USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP front cover detail
front cover photo by Harry Benson
detail photo of album cover by Styrous®
We Are The World is a charity single originally recorded by the supergroup "USA (United Support of Artists) for Africa" in 1985. It was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian for the album We Are the World. The single was recorded on January 28, 1985.
The song was released on March 7, 1985, as the first single from the album. I remember when the song came out; the uplifting felling I got from the message it delivered. We are a nation that welcomes the world to come and be one with us. It was one of the times in my life I was proud to be an "American." Van Cliburn was one of those times (link below).
A worldwide commercial success, topping music charts throughout the world and becoming the fastest-selling American pop single in history. The first ever single to be certified multi-platinum, We Are The World received a Quadruple Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is one of fewer than 30 retail singles to have sold at least 10 million copies worldwide.
The song was released on March 7, 1985, as the first single from the album. I remember when the song came out; the uplifting felling I got from the message it delivered. We are a nation that welcomes the world to come and be one with us. It was one of the times in my life I was proud to be an "American." Van Cliburn was one of those times (link below).
A worldwide commercial success, topping music charts throughout the world and becoming the fastest-selling American pop single in history. The first ever single to be certified multi-platinum, We Are The World received a Quadruple Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
With sales in excess of 20 million copies, it is one of fewer than 30 retail singles to have sold at least 10 million copies worldwide.
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USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP front cover
front cover photo by Harry Benson
photo of album cover by Styrous®
The idea for the creation of an American benefit single for African famine relief came from activist Harry Belafonte. The historic event brought together some of the most famous artists in the music industry at the time: Al Jarreau,
Anita Pointer,
Bette Midler,
Bill Gibson,
Billy Joel, Bob Dylan,
Bob Geldof,
Bruce Springsteen,
Chris Hayes,
Cyndi Lauper,
Dan Aykroyd,
Daryl Hall,
Diana Ross,
Dionne Warwick,
Harry Belafonte,
Huey Lewis,
Issa Pointer,
Jackie Jackson,
James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborne,
John Oates,
Johnny Colla,
Kenny Loggins,
Kenny Rogers,
Kim Carnes,
La Toya Jackson,
Lindsey Buckingham,
Lionel Richie,
Mario Cipollina,
Marlon Jackson,
Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Randy Jackson,
Ray Charles,
Ruth Pointer,
Sean Hopper,
Sheila Escovedo,
Steve Perry,
Stevie Wonder,
Tina Turner,
Waylon Jennings,
William Robinson, Jr.,
Willie Nelson.
USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP front cover detail
front cover photo by Harry Benson
detail photo of album cover by Styrous®
The first take had a mysterious jingling in it, so had to be redone. It was discovered the jingling was caused by the jewelry Cyndi Lauper was wearing during the recording session; leave it to Cyndi!
Cyndi Lauper: jingling caused by jewelry
Datebook, SF Chronicle
Tuesday, March 12, 1985
photo by Styrous®
USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP back cover
photos by Ken Lei Chung & Sam Emerson
photos by Ken Lei Chung & Sam Emerson
photo of album back cover by Styrous®
In addition to the title track, the album includes nine previously unreleased songs by donating artists, including Prince And The Revolution, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Tina Turner, The Pointer Sisters, Huey Lewis & The News, Steve Perry, and Kenny Rogers. In addition, Grace, by Quincy Jones, is not included in
this album but appeared as the B-side of the title track when it was
released a month earlier.
USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP back cover detail
photos by Ken Lei Chung & Sam Emerson
photos by Ken Lei Chung & Sam Emerson
detail photo of album back cover by Styrous®
The album includes a 1985 charity single, Tears Are Not Enough, recorded by a supergroup of Canadian artists, under the name Northern Lights (Canadian All Stars). It was recorded to raise funds for relief of the 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia.
Both songs were part of a series of such supergroup singles recorded between December 1984 and April 1985, along with Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid in the United Kingdom, Cantaré, cantarás by a supergroup of Latin American and Spanish singers, Éthiopie by Chanteurs sans Frontières in France, and Les Yeux de la faim by Fondation Québec-Afrique in Quebec.
Both songs were part of a series of such supergroup singles recorded between December 1984 and April 1985, along with Do They Know It's Christmas? by Band Aid in the United Kingdom, Cantaré, cantarás by a supergroup of Latin American and Spanish singers, Éthiopie by Chanteurs sans Frontières in France, and Les Yeux de la faim by Fondation Québec-Afrique in Quebec.
USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP gatefold cover
front cover photo by Harry Benson
back cover photos by Ken Lei Chung & Sam Emerson
back cover photos by Ken Lei Chung & Sam Emerson
photo of album cover by Styrous®
We Are The World, the album, sold over 3 million copies. According to Billboard on April 27, 1985, it reached number one in 2 weeks, something only formerly accomplished by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
USA For Africa ~ We Are The World
vinyl LP gatefold interior
photo of album cover by Styrous®
Tracklist:
Side 1:
A1 – USA For Africa - We Are The World, Conductor – Quincy Jones, Handclaps – Cathy Worthington, Elaine Phillinganes, James Ingram, Khaliq Glover, Marcel East, Steve Ray*, Performer – David Paich, Humberto Gatica, Ian Underwood, John Barnes, John Robinson, Louis Johnson, Michael Omartian, Michael Melvoin*, Paulinho Da Costa, Tom Bahler, Performer, Handclaps – Greg Phillinganes, Programmed By [Oberheim-8] – Marcus Ryles, Programmed By [Synclavier] – Kevin Maloney, Programmed By [Synclavier], Handclaps – Mark Ross Programmed By [Synthesizer] – John Barnes, Michael Boddicker, Steve Porcaro, Vocals – Al Jarreau, Bette Midler, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Dan Aykroyd, Hall & Oates*, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Harry Belafonte, Huey Lewis & The News, Jackie Johnson, James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Loggins, Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes, La Toya Jackson, Lindsey Buckingham, Lionel Richie, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, The Pointer Sisters*, Randy Jackson, Ray Charles, Sheila E., Smokey Robinson, Steve Perry, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, written by L. Richie*, M. Jackson* - 7:02
A2 – Steve Perry - If Only For The Moment, Girl, Bass – Bob Glaub, Drums – John Robinson, Guitar – Mike Landau*, Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa, Piano – Randy Goodrum, Saxophone – Joel Peskin, written by R. Goodrum*, S. Perry* - 3:44
A3 – The Pointer Sisters* - Just A Little Closer, Guitar – Dennis Herring, Pual M. Jackson, Jr.*, Percussion – Terry Santiel*, Synthesizer, Drums [Fills] – Howie Rice, Synthesizer, Programmed By [Drum Machine], Keyboards [Mini Moog] – Jeff Lorber, written by M. Mueller*, R. Nevil* - 3:53
A4 – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band* - Trapped, Bass – Garry Tallent, Drums – Max Weinberg, Guitar, Backing Vocals – Nils Lofgren, Organ – Danny Federici, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Patti Scialfa, Saxophone, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Clarence Clemons, Synthesizer – Roy Bittan, Vocals, Guitar – Bruce Springsteen, written by J. Cliff* - 5:11
Side 2:
B1 – Northern Lights (Canadian All Stars)* - Tears Are Not Enough, Acoustic Guitar – David Sinclair, Drums – Jim Vallance, French Horn – Steven Denroche, Guitar – Paul Dean, Keyboards – David Foster, Synthesizer – Doug Johnson, Vocals – Aldo Nova, Anne Murray, Baron Longfellow, Brian Good, Bruce Cockburn, Bruce Murray, Bryan Adams, Burton Cummings, Carole Pope, Carroll Baker, Catherine O'Hara, Claude Dubois, Colina Phillips, Corey Hart, Dan Hill, Don Gerrard*, Eugene Levy, Frank Mills, Geddy Lee, Gordon Deppe, Gordon Lightfoot, Graham Shaw, Ian Thomas, Jane Siberry, John Candy, Joni Mitchell, Kim Mitchell, Leroy Sibbles, Liberty Silver, Liona Boyd, Dalbello*, Lorraine Segato, Marc Jordan, Mark Holmes, Martha Johnson, Mike Reno, Murray McLauchlan, Neil Young, Oscar Peterson, Paul Hyde, Paul Shaffer, Richard Manuel, Robert Charlebois, Robin Duke, Ronnie Hawkins, Salome Bey, Sharon Lee Williams, Sylvia Tyson, Tom Cochrane, Tommy Hunter, Veronique Beliveau*, Wayne St. John, Zappacosta, written by D. Foster*, written by B. Adams*, J. Vallance* - 4:21
B2 – Prince And The Revolution - 4 The Tears In Your Eyes, written by Producer – Prince - 2:45
B3 – Chicago - Good For Nothing, Bass, Vocals – Peter Cetera, Drums – Danny Seraphine*, Guitar – Paul M. Jackson, Jr.*, Horn – Jimmy Pankow*, Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider*, Keyboards, Synthesizer – David Foster, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Vocals – Bobby Lamm*, Vocals – Bill Champlin, written by D. Foster*, R. Marx*, R. Lamm* - 3:35
B4 – Tina Turner - Total Control, Bass – John Trivers, Drums – Jack Bruno, Guitar – Paul Warren, Keyboards – Jimmy Phillips, written by M. Davis*, M. Jourard* - 3:38
B5 –Kenny Rogers - A Little More Love, Backing Vocals – Kin Vassy, Marc Beeson, Terry Williams, Bass – Joe Chemay, Drums – Paul Leim, Guitar – Billy Joe Walker*, Keyboards – Steve Goldstein, written by F. Knoblock*, T. Schuyler* - 2:54
B6 – Huey Lewis & The News - Trouble In Paradise, Bass – Mario Cipollina, Drums – Bill Gibson, Guitar, Vocals – Chris Hayes, Horns – Tower Of Power Horn Section, Keyboards, Vocals – Sean Hopper, Saxophone, Guitar, Vocals – John Colla*, Vocals, Harmonica – Huey Lewis, written by H. Lewis*, J. Colla* - 4:34
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – United Support Of Artists For Africa
Copyright (c) – United Support Of Artists For Africa
Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Planet Records (5)
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Bruce Springsteen
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Northern Lights For Africa Society
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Capitol Records, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – RCA Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Chrysalis Records
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman
Published By – Security Hogg Music
Published By – Random Notes
Published By – Street Talk Tunes
Published By – MCA Music
Published By – Music Corporation Of America, Inc.
Published By – Controversy Music
Published By – DebDave Music, Inc.
Published By – Briarpatch Music
Published By – Good Sport Music
Published By – Montage Music
Published By – Island Music
Published By – Frettssongs
Published By – Clean Sheets Music
Published By – Foster Frees Music, Inc.
Published By – Adams Communications, Inc.
Published By – Calypso Toonz
Published By – Irving Music, Inc.
Published By – Mijac Music
Published By – Brockman Music
Recorded At – Record One, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Studio 55, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Meadowlands Arena
Recorded At – Manta Sound
Recorded At – Little Mountain Sound Studios
Recorded At – Record Plant, N.Y.C.
Recorded At – Black Truck
Recorded At – Sunset Sound
Recorded At – Lion Share Recording Studios
Mixed At – Studio 55, Los Angeles
Mixed At – Clover Recorders
Mixed At – Lion Share Recording Studios
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Credits:
Art Direction – John Coulter
Executive-Producer – Ken Kragen
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography By – Harry Benson (2), Ken Lei Chung, Sam Emerson
Supervised By – Humberto Gatica
Notes:
"P" in runouts denotes a Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman pressing.
Includes an order postcard for merchandise (sleeve includes pictures of available merch).
Gatefold sleeve: inside USA For Africa information, 25 session photos
Inner sleeve: track credits, thank you's, session photo of all/most artists
A2 recorded at Record One, Los Angeles, CA
A3 recorded and mixed at Studio 55, Los Angeles, CA
A4 recorded live at the Meadowlands, August 6, 1984 on the Record Plant (L.A.) remote truck. Mixed at Clover Recorders, Los Angeles, CA
B1 recorded at Manta Sound, Toronto and Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver
B2 recorded at Record Plant, New York and Black Truck, New Orleans
B3 recorded and mixed at Lion Share Studios, Los Angeles, CA
B4 recorded at Sunset Sound Studios, Los Angeles, CA
B5 recorded at Lion Share Studios and Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA. Mixed at Lion Share Studios.
B6 recorded live in San Francisco on February 21, 1985 on the Westwood One remote truck
℗ 1985 United Support Of Artists For Africa
© 1985 United Support Of Artists For Africa
A1: ℗ 1985 United Support Of Artists For Africa
A2: ℗ 1985 CBS Inc.
A3: ℗ 1985 Planet Records
A4: ℗ 1985 Bruce Springsteen
B1: ℗ 1985 Northern Lights For Africa Society
B2, B3: ℗ 1985 Warner Bros. Records Inc.
B4: ℗ 1985 Capitol Records Inc.
B5: ℗ 1985 RCA Records
B6: ℗ 1985 Chrysalis Records
Barcode and Other Identifiers
Barcode (Scanned): 074644004311
Barcode (Text): 0 7464-40043-1
Matrix / Runout (Label side A): AL 40043
Matrix / Runout (Label side B): BL 40043
Matrix / Runout (Runout side A, etched, variant 1): PAL 40043-1AD P-AP
Matrix / Runout (Runout side B, etched, variant 1): PBL 40043-1AN P-AP
Matrix / Runout (Runout side A, etched, variant 2): P (T) PAL 40043-1B
Matrix / Runout (Runout side B, etched, variant 2): P-AP PBL 40043-1AD
Matrix / Runout (Runout side A, etched, variant 3): P (T) PAL 40043-1B
Matrix / Runout (Runout side B, etched, variant 3): P (T) PBL 40043-1B
Matrix / Runout (Runout side A, etched, variant 4): P (T) PAL 40043-1B
Matrix / Runout (Runout side B, etched, variant 4): P AP PBL 40043-1AH
Rights Society: ASCAP
Rights Society: PROC
Rights Society: BMI
USA For Africa – We Are The World
Label: Columbia – USA 40043
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Pitman Pressing
Country: US
Released: January 28, 1985
Genre: Electronic, Rock, Pop
Style: Soft Rock, Pop Rock, Synth-pop, Ballad
Viewfinder links:
Harry Belafonte
Van Cliburn & Sputnik ~ 1958
Bob Dylan
Michael Jackson
Al Jarreau
Waylon Jennings
Quincy Jones
Cyndi Lauper
Bette Midler
The Pointer Sisters
Lionel Richie
Kenny Rogers
Diana Ross
Paul Simon
Bruce Springsteen
Tina Turner
Dionne Warwick
Net links:
ABC News ~ We Are the World: 30 Years After Recording the Classic Song
The Atlantic ~ We Are the World Stars Will Never Be That Earnest Again
CNN ~ We Are the World at 30: Where are they now?
RollingStone ~ We Are the World: Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
Songfacts ~ We Are The World
usaforafrica ~ We are the World turns 35
Vulture ~ Ranking the 37 Contributors to We Are the World
We Are The World lyrics
WTVR ~ Why Prince was not part of We Are the World
YouTube link:
USA For Africa ~ We are the World
I wonder if I will ever have that pride again?
Styrous® ~ Tuesday, January 28, 2020
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