First Time Reaction | U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World 

The woman with the Yellow and red dyed hair is Cyndi Lauper

AND ....ALL THESE GREATS came together with No attitudes, No stipulations, No demands. They came together out of the goodness of their hearts to humbly and simply do something great to help those in need. ALL of these artists did this FOR FREE!!!!!!!!! NONE of the artists were paid!!!!!!! ALL of the money went to Africa minus 10% that was given to the homeless in America. Something like this will NEVER happen again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LEGENDARY & EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m 48, I feel blessed to have grown up in the 80’s & 90’s…. for A LOT of reasons, but there was no better music than 80’-95. THIS was a time when the biggest artists in the world could get together to make change. Present day, we have raunch, violence and competing ‘dis tracks’. Please let these amazing people on this stage be an example of music industry greats coming together, not tearing each other down. There’s room at the top for everybody!🙌

Do you know what really strikes me? How different from one another they sound and yet how well this turned out. It took a great producer.

This was a fundraiser to address a severe famine in Ethiopia in 1985 raising over $82 million I think. It still moves me to tears!

Notice there is absolutely no racism here. The way it should be. Everyone coming together to just help people. Everyone a complete legend!

The girl with coloured hair is Cindy Lauper. She was a legend on the 80's. I'm so glad you reacted to this. Paul Simon with Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross with Michael Jackson, oh man... They had a sign on the door saying "leave your egos outside", and Quincy Jones said that if they did not finish recording on that same day, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder would drive them home 😂 Apologise my English.

Colorful? That was Cyndi Lauper singing with Huey Lewis and Kim Carnes. Every person in this lineup was on the top ten at some point in 1985.

main soloists were (in order of singing) Lionel Richie Stevie Wonder Paul Simon Kenny Rogers James Ingram Tina Turner Billy Joel Michael Jackson Diana Ross Dionne Warwick Willie Nelson Al Jarreau Bruce Springsteen Kenny Loggins Steve Perry Daryl Hall Huey Lewis Cyndi Lauper Kim Carnes Bob Dylan Ray Charles These people sang in the chorus: Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, Lindsey Buckingham, Mario Cipollina, Johnny Colla, Sheila E., Bob Geldof, Bill Gibson, Chris Hayes, Sean Hopper, Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, John Oates, Jeffrey Osborne, Anita Pointer, June Pointer, Ruth Pointer and Smokey Robinson. if there were more idk, these were just the ones i knew

I’m 71 years old and I still cry when I hear this song. Look at all the good we can do when we work together. And stand together as one. ❤

Bob Geldof, a British musician (his band was called. Boomtown Rats) saw news footage of drought and famine stricken Ethiopia. He was moved to do something to help the people of Ethiopia. He got together with Midge Ure of the band Ultravox and in the space of less than two months they coordinated musicians, got a song written and recorded it in time for Christmas. The song was called “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The song was a massive hit and proceeds went to help Ethiopia. Watch that video. They grabbed anyone that was in London at the time to sing and record the video. Kool & The Gang happened to be in London and even they are in the video. After seeing what the Brits pulled off, Harry Belafonte decided that the Americans needed to help as well. Collaborating with Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and MJ, they got to writing. They decided the only way to get all those famous people together was after the American Music Awards show. After the awards they all filed into the music studio to record. The one artist who refused to participate was Prince (but he contributed a song to the album). Other reactors have asked why wasn’t Whitney Houston there. She isn’t in this because nobody knew who she was yet. Her first hit came a few months later (although her auntie, Dionne Warwick, is singing in the video.) Famously, there was a sign put on the entrance saying “check your egos at the door.” We Are The World was a massive hit. The heavy metal community felt slighted because they weren’t asked to participate. Ronnie James Dio (one of the best voices to ever exist in any genre), put together a heavy metal version called Stars (also worth watching). The union of massive stars to support a cause set the ball rolling for Live Aid, a massive one day music festival on 2 continents. London and Philadelphia were the stages. Live Aid was simulcast on MTV, ABC, and radio stations and other outlets across the globe. This concert paved the way for Farm Aid, which was a gathering of mostly country artists to raise money to help America’s farmers, most of whom live in poverty. There have been updated versions of We Are The World for different causes over the years.

Netflix just came out with "The Greatest Night in Pop". They got together after The American Music awards in Jan 1985. Was released in the summer of 85.

The colourful one is Cyndi Lauper. Absolute legend!

@3:33 that's the awesome Cindy Lauper, the 80's wouldn't be complete without her. She continues to sing till today, a legend!!!

Best collaboration of artists ever. Nearly every artist had top 10 tracks in at least the 80s if not 70s and 90s too. Legends everywhere in the room. They filmed this right after a music awards show so they were all in LA together. Filmed all through the night until 6-7am. How do you not know who Cyndi Lauper is? haha. Dan Akroyd was the one kinda off one out since he wasn't really an artist like the rest. He had the Blues Brothers movie This song/video was made to help with famine in Africa. The foundation is still up and running today. Here is a list of all the soloists in order of appearance, and then the rest of the chorus: Soloists: • Lionel Richie • Stevie Wonder • Paul Simon • Kenny Rogers • James Ingram • Tina Turner • Billy Joel • Michael Jackson • Diana Ross • Dionne Warwick • Willie Nelson • Al Jarreau • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Loggins • Steve Perry • Daryl Hall • Huey Lewis • Cyndi Lauper • Kim Carnes • Bob Dylan • Ray Charles Chorus: • Dan Aykroyd • Harry Belafonte • Lindsey Buckingham • Mario Cipollina (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Johnny Colla (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sheila E. • Bob Geldof • Bill Gibson (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Chris Hayes (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sean Hopper (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Jackie Jackson • La Toya Jackson • Marlon Jackson • Randy Jackson • Tito Jackson • Waylon Jennings • Bette Midler • John Oates • Jeffrey Osborne • Anita Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • June Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • Ruth Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • Smokey Robinson

When they did the radio simulcast of this song, I remember pressing all the different memory buttons on my stereo and hearing this song on every station. Thousands of radio stations around the world participated.

Cliff, this was a HUGE, HUGE deal and undertaking. To get all of these artists together was a lot of work for Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian who produced it. The song was written by MJ and Lionel Richie. This song and video brings me right back to my 15 y.o. self. Great reaction! Much love❣️✌️🌏 Edit: USA for Africa “We Are the World,” was released 35 years ago, on March 7th, 1985. The 46 vocalists who showed up may have formed the ultimate musical supergroup of all time, and the mission was serious, but the vibe was loose.

This is something you will never see again. Musical artists getting together to make a song that is a fundraiser for starving people in another country.

I am 63. I knew every single person that was singing in that group. You must must watch the documentary about this song. Called the greatest night in history. It gives you a background of how this came to be.

This song should be sung in every church across the country every Sunday morning. This really was the perspective that we grew up with in that time period.

This was recorded right after the American Music Awards in 1985. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the song while Quincy Jones produced it. Jones had a sign above the door for everyone "Leave your egos at the door". The song was also done in one take.

I remember when this was done. The radio stations built up this hype of when it was going to come out. I truly wish this could be done again. I remember reading where they had a note posted on the door saying “Leave your egos at the door.” Some of these people are no longer with us. Best collaboration EVER!!!

This song always brings a choked up, tearful feeling as it inspires a feeling of hope for humanity. Imagine if this song was to follow the National Anthem at every event.

How could anyone not know Cyndi Lauper?

Notice they weren't sorted by color?

I was 13 when this song came out. 😬 It was a huge hit! I'm so glad you did this one. The colorful one is Cindy Lauper.

They said right at the beginning of the song, we have to come together as one. I remember when they first aired this on TV. If only we didn’t have to keep singing songs like this. And we were one people 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️. Everyone happy Thanksgiving, share the love. ❤️👵🏼💋Gmaw

I remember when this song came out .still make me so emotional

I see everyone in the comments have already told you that the colorful haired girl is Cyndi Lauper. What they DIDN'T tell you is what songs she's known for.... "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." "Time After Time." "Goonies Are Good Enough." "True Colors."

Just so you know, this was AFTER Band -Aid with British artists did a collaboration song. It was also for starving people in Africa. The song is "Do They Know it's Christmas" American artists jumped on the band wagon to make USA for Africa song to help as well. You will NEVER see another collaborations like this from musical artists and this was 2 different collaborations in 2 different countries.

This song still gives me the chills. PHENOMENAL SONG 🎵

In the documentary, you’ll learn that Madonna was not even asked to sing in this. Prince was, but since he has social anxiety, he said he thinks he will pass.

Cyndi Lauper's bit is my favourite in a sea of real, actual stars. I love this record!!

😂😂😂 That Cyndi Lauper, one of my favorites. You'll have to check out Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

It'scrazy. I'm 47 years old and I haven't heard this song or really seen a lot of these artists since the 80s but I could easily identify most of them just by hearing their voices. That's legendary.

Cindy Lauper always gets me hyped Am just 22 but my mum played her music a lot on the Cassets we had

The one with the bright hair is Cyndi Lauper. She's an ICON. Check ou her music. Awesome.

The woman of the orange hair was a genial singer of other planet. Here name is Cyndi Lauper!

Cyndi Lauper - brilliant artist, songwriter, and kind, amazing human being.

Here is a list of the solo artists in order of appearance Lionel Richie Stevie Wonder Paul Simon Kenny Rogers James Ingram Tina Turner Billy Joel Michael Jackson Diana Ross Dionne Warwick Willie Nelson Al Jarreau Bruce Springsteen Kenny Loggins Steve Perry Daryl Hall Michael Jackson Huey Lewis Cyndi Lauper Kim Carnes Bob Dylan Ray Charles Stevie Wonder & Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen James Ingram Ray Charles

I am 48. I still remember going to. Cats Record Store in Nashville and buying this single on cassette tape. I played it over and over and over. You just brought my childhood back. LOVE THIS SONG!❤❤❤ it was to help raise money for the children of Africa during a horrific famine. I was 10 when this came out. Thank you for this reaction!

American royalty! The British Band Aid made a song for the cause called: Do they know it's Christmas.--It was arranged by Bob Geldoff who also put "Live Aid' together on both continents. MJ is the king of Pop, but Freddie Mercury is still the king of Rock. - Thanks for reminding me of my age, I have been in tears all the way through the song. It seems like yesterday when it was released. ❤

I worked in a record store in L.A. from Christmas season 1984 through all of 1985, so I was there when both "Do They Know It's Christmas" and "We Are the World" were released. It was just INSANE how many records were flying out the door (despite people knowing that the songs were going to be played on the radio every two seconds - so it wasn't just about wanting to hear the song). A lot of people would buy multiple copies, both to help the cause and to give them to friends and relatives who might not otherwise get the message. A LOT of things were worse (especially racially - although we've been going backwards lately) back then, but some things were better too.

Great song. I remember seeing that as a kid. Greatest collection of artists all on one song in History. Will never be broken.

Legendary song, very special moment in music history!!

Now this is my Generation at it's finest. The colorful girl is Cyndi Lauper.

It’s funny to discover this song over 30 years later 😅

There's a 30 min video about the making of this song, definitely worth checking out to see how it all came together... the amount of talent involved is simply astounding.

That’s when music was music…. BEST ERA IN HISTORY !!!!!!!!!

I was in middle school when this song came out and I still have the piano music for it. I still love this song!

I toured Europe in 1983, with a college wind ensemble. 7 countries in 14 days. 5 minute view of The Alps. This entire cassette and the Walkman I played it on, were completely burned out. This song STILL makes me cry for a million reasons.

I needed this today. Thank you! I honestly dont think that something this epic will ever happen again. So much power together in one room, working together.

I loved your reaction to this song for someone under the age of 40. I have watched different reactions to this video, and all knew of Michael Jackson, but most did not know the rest. Once they find out the others, I think they will recognize the people, since I have seen their reactions of songs of the old days (or in my time as a youngster/adult). When I saw this reaction listed with your name viewing it, I looked forward to watching it besides a young person, but someone in the music field and if you would recognize all and appreciate the famous singers of days past. Yes, some are not with us, but they all are legends and with later generations viewing it, their lives, voices will live on forever. I hope you will go back and match the names of those who participated and there are some well-known singers that did not have a solo spot but are seen on the camera. The colorful hair young lady is Cyndi Lauper. I believe they recorded the song after attending the Grammy Awards show of that year. I loved your Weird Al Yankovic videos and being able to laugh at the humor, some not so politically correct today.

I was a little girl when this came out and I was so star struck.

Oh mannn. When he recognised Ray Charles i burst into tears😢❤

The colorful girl is Cyndi Lauper, a living legend.

This brilliant song should be put out everywhere this Xmas because of what's going on in this world just now, keep all children safe and loved.😢 🙏❤️🙏

Recorded after Grammy awards night so most of the legends singers were there that was 1985

The lady with the red and yellow hair name is Cyndi Lauper, she's the one who sings "Girls Wanna Have Fun"

"The colorful one" is the one and only Cindy Lauper. This song was beyond huge when I was a kid. This was the highest selling single of all time. I cannot be sure if it still is or not. But this was absolutely massive.

Also Bonnie Raitt, Diane Warwick, Loggins and Messina, Darryle Hall and John Oates, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Al Jarraue , Teddy Pendegras and tons of others.

There’s a documentary on Netflix about how this project came together…the writing of the song, the selection of artists, the arranging of who sings what lyric, and the actual recording. The struggles of putting it together and the ways it almost didn’t work. It is AMAZING. Some incredible realizations. Hearing this again ABSOLUTELY hits different after watching that doc.

Some of us have seen the grace of a large congregation, all colors and customs, hands in the air, and a swing that is simply natural to the human spirit .... and the crowd seems to lift off the floor (levitates). This has happened to me within a congregation of 25,000 people .... WHAT A SOUND! Songs like this can do it.

So many American greats that shaped the music of today. Be proud America. Legendary artists 👏

The star power in that room is astronomical.

"idk who the hell that is, but she's colorful" killed me

It amazes me that all these people react to this video and don’t know the story behind it. This was all charity. This song raised millions to feed the starving children in Africa. That is what makes this song so special.

I love to watch reactions when the reactors know they're watching Legends 😊

Stevie and Bruce together is iconic. This was so well put together by Quincy Jones and so well written by MJ and Lionel. amazing song. Don't sleep on Cindy Lauper. Her part was perfection. Amazing how they could get SOOOOO many a lister artists. Incredible.

My face hurts from smiling so big.. i was 13 when this came out.. i was fresh into foster care.. this song meant the world to me..

Waaaatttttt thats Cindy Lopperrrrrrrrrrr the one with the crazy hair. A legend

These artists are legends! You gotta watch "Do They Know It's Christmas", too. It's a collab of British artists. 💙💪😎

OMG the song is 1,000,000 years old I'm so glad that you did this 1 very nostalgic and Makes people think about peace and kindness and all the good things that we need to bring back on a larger scale

This was when we helped the world instead of stealing from them and killing them. God Bless these artists for setting their ego aside and participating.

My mom use to love this and the ones done by the UK, ‘Do They Know it Christmas’ and Canada’s ‘Tears Are Not Enough.’ She use to say there was a time people would care enough to all come together and put differences aside for the common good. I miss her so much. 😔

I remember watching this on TV as a kid n it brought back a flood of memories much love n respect Cliff ✌

Conductor • Quincy Jones Soloists (in order of appearance) • Lionel Richie • Stevie Wonder • Paul Simon • Kenny Rogers • James Ingram • Tina Turner • Billy Joel • Michael Jackson • Diana Ross • Dionne Warwick • Willie Nelson • Al Jarreau • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Loggins • Steve Perry • Daryl Hall • Huey Lewis • Cyndi Lauper • Kim Carnes • Bob Dylan • Ray Charles Chorus (alphabetically) • Dan Aykroyd • Harry Belafonte • Lindsey Buckingham • Mario Cipollina (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Johnny Colla (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sheila E. • Bob Geldof • Bill Gibson (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Chris Hayes (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Sean Hopper (of Huey Lewis and the News) • Jackie Jackson • La Toya Jackson • Marlon Jackson • Randy Jackson • Tito Jackson • Waylon Jennings • Bette Midler • John Oates • Jeffrey Osborne • Anita Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • June Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • Ruth Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) • Smokey Robinson Instrument players • John Barnes - keyboards, programming, arrangement • David Paich - synthesizers • Michael Boddicker - synthesizers, programming • Ian Underwood - synthesizers, programming • Steve Porcaro - synthesizers, programming • Paulinho da Costa - percussion • Louis Johnson - synth bass • Michael Omartian - keyboards • Greg Phillinganes - keyboards • John Robinson - drums

As the years pass and we lose these legendary artists one by one, this video gets more and more precious and more and more inspiring. If only the children of the world could do as well today...🥰

I remember this well. I was an adult at the time (cuz I be old) I still have the vinyl album in my basement but I can't remember what else is on it besides this song. "Awarded numerous honors-including four Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award-the song was promoted with a music video, a VHS, a special edition magazine, a simulcast, and several books, posters, and shirts. The promotion and merchandise helped "We Are the World" raise more than $63 million ($168 million today) for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States." Interesting you mention MJ and song writing. You may or may not know this but Eddie VanHalen played guitar on Beat it. Michael gave him the song and Eddie rewrote a lot of it as Michael wanted to do his first "rock" song (vs pop). Michael loved Eddie's version. So only a portion of that song was written by Michael. When it comes to music us boomers can be educational 😜

My mom recorded this on VHS decades ago! I was a young toddler when this was released. Then in high school, I was in the school's choir and we sang this song. I appreciated it even more when learning all the harmonies... I'm now 24 years out of high school, and it still gives me goosebumps! Thanks for the memories Cliff!

No autotune. No cell phones. Just the artists and their voices.

This came out when i was just out of high school... DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO BACK IN ONE YEAR AND WATCH THIS AGAIN... YOU'LL KNOW MORE ARTISTS BY THEN AND YOU'LL LOVE IT EVEN MORE!!!!!

I’m surprised you never heard this before . This is a classsic . There was a remake for Haiti that was done for Haiti but honestly it wasn’t as good . The yellow and red haired one is Cyndi Lauper. This makes me cry everytime I hear it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭due to how moving it is . This made somewhat of a comeback 3 years ago when the COVID pandemic hit. Especially since that was around the time George Floyd was killed by Derek chauvins

I was 13 years old in 1985. If only we all stood as one like we did back then we would be a better world. This is still to this day the biggest collaboration of stars that has ever came together to perform a song. This is exactly why I always say we need to get back to the 80's as far as how we stood together and treated each other as humans. No matter our differences and our beliefs we always looked past those things and stood tall, come together, and loved one another. The way these artists all came together is exactly how society was back in the 80's, we could sure learn some lessons from this era, and these people. Thanks for doing this reaction. Happy Thanksgiving. Love, peace and harmony to all.

Still gives me chills listening to it ❤

3:33 that is Cyndi Lauper,,, my mom born in the 50’s educated me on her when Miley Cyrus did a cover of her song “Girls Jus Wanna Have Fun”

There's also a Canadian version, "Tears are not enough".

Oh good grief I am old!! I remember when this came out. So many legends. So many have also passed on. Wow, such an iconic song! ❤

Something people forget about is when that song first debuted on the radio it played at the same time all around the world.

I was 3 years old about to turn 4 in May when this came out. This was so beautiful and magical back then, but those lyrics still hold true to this day. As a child I knew most every singer on there(thanks to MTV and radio), a couple I didn't recognize because I didn't listen to their music, but over time knew who they were. Lots of legends in this one. If you have Netflix they have a documentary on how this song came to be. Very interesting. For those who didn't get to live and experience the 80's, I hope someone builds a time machine so you can enjoy that era, it was a wonderful time especially as a child.

I’m so jealous of you seeing this for the first time! Give me chills and gets me all choked up every time! PS Live Aid paved the way for this, and there is an excellent documentary about it. “Against all odds.” Incredible story and power house performances.

This was all volunteer No one was paid .... it was done out of love .... I don't think it will ever happen again

I haven't heard this in at least 35 years! Yes, of all the benefit get togethers of this era, THIS Qunicy and Michael invite-only event was the greatest collection of popular music artists to ever assemble. Don't know the great (and yes, colorful) Cyndi Lauper? Well she fit right in.

Quincy put a note on the door saying leave your ego outside😂😂😂😂

This was a beautiful collab! ❤

I'm impressed that you knew as many as you did.😊 The US, UK, Canada and I believe Australia raised more money fight that famine and other causes since with just everyday people. We are more capable of saving ourselves and our brothers and sisters of the world than any government.

That was Cindi Lauder…80’s goddess

Then in 2010 after a devastating earth quake in Haiti, artists got together to do this song again. We Are The World 25. There is a UK song from back in the day by Band Aid and the song is Do They Know it's Christmas. Here in Canada we had a song for Haiti, Young Artists for Haiti with a rendition of renowned hip hop artist K'naan's "Wavin' Flag". In 1985 Canadian artists also had a song for Africa called Tears are Not Enough by Northern Lights.

I just watched this a week or two ago; I remember when this came out. They did this after an awards show (American Music Awards (back when it was in January) I think) - there is actually a behind the scenes on YT about it. I can't believe you haven't seen this, then I remember how old it is...and how old I am lol. The USA did this after it originally started in the UK by Bob Geldof (spelling?)(Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid). Canada did one too - (Tears are Not Enough - Northern Lights)

In the back with Harry Belafonte was Dan Ackroyd, in the front I think it was Tito Jackson and Latoya. Conducted by Quincy Jones