The stars will be out to sing Michael Jackson's "We Are the World" in remembrance of the recent Haiti disaster.
Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones have just announced a planned re-recording of the 1980s charitable pop smash hit "We Are the World." The track was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985 and was produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian.
The soon-to-be-covered track was all the talk at last night's Grammy Awards. Several artists expressed their sincere compassion behind the meaning of the song and how it affects them. Music producer RedOne stated that it was "the biggest honor a musician can ever do."
Originally recorded to help stop Ethiopian famine, the star-studded anthem "We Are the World" will be covered by a whole new generation of singers to benefit Haiti. The original recording, credited under the supergroup name "USA for Africa," featured over 45 pop-music superstars of the time--many of which were close friends, label-mates, or siblings of Michael Jackson; among them were (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
With extras:
* 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
* Anita Pointer
* Ruth Pointer
* Smokey Robinson
As of the day after the 2010 Grammy Awards, the newly-covered version of "We Are The World" is thus far slated to feature the likes of Akon, Bono, Carlos Santana, Enrique Iglesias, Jason Mraz, Lady Gaga, Toni Braxton, Usher, and Wyclef Jean. The recording session will take place at the historic A&M complex in Hollywood--the same studio where the original track was cut.
The original version of "We Are the World" was included as part of an album by the same name and was a major commercial success; the single track ran seven minutes, two seconds and was certified quadruple platinum in the United States and has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. In total, "We Are the World" has helped raise over $63 million for humanitarian causes.
In early 1985, Michael Jackson also recorded a solo demo version of "We Are the World," and it was included in his five-disc 2004 hits compilation Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection. The compilation features several of Jackson's career-spanning hits, as well as many rarities, demos, and previously-unreleased tracks.
Michael Jackson's music is listed under "The Jackson 5," "The Jacksons," and "Michael Jackson," totaling about 30 unique albums in all. Providence music fans can purchase Michael Jackson's music at the Providence Place Mall.
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