40 Years of 'We Are The World': A Milestone for Charity Music

The 1985 collaboration of music legends raised over $60 million for African famine relief and remains a cultural touchstone.

The charity single 'We Are The World' was recorded on January 28, 1985, featuring 47 prominent artists of the 1980s, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones.
The song was inspired by Harry Belafonte's desire to address African famine, following the success of Bob Geldof's Band Aid project in the UK.
Artists gathered after the American Music Awards for an intense overnight recording session, overcoming logistical and creative challenges to complete the project.
The single sold 800,000 copies in its first three days and raised over $60 million for famine relief, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
'We Are The World' won two Grammys and remains a defining example of music's ability to galvanize global humanitarian efforts.