LEGACY WORTHY Anthems of Compassion: How 1980s Humanitarian Hits Transform the World

 

The Legacy Worthy fundraising efforts of the 1980s, epitomized by initiatives like “Band Aid” and “We Are the World,” were monumental in their impact on the global audience and continue to be revered for several reasons.

Celebrity Endorsement and Collaboration:

Band Aid (1984): Conceived by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Band Aid brought together some of the biggest British and Irish musicians to record “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The collaboration included artists like Bono, George Michael, and Boy George.

The success of Band Aid opened the opportunity for We Are the World (1985): USA for Africa, led by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, organized a star-studded ensemble featuring icons like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen. The song was written by Jackson and Richie.  The idea behind Band Aid led to this effort as described in the 2024 documentary THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP.

 

Humanitarian Message and Urgency:

These initiatives were in response to urgent humanitarian crises—the Ethiopian famine for Band Aid and African famine in general for We Are the World among others.

The songs aimed to raise awareness and funds to provide relief to those affected by famine, conveying a powerful humanitarian message that resonated with people globally.

Unifying Anthem:

The songs were crafted as anthems with powerful and emotional lyrics that emphasized unity and the collective responsibility to address global issues.

The chorus of “We Are the World” with lyrics like “We are the world, we are the children” became a rallying cry for shared responsibility.

Media Impact and Global Reach:

The music videos for both songs “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and “We Are the World” featured emotional footage of the affected regions, creating a poignant connection between the music and the humanitarian cause.

These initiatives were supported by extensive media coverage, including televised events, interviews, and documentaries, maximizing their reach and impact.

Fundraising Success:

Both efforts were incredibly successful in raising funds. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time, and “We Are the World” raised millions of dollars through the sale of the single and subsequent album.

Enduring Legacy:

The term Legacy Worthy is apt because these initiatives left a lasting impact. The songs and their messages continue to resonate, inspiring subsequent generations to engage in charitable activities and using music as a force for positive change.

Influence on Future Efforts:

The success of Band Aid and We Are the World set a precedent for future celebrity-driven humanitarian efforts, showcasing the potential for using star power to mobilize resources for critical global issues.

In essence, the Legacy Worthy nature of these fundraising efforts lies in their ability to combine musical excellence, celebrity influence, and a powerful humanitarian message to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond their initial release. They have become symbols of the potential for the entertainment industry to drive positive change on a global scale.

LEGACY WORTHY NIGHT IN POP

 

THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP – 2024 Documentary film ‧ 1h 36m ‧ PG-13 ‧

On a January night in 1985, music’s biggest stars gather to record “We Are the World.” The team goes behind the scenes of the event to see how all of the artists came together to make history.  Song by U.S.A. for Africa – Songwriters: Lionel Richie / Michael Jackson

“The Greatest Night in Pop” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the iconic charity single “We Are the World.” This documentary is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a deep dive into a pivotal moment in music history, exploring the intricate layers of what we can aptly describe as “Legacy Worthy.”

At its core, “We Are the World” was more than just a song. It was a philanthropic endeavor to save lives, particularly those of Ethiopians facing famine. The song, a massive success that sold 20 million copies, raised over $60 million in humanitarian aid, placing it at the pinnacle of the pop-stars-play-for-a-cause movement that gained momentum since George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.

However, the documentary doesn’t shy away from the complex interplay between selflessness and self-glorification that characterized the ’80s charity-rock events. The contradiction is palpable in the lyrics, with lines like “There’s a choice we’re making, We’re saving our own lives.” It serves as a revealing glimpse into the mindset of the era, showcasing both a genuine desire for global unity and a subtle acknowledgment of the artists’ desire for recognition.

The second dimension of “We Are the World” is the enduring appeal of the song itself. Critics may label it sentimental or simple, but its extraordinary charm lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unity and satisfaction. The documentary delves into the song’s creation, highlighting the fraught and frantic process led by luminaries such as Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and the late Michael Jackson. The revelation that the recording session almost didn’t happen due to last-minute songwriting pressure adds an additional layer of suspense and excitement to the narrative.

Director Bao Nguyen skillfully unveils the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the recording session, presenting a backstage look at legendary artists coming together for a common cause. The film captures the essence of that pivotal night at A&M Recording Studios, where a star-studded cast set aside their egos to contribute to something greater than themselves.

The documentary goes beyond the superficial, uncovering intriguing anecdotes and incidents that occurred during the recording session. From Cyndi Lauper’s sound glitches caused by her beaded accessories to Bob Dylan receiving assistance from Stevie Wonder, each moment adds a human touch to the larger-than-life personas of these music legends.

As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that “The Greatest Night in Pop” is not just about reliving the ’80s. It’s about celebrating the humanity behind the music, showcasing artists as real individuals with quirks, vulnerabilities, and genuine concern for global issues. The legacy of “We Are the World” endures not just as a great song but as a symbol of a time when pop stars could come together, check their egos at the door, and create something beautiful for the greater good. This documentary, undoubtedly Legacy Worthy, invites both longtime fans and younger viewers to appreciate the multifaceted impact of a song that transcends its time.

 

WE ARE THE WORLD (lyrics)

There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon make a change
We’re all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need

We Are the World
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

Oh, send them your heart
So they know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand

We Are the World
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
Oh, there’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

When you’re down and out, there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there’s no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well let us realize
Oh, that a change can only come
When we stand together as one, yeah, yeah, yeah

We Are the World
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

We Are the World
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and mee

We Are the World (are the world)
We are the children (are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day, so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)
There is a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

Oh, let me hear you!

We Are the World (We Are the World)
We are the children (said we are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let start giving (so let’s start giving)

There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me, come on now, let me hear you

We Are the World (We Are the World)
We are the children (we are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me, yeah

We Are the World (We Are the World)
We are the children (we are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)

There’s a choice we’re making
And we’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

We Are the World (are the world)
We are the children (are the children)
We are the ones who’ll make a brighter day so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)

There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

We Are the World, We Are the World (are the world)
We are the children, yes sir (are the children)
We are the ones that make a brighter day so let’s start giving (so let’s start giving)

There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me, ooh-hoo!

We Are the World (dear God) (are the world)
We are the children (are the children)
We are the ones that make a brighter day so let’s start giving (all right, can you hear what I’m saying?)
There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives

==================

Where it Started: BAND AID

 

Band Aid (December 3, 1984): Band Aid was a charity supergroup formed in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure with the primary goal of raising funds to address the Ethiopian famine. The charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was recorded in a single day at Sarm West Studios in London and released on December 3, 1984. The song’s success laid the groundwork for subsequent charitable events.

1. We Are the World (January 28, 1985): Following the success of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid, the United States responded with “We Are the World.” This song, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, was recorded on January 28, 1985, and brought together a supergroup of American musicians known as USA for Africa. The single’s proceeds went to famine relief efforts in Africa.  (the 2024 documentary film is the genesis of this article)
2. Comic Relief (February 5, 1985): Comic Relief is a British charity founded on February 5, 1985, by comedians Sir Lenny Henry, Richard Curtis, and others. The charity uses comedy and entertainment to raise funds and address social issues, particularly poverty. The biennial telethon, Red Nose Day, has become a significant fundraising event associated with Comic Relief.
3. Live Aid (July 13, 1985): Live Aid was a dual-venue concert held on July 13, 1985, in Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the event aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. It featured performances by numerous renowned artists and bands, and the concerts were broadcast globally. Live Aid is one of the most significant and successful fundraising events in history, raising millions of dollars for the cause.
4. Sport Aid (May 25, 1986): Inspired by the success of Live Aid, Sport Aid was organized on May 25, 1986, to raise funds for famine relief. The event involved a global run that took place in multiple countries simultaneously. Participants collected pledges and ran to support the cause.

In the 1990s and 2000s, there were several notable charity initiatives and musical collaborations:

 

1. War Child (1993): The War Child charity was established in 1993, aiming to help children affected by conflict. In 1995, the organization released the album “Help,” featuring various artists, including Oasis, Blur, and Radiohead, to raise funds for the charity. War Child continued to organize events and releases in the following years, involving musicians to support their cause.
2. No Doubt & Sublime – “Saw Red” (1994): No Doubt and Sublime collaborated on the song “Saw Red,” and the proceeds from the single were donated to the Nowell Family Foundation in memory of Sublime’s late lead singer, Bradley Nowell.
3. Pavarotti & Friends (1992-2003): Luciano Pavarotti organized a series of charity concerts, “Pavarotti & Friends,” from 1992 to 2003. The concerts featured classical and pop artists performing together, with proceeds going to various humanitarian causes.
4. Band Aid 20 (2004): Band Aid 20 was a reiteration of the Band Aid initiative, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the original recording. The single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” featured artists like Coldplay, U2, and Paul McCartney, with proceeds directed toward famine relief in Sudan.
5. Live 8 (2005): While not focused solely on charity, Live 8 was a series of concerts held in 2005, organized by Bob Geldof and The Band Aid Trust. The concerts took place in various locations around the world and aimed to raise awareness about global poverty, particularly in the lead-up to the G8 summit. The events featured performances by artists such as U2, Madonna, and Coldplay.
6. Hope for Haiti Now (2010): In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon featured performances by numerous artists, including vocals led by Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Bruce Springsteen. The event raised funds for earthquake relief efforts. See more:  https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/28/we-are-the-world-for-coronavirus-why-charity-single-reboots-are-suspect

 

These examples highlight the ongoing commitment of musicians to use their platform for charitable causes in the 1990s and 2000s. Numerous artists and bands continued to collaborate and contribute to various humanitarian efforts during this period.

 

ARTISTS THAT PARTICIPATED in “We Are the World”

Lionel Richie – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Richie

Michael Jackson – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson – Passed away on June 25, 2009.

Stevie Wonder – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Wonder

Paul Simon – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Simon

Kenny Rogers – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Rogers– Passed away on March 20, 2020.

James Ingram – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Ingram – Passed away on January 29, 2019.

Tina Turner – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Turner – Passed away on May 24, 2023.

Billy Joel – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Joel

Diana Ross – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Ross

Dionne Warwick – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_Warwick

Willie Nelson – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Nelson

Al Jarreau – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jarreau

Bruce Springsteen – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Springsteen

Kenny Loggins – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Loggins

Steve Perry – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Perry

Daryl Hall – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daryl_Hall

Huey Lewis – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huey_Lewis

Cyndi Lauper – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyndi_Lauper

Kim Carnes – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Carnes

Bob Dylan – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan

Ray Charles – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Charles  – Passed away on June 10, 2004.

Dan Aykroyd (part of The Blues Brothers) – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Aykroyd

Harry Belafonte (spoken part) – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Belafonte  – Died on April 25, 2023.

Lindsey Buckingham – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_Buckingham

Sheila E. – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_E.

Bob Geldof (speech) – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Geldof

Quincy Jones (conductor/producer) – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincy_Jones

See more on ‘We Are The World’ Documentary

Netflix’s ‘We Are The World’ Documentary Is Both Nostalgic And Timely
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2024/01/30/netflixs-we-are-the-world-documentary-is-somehow-both-nostalgic-and-timely/?sh=265c518058cb

Prince ‘Liked’ ‘We Are the World’ but Didn’t Regret Declining to Participate, Says Sheila E.
https://people.com/prince-liked-we-are-the-world-but-didnt-participate-sheila-e-exclusive-8553130

‘We Are the World’: Inside Pop Music’s Most Famous All-Nighter
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a32868751/we-are-the-world-history-interview/

Lionel Richie: Writing “We Are the World” 
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lionel-richie-interview-we-are-the-world-greatest-night-in-pop-documentary-1235790801/

‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ Review: A Look at the Making of ‘We Are the World’ That’s as Starstruck and Irresistible as the Song Itself
https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-greatest-night-in-pop-review-we-are-the-world-1235890131/