Quincy Jones & The 1985 We Are The World Super Concert: A Global Symphony For Ethiopian Relief

Quincy Jones & The 1985 We Are The World Super Concert: A Global Symphony For Ethiopian Relief

The year was 1985; shoulder pads were all the rage, “Like a Virgin” blared from boomboxes worldwide, and a horrifying famine ravaged Ethiopia. Millions faced starvation, and the world watched in helpless horror. Amidst this despair, a beacon of hope emerged – “We Are The World,” a star-studded super concert spearheaded by music icons Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. This unprecedented event not only raised millions for famine relief but also united the global community through the power of music, showcasing humanity’s capacity for compassion and collective action.

Quincy Jones, the musical maestro behind the project, wasn’t just a legendary producer and arranger; he was a visionary who understood the transformative power of music. Inspired by a 1984 BBC documentary highlighting Ethiopia’s dire situation, he envisioned bringing together leading musicians to create an anthem for change.

Joining forces with Michael Jackson, whose global fame and musical talent were unmatched, Jones embarked on an ambitious journey. The result was “We Are The World,” a song written by Jackson and Lionel Richie, featuring vocals from an astonishing lineup of superstars: Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, Tina Turner – the list goes on.

On January 28, 1985, the world witnessed music history unfold at Los Angeles’ A&M Recording Studios. Over forty renowned artists gathered for a marathon recording session, their voices intertwining to create an unforgettable anthem of hope and solidarity. The raw emotion poured into each note reflected the collective desire to alleviate suffering and make a tangible difference.

The impact of “We Are The World” was immediate and far-reaching.

  • Fundraising Phenomenon: The single skyrocketed to the top of charts worldwide, selling over 20 million copies and raising an estimated $63 million for famine relief in Ethiopia. This financial lifeline funded food distribution, medical aid, and crucial infrastructure development.

  • Global Unity & Awareness: The concert and its accompanying music video transcended geographical boundaries, uniting people from diverse backgrounds through a shared sense of compassion. It brought the plight of Ethiopia to the forefront of global consciousness, sparking discussions about poverty, inequality, and humanitarian responsibility.

  • Lasting Legacy: “We Are The World” continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Its message of unity, hope, and action remains timeless, inspiring generations to embrace empathy and contribute to a better world.

Artist Role Notable Contribution
Quincy Jones Producer & Arranger Orchestrated the entire project; assembled the star-studded lineup; oversaw the recording process
Michael Jackson Co-Writer, Lead Vocalist Composed the song with Lionel Richie; delivered a powerful and unforgettable vocal performance

The success of “We Are The World” wasn’t just about music sales or fundraising figures. It represented a watershed moment in global consciousness, demonstrating the power of collective action and artistic expression to ignite change. Quincy Jones’ vision, Michael Jackson’s star power, and the generosity of countless artists coalesced into an unforgettable event that transcended entertainment, leaving an enduring legacy of hope, compassion, and the unwavering belief that we can make a difference together.

Even decades later, the reverberations of “We Are The World” continue to inspire, reminding us that music has the power to bridge divides, foster empathy, and ignite a collective spark for positive change in our world.