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We Are The World.
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March 6, 1985 - 2020: 35 years of: We Are The World.

One of humanity's biggest song, sang by some of the biggest artists of the late 70s and mid 80s.

A global movement to help the Ethiopian famine crisis ...where the world must come together as one. Before "collabs" were the in-thing in modern pop-music, this decade had supergroup with all-star performances, a typical 80s signature.

On paper are Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and behind the mixing desk is Quincy Jones. The band was USA FOR AFRICA and the single features vocal-tracks by both Jackson and Richie along: Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis, Bob Dylan, Cindy Lauper, Kenny Rogers, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Steve Perry and the chilling epic finale by Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

The full-lenght was released on March 29th and the single was played America-wide on more than 6000 FM-station simultaneously in an unprecedented swing of care and love. RIAA-certified, the single sold over 4 million+ units, while the LP is 3 million+ units in the US alone. These record-sales along merchandise-sales and various donations, did translate into 63 million+ USD $ in humanitarian funds to support, aid and rebuild parts of the continent of Africa.

The original help movement concept-song was initiated with BAND AID in late-1984, by Bob Geldof's "Do They Know It's Christmas" and features appearances by: Boy George, Sting, George Michael and DURAN DURAN's Simon Le Bon.

Later, another upbeat all-star song and album was created in October 1985. The massive ARTISTS UNITED AGAINST APARTHEID project with it's hit "Sun City" unites: Little Steven, Bono, George Clinton, Joey Ramone, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Lou Reed and Run DMC ...rock and rap all protest against the regime.

So hot that a hardrock / heavymetal counterpart was issued in early-1986 under the HEAR 'N AID band with the "Stars" epic. Led by Ronnie James Dio, the single featured vocals by: Rob Halford, Don Dokken, Geoff Tate with dazzling guitar-solos by: Yngwie Malmsteen, Vivian Campbell, George Lynch all supported by Adrian Smith and Dave Murray rhythm guitar riffing.

Rock for a cause ...a true 80s signature.

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We Are The World = The Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AjkUyX0rVw
We Are The World = The Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqprpo6GJjE
Live at Live Aid in 1985
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00OeznNG4hM
Live in 1986
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s35o82CDhTk

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JACKSON, Michael
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Hear 'N Aid