spoke up & told everyone to stop the arguments & get to work. That's why he's The Boss.
It was recorded after an awards show for charity event…They checked their Ego at the door…Recoded in 1night while everyone was in town..1985
I wasn’t born in this era but my dad loves this song ❤🎧🎧🖤
There was a big famine in Ethiopia in 83 i think, so they did this song and a live tv show lasting days to raise $ to help Africa with food water and supplies they raised around 75 million for the cause. And your daughter was just sharing!😂
All the proceeds from the sale of this record went to Africa. That was in the 80s. I remember when they did it.
not in real life tho.
they went straight... somewhere else
Not only did Michael Jackson appear in this, but he and Lionel Ritchie wrote the song and organized the entire thing... which wound up being a single night to record and film the video after the music awards because there was no other time that so many artists could get together.
They didn't organize the entire thing. Not coming at you or anything. Just a correction. Harry Bellefonte came up with the idea and a music producer started it in motion. It was a huge effort and ultimately it was decided to do this after the awards show. There was somebody matching voices before this all took place, too. He specifically put Bruce Springsteen and then Kenny Loggins right after him because of how "dirty" Bruce's voice is to contrast with how clean Kenny's is. They sent out demo tapes before recording of the song so that singers could learn their parts and the chorus (the chorus was recorded first). It was a lot of work for a lot of people.
thats why Richie was so happy
There is a new documentary out with loads of footage and background stories about this day. Very good watch
Is this a april fools joke? 😝 "who is that". Thats Bruce Springsteen!
I Always knew that a time would come when nobody knows Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Steve Perry, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen…….
@@shortaybrown I think there's a shift now 😊 More and more people discovers the old "real music" now, through UA-cam reactions, tiktok videos etc etc. I've seen a upgoing trend in younger people listening to Pink Floyd, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Springsteen, Dire Straits and of course 70s hard rock like black sabbath, Led zeppelin and Deep Purple.
@@djclabbe88 - it’s just a minuscule amount of a few random people doing reaction videos but billions of people and tens of millions of Americans were young couldn’t care less.
It’s OK we just have to accept that music is terrible today; it’s overproduced and uninteresting.
The reason is because nobody played Instruments and formed bands growing up, they just played video games.
Things l didn't know l needed till l seen this the first time Diane Warwick and Willie Nelson singing together, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen and Stevie. Cyndi Lauper killed it, and the guy who always touched my heart Ray Charles, God gifted that man he just lifts up anyone he sings with. Along with anybody listening, takes you to Church.
I think you mean Dionne Warwick; not Diane Warwick!!!
There was a drought in eastern Africa, so very few crops were growing. And, Ethiopia was in the middle of a civil war, with armies from both sides (not ALL the armies, but most) taking, for themselves, what little food did grow. Plus the people were getting bombed out of their homes. Millions were dying. This was done to raise money to help the people in Ethiopia suffering from the famine that resulted from the drought and war.
Not 90's but 80's. I bet you guys don't know most of em. 😂
I like the reactions when youngsters watch this but don't understand how huge it was to have a lot of legends to contribute on this track.
@@PML78 yes, stunning.I lived 80's completely (from 16 to 26 years old)and know well all the artists to contribute even though i'm not american but italian. Bob Dylan, Quincy Jones,Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Cindy Lauper,The Boss, obviously Michael Jackson etc etc are big also here in Italy. Maybe 3 or 4 of 'em are less well know . Greatings from Italy
Elvis & Freddy Mercury are BOTH as big as Michael! They to me are THE TOP THREE nobody holds a candle to🥰♥️
All of these folks were told to leave their egos at the door -- and they did just that. There are 44 icons of music here. Some list 45, but Waylon Jennings left before the taping. And yes, this was all done in one session.
We Are the World” Instrumentalists
David Paich - synthesizers
Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming
Paulinho da Costa - percussion
Phil Collins - percussion
Louis Johnson - synth bass
Michael Omartian - keyboards
Greg Phillinganes - keyboards
John Robinson - drums
These are all legends of the 70's and 80's and from all genres. Blues, Pop, Rock, Hard-rock and Country. And all the subclasses of those genres as well and actors who are talented singers like Sidney portiere and Dan Aykroyd.
I've watched your generation watch this video for the first time, many times.
I must say watching you two young Christians watch this from a position of true love and belief in God, was by far the best I've seen.
Not just because you liked it. It was seeing your appreciation for my generation and the Christians we tried to be.
Good luck to you both. God bless🙏
Hi there, this is a wonderful work of art and emotion indeed, I wonder though why you did not notice the serious problems with what they say in that song. Just check those two passages and maybe read the lyrics again because this is extremely serious, this song is their statement of faith and they put their eternal destiny on the line there.
The Tower of Babel
…5Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men were building. 6And the LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they devise will be beyond them. 7Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”… Gen. 11.
Warning against Pride
…3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?… James 4
And also, The Temptation of Jesus
…2After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”… Matt. 4.
May God lead and keep you in these last days, in the days of deceit, darkness and devastation!
I have an idea for ya, for any singer you don't know you should do a reaction to each one. Love your reactions.
No battles no egos Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson requested all to leave their egos at the door.
There’s a reason they call Steve Perry “the voice” his voice is just next level. So much talent in that one room never see music industry come together like this again
MJ was a huge talent and global star but Elvis is still famous 75 years after he started his career. There are very few people in the world who have never heard of Elvis and MJ
We Africans all know Mr. Michael Jackson. The whites from South Africa know Elvis Presley along with some coloureds. But MJ all the way, every day.
There wouldn't be too many people in the world have NOT heard of both these singers .. especially MJ.
There are so many good artist here. Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder etc
There is a documentary about the making of this song (not in the 90's, BTW)
Too see and live with these superstars since the 50s,and singers then 😊 to the present, here in 2024.
❤ONCE IN A LIFETIME❤
That's Bruce Springsteen Ray Charles is a legend 🙌the blind man
She is Cyndi Lauper. And. Now. That is Kim Carnes
Best part for me is the back and forth between Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen.
Song made with love 🙏 Afrika horn was starving. I am sure Michael was innocent
The net worth in that room would dwarf the GDP of many small countries.
Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Roger's, Jeffrey Osborne, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Michael, Diana Ross, Dione Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Christopher Cross, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Michael, Huey Lewis, Cindy Lauper, Kim Karnes, Ray Charles, Stevie and Bruce, Bob Dillon, Ray.
Egos are so much worse now so I don’t think this could happen again. But that’s why there was a sign on the door when all the artists got there to check their egos at the door
This was 1985!! Still the best collection of big names ever! I would say that Elvis is just as well known as Michael Jackson! By the way, they could have dubbed in Michael Jackson, if they wanted to, yes we had that technology then, but they didn't have to, he not only wanted to be there, he co-wrote the song, and organized the whole thing!
This video is from 1985, the movement to fight famine in Africa was initiated by Bob Geldof, an Irish singer-songwriter and political activist who co-wrote "Do They Know It's Christmas?", one of the biggest-selling singles to date.
Geldof is widely recognized for his activism, particularly his efforts to fight poverty in Africa. In 1984, he and Midge Ure founded the charity supergroup Band Aid to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia, many artists from all over the world came together to help raise funds.
They went on to organise the Live Aid charity super-concert the following year and the Live 8 concerts in 2005. Geldof is currently an advisor to the ONE Campaign, co-founded by fellow Irish rock singer and activist Bono, and is a member of the Africa Progress Panel (APP), a group of ten eminent figures campaigning at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa.
Lol the fewer participants reactors recognise....the older I feel😂🎩
It's a testament to their talent that they were able to repeat essentially the same verses a bunch of times and still it sounded amazing and unique each time!