Even as a non-American I know all these artists. Just to be clear, every single artist there is a legend. A legend that every American should know, no matter what age.
And some are no longer with us today, its something to look back on and see all the great singers in different kinds of music come together for a great cause.
Lionel Richie - 0:26 Stevie Wonder - 0:39 Paul Simon - 0:43 Kenny Rogers - 0:53 James Ingram - 0:59 Tina Turner - 1:06 Billy Joel - 1:13 Michael Jackson - 1:19 Diana Ross - 1:32 Dionne Warwick - 1:48 Willie Nelson - 2:02 Al Jarreau - 2:09 Bruce Springsteen - 2:15 Kenny Loggins - 2:21 Steve Perry - 2:28 Daryl Hall - 2:36 Huey Lewis - 2:48 Cyndi Lauper - 2:54 Kim Carnes - 3:02 Bob Dylan - 3:48 Ray Charles - 4:27 Some artists not mentioned LaToya Jackson, Sheila E, Dan Aykroyd, a few of the Jackson brothers, Lindsey Buckingham and many more…
I can't believe they didn't know who Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick and so many other of the iconic singers were. All of them are iconic. Truly a timeless and classic song.
Except Dan Akroyd lol. But yeah everyone else was a bona-fide star, even the ones who didn't have a verse of their own like Smokey Robinson, Lindsay Buckingham, The Pointer Sisters, the Jacksons, Jeffrey Osbourne, Sheila E, Quincy Jones....GOATs!
@@arlopear7136 he was well established as an actor and very successful...he didn't sing any lines on the song, I'm speaking of those who had a main line to sing.
I grew up listening to it and the story of how it came to be from my momma who was in high school when it was recorded… i have played it for my daughter but what 11 yr old actually listens to their moms music lol trust me there are American kids who do know this song
Who has failed these children? every single person in this video is a legend. I don’t understand , when we were kids we knew the legends from our parents generation and beyond as well as whatever was current. How do not know Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Dion Warwick or Billy Joel
BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SERIOUS ABOUT REACTING TO THESE VIDEOS! THEY JUST TRYING TO GET VIEWS! MY SON IS 17...YOUNGER THAN THEM AND I MADE SURE HE KNEW THIS SONG!!!
@@divadoll1975 just cause they popular doesn’t mean you HAVE to have known them, they just vibing finding out about old music learn to love and appreciate
THIS! I mean I was far too young and we didn't have internet or anything close but I knew who Frank, Dean, Sammy Davis (ratpack) Elvis, Tom Jones, Chuck Berry, Tony Bennett, even Perry Cuomo and that era were...I mean, WTF
My brothers, I highly suggest educating yourself about these great artists. Legends who served the music industry with distinction. Love from South Africa
@@tracyfields4261 No excuse. I wasn't alive when Mozart or Beethoven were kickin' but I know their music. I blame their parents, or their grandparents.
THis is a moment in time that will never be repeated. People today have no idea how HUGE this was. All these incredible artists, from all the different genres, all coming together to do something that had never been done bfore. The entire WORLD took notice of this. And this happened long before cell phones and the internet made music so accessible to everyone. THis is just one of many reason why we say the 80's were the greatest decade for music. You can't find talent like this anymore. Not even the major stars of today like Beyonce or whoever, do it like this. No autotune, no huge production, no teams of dancers, just unbelieveable talent.
In one take. I love the fun fact that the sign on the entry said check your ego at the door and Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder said they would be driving anyone who didn’t follow this one rule home personally 😂❤
You do realize that a lot of the big mainstream artists that you probably have heard online only use auto tune because the sound engineers, and producers force them to right? They don’t do that by choice…..they forced to.
@@michaelasay8587 Yeah that was my biggest surprise. I must be very old. Tina is more recognizable than pretty much anyone alive but they didn't even flinch. Such an epic group of people from a bygone era of real music.
I feel bad for you guys. I was in my 30's when this song came out. There were great entertainers all over the place. They all got along. No diversity crap. Dionne Warwick, who is related to Whitney and Tina Turner were 2 of the ones that you didn't recognize. Both were powerful female singers.
Nope, only to Americans, but then again, it does say "We are the world", so I guess Americans have a heart time with that concept "world" being not synonimus with America. I mean they are the only country that have a national sports competition and then call it "the world series" even though not a single other country is involved. I mean, it sounds like someone overcompensating for a well earned inferiority complex.
Michael didn't help write it, he did write it. He asked Lionel Ritchie to help him with a verse of some sort that he was having trouble with. That is why Lionel got credit for writing the song. From the minds and hearts of two great artists 💜
To understand... in the mid 80s, Africa was experiencing severe drought and famine. A group of British rockers lead by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure released a record (Do They Know its Christmas) with all proceeds going to famine relief in Africa. Then USA rockers lead by Harry Belafonte, Ken Kragen and Quincey Jones, recorded the video here with the same goal. The last effort was LIVE AID. This is a weekend concert televised from three continents. The Live Aid video of Queen you watched is from that concert. Phil Collins flew on the SST Concord to all three continents and performed in USA, UK and Australia in the same concert. It was televised on MTV. Incredible concert. The finale song in the UK included Bob Geldof, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and most of the huge array of rockers that performed throughout the weekend event. The videos of the Uk Christmas record and that finale are on You Tube. They raised over $200 million and it was sent to Africa. Unfortunately it was intercepted by a dictator and terrorist group who used it for weapons against its own citizens. Still... no generation before or after in music ever took on such a huge task which could have made a difference. Next to this, in 1986, you have Comic Relief USA by Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal. They raised OVER $50 million for the homeless in the USA. I am very proud to be part of the generation that gave so much to humankind. ✌🏻
Years later, and I still recognize 90% of the musical artists. These artists weren't just ordinary musical stars, they were musical legends across different genres.
I remember when this was released. In Canada where I live our musicians did the same thing. The severe famine in Africa at the time caused the British musicians to react to help them, it then spread to the US and Canada. This is truly a wonderful song. All those wonderful voices and singers. Jackson, Warwick, Ritchie, etc....Bruce, Stevie, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers...
I didn't grow up in the 80s, I grew up in the 90s and honestly I listen to songs from 50s to present day and 80s is by far my favourite followed closely by the 70s. The 80s produced so much great music from very talented artists.
No egos, No pretentions, No need to be center of attention, just amazing singers at the top of their careers, singing simply for compassion & love ❤ Such a wonderful initiative that raised a lot of money to help those in need ❤
Imagine trying to get that kind of talent together now - to drop everything and show up and no one is a headliner…as a teen it was awesome to see; as an adult now I understand the complexity of what they did and am an even bigger fan due to their compassion
There will NEVER be a collection of artist so great as this was. Its a lineup of the best of the best. No egos, no nothing but coming together for a great cause. I don't believe this will ever happen again. I sooooo took growing up in the 80's and the music that was produced for granted. I don't care what you genre of music is, the 80's had it all.
I don't think people really appreciate how awesome this recording really was. With the exception of Lionel and Michael all of them learned the song, their parts, and harmonies etc and recorded in what night. And the lead voices couldn't be more different. Quincy Jones needs so much more credit for this
@sheilaholmes996 I know. Damn shame. All they know is sampling. Don't even know who the artists that the copy from... Growing up, I knew my generation's music and my parents' generation music. Nowadays, everything has such a short life. Short attention spans, too.
I get goosebumps each time I listen to this. This was huge when it came out. Raised enormous amounts for famine relief in Africa. All that talent in one room.
I'll be honest.. watching y'all reaction makes me simultaneously happy and sad.. sad that the artists on this album are all iconic in their own right and you can only identify a handful.. there's so much meaningful music from each and everyone of them that you've never heard.. on the flip side I'm happy to see y'all appreciate the different voice textures in this video also that you're willing to listen to and honestly react to music from my generation.. thank you
I feel the same way. It's pretty sad to not be aware of what an iconic song and moment in music history this was. I cringed when they didn't know Tina Turner and kept asking why Whitney wasn't there.
I can’t even begin to express the amount of talent that is in that room right there .. this was a huge huge deal when it came out for aids. A room full of legends.
Whitney Houston was not in this group of singers, but her aunt Dionne Warwick was one of the legend singing a solo here. This was recorded after an award show, that's how all of these folks were able to be in one place at one time. You have R&B, Country, Rock, Folk and the Jazz genres of music represented by this gathering of vocal All Stars..
Dionne Warwick & Whitney Houston were 1st cousins. Dionne is 23 years older than Whitney because Dionne's mother, Lee (born 1920), had Dionne when she was only 20 (1940). Whitney’s mother, Cissy (born 1933), was the youngest of 8 children & didn’t have Whitney till she was 30 (1963).
@@RockFan89 Dionne’s mother, Lee, didn’t sing with Elvis. Whitney's mother, Grammy award winning Cissy Houston, did, but for just 5 weeks. Lee & Cissy started in their parent’s gospel group. In the late 1950s, Cissy, Dionne & Dee Dee (Dionne’s sister) formed the group, The Gospelaires, which evolved into The Sweet Inspirations (after Dionne & Dee Dee went solo). “The Sweets” backed some major singers, including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Van Morrison, even Jimi Hendrix, & of course, Dionne Warwick. The Sweets got the gig with Elvis in 69 (& stayed till his death), but by then, Cissy had a solo contract. She did just the initial gig (1 week of rehearsals & 4 weeks of shows, ending Aug. 28, 1969). She left to work on her solo career & be home with her children. Of her brief time with Elvis, she said; “He was wonderful” “I loved him” “He was such a gentleman” & “so good looking, you didn’t even want to look nowhere else.”
Tina Turner, Bruce Springtine,Paul Simon next to Kenny Rogers,Dionne Warwick,QuinsyJones directing everyone.All this people were famous singers during this time this song is sung.They are all singing legends.
🌎🌍 White guy here who grew up in rural Australia here and I’m naming MJ and Lionel (who both wrote the song), Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Dionne Warwick, Harry Belafonte, the rest of the Jackson 5 AND Latoya! Not to mention the other legends on there, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kim Carnes, Huey Lewis, Daryl Hall, Steve Perry, Willie Nelson, Kenny Logins and on and on into the talent stratosphere. Huge props for clocking Kenny Rogers in there btw! There are many of the greatest artists of all time on this track. You guys are younger than me so I get it that a lot of those faces didn’t spark recognition, but your reaction made me feel so good anyway. Music is the ultimate. This single raised millions for famine relief in Africa, and has raised vastly more for humanitarian causes since. It created a global moment that followed an earlier similar global moment for Africa created by British artists, the equally Allstar single, Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas. We Are The World’s group USA for Africa is comprised of all North American artists, but the title of the collective actually stands for United Support of Artists for Africa. The great Harry Belafonte instigated the whole project after being inspired by Band Aid, which was organised by Bob Geldof. This is important stuff. It’s great to see you all exploring it. And now I REALLY want to see you react to songs from every artist on this.
Update! I’ve just learned that even though the song raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopia, the story of getting the money TO the people in need is far more complex. There’s a current documentary about the project, which I hope will cover both its success and the tragic irony of what came after.
You know what...i don't want to sound evil but i'm actually a little relieved that most of these great artists aren't around anymore to see how stupid and embarrassing the world has become.
This was put together by Michael Jackson. They got together right after the Grammy Awards. Everyone agreed that all proceeds would go to help Africa’s hunger.
I thought is was interesting that the guy's instinctively connected Dionne and Whitney simply thru voice alone, without realizing (it seems) that the two are cousins.
@@janehamm7465This was actually put together by Harry Belafonte, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson co wrote it, and they got together after the American Music Awards of 1985 to record this
I'm just 18, and i grow up listening and singing to this song. It's a treasure, i'm brazilian, but i know every single artist and line of this song! It's really one of the best songs ever, and the message is amazing and beautiful.
The amount of talent you just watched is immeasurable. The Old school talent and the mix of personality will never be repeated. We lost some already, but they will always be remembered. ❤👏🏽
Doubt there will ever be that much raw talent in the same room ever again. This was done after music awards they all checked their attitudes at the door and stayed all night to make it. On the morning of April 5, 1985, over 8,000 radio stations simultaneously broadcast the song around the world at the same time. Makes me feel old but this song is one of the best to come out of the 80's.
I might be remembering wrong, but didn't we all stand outside holding hands. Wait, I looked it up. Hands across America was sparked because of this. I think we sang this song when we did it. I was pretty young so the memory isn't very sharp.
I just saw Lionel in concert on 11/11/22 in Atlanta. He performed this solo and had over 60 thousand people singing with their cellphone lights on at Falcon's stadium. It was incredible! One of those moments in my life, that I'll never forget
This was a HUGE deal when it was released. There was a severe famine in Ethopia in the early 80s, and the project originated with the late Harry Belafonte and Quincy Jones as a means to raise awareness and money to provide relief. The song itself was written by MJ and Ritchie. The amount of talent on his song is absolutely INSANE. It was like a Who's Who of rock and pop stars in the early 80s. Somehow even Dan Aykroyd snuck in there. Also present were five of the Jackson siblings: Jackie, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Tito. Michael really wanted Prince, but for unknown reasons (ranging from Prince not wanting to record with other acts, to not wanting to participate with Bob Geldorf specifically) he backed out (His Royal Purpleness did contribute a bonus track for the album release). Ritchie also invited Eddie Murphy, but Murphy was tied up with filming his video for Party All The Time. There were some FIFTY other artists who turned up as well, but had to be turned away. As for who some of the people you didn't recognize were, these are the soloists in the order in which they first appear: • 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
I end up in tears almost every time I hear this song. I was in elementary school when this song came out and it was huge. As an adult looking back, it was monumental to get all of those artists in one place at one time to record that song. Them deciding to donate all profits was amazing. To say that I love this song is an understatement. It’s great to see some of my favorite artists who aren’t here anymore; especially MJ.
I was in 6th grade and I will always remember watching it on TV when they put it out for us to watch... I cried like a baby. My little girl heart got so moved by the energy and the sound of love coming from so many beautiful voices. We sang it walking through the school and couldn't wait to record it on Saturday morning. Kaycee Kasem top 100 countdown 😂❤❤❤ and now I'm crying hearing it and seeing their reactions. Priceless!
Me too! I was a little kid in the 80’s when this came out this was an anthem for us all. I’m a white male from Middle America, had a Michael Jackson Thriller poster on my wall as a kid. I listened to heavy metal, Motown, Oldies, Hard Rock, rock ballads, R&B, rap, etc. Nobody thought about race like they do now. What makes me sad is how humanity has lost the message of this song and now they’re being told to look at race first and above character. I refuse to look at race as modern progressives around the globe tell me I should, I look past that and see what type of person someone is in their heart and soul. That’s all that should ever matter. God bless!
It wasnt that amazing, they just copied what Bob geldoff done in the uk a year or two before with a song called "do they know its Christmas" wich was done to raise money for Ethiopia.
This song still gives me chills. At the time the starvation in Africa was atrocious and all of these singers gave their time to make millions for a cause . They are all legends and wow look when people only played instruments without auto tune etc.
I was 28 with two very small children when this came out and I loved each and every one of these singers! This song was absolutely epic! Such talent! I feel so blessed to have grown up with these singers!
James Ingram and Dionne Warwick’s performances really stood out as I watched this, after so many years. It’s also amazing to realize how many of these artists are no longer with us.
WOW I'm 70 and you all really make me feel OLD! This is one of the greatest assembly of greats there has ever been! Pay attention to the "back ground" singers - Bette Midler, Jackson 5 and more! I remember when Michael Jackson got with Quincy Jones (the man conducting this!) to raise money for Children in Africa it was amazing and obviously a few of these people are gone now quite a few! It's just simply amazing! This was in 1988 I believe - even before Whitney and Celine .. this is magical really!
This is what this generation needs. All these artist from different genres coming together for one purpose. We could only be so lucky to have such an iconic moment in music history.
They’ll never be another moment like this in History! All the Singers were told to “ check egos” at the door! Even the “biggest” obligated and went GREAT!!!!❤❤❤
She was my first celebrity crush. When I was 12 I got the She's So Unusual album, and I told my mom I was gonna marry Cindi Lauper some day. I just loved her spunky and quirky personality.
I am from Africa and I know ALL these artists, names and songs. How can American (African American for that matter), not know these artists and the contribution that this song (through Michael, Lionel and Quincy) made to the world? This song broke records.
Because they are Young and also, sorry to say, Kind of Babies, Not knowing Kind of nothing... When in time they grow, hopefully they gain some More knowledge, Not only in music, but also in general knowledge how the world is 'working', asking the right questions. All in all, they seem to be good Guys, so they can make IT...
I have a feeling these boys listen to a lot of things on the Internet rather than vinyl records that you used to be able to buy at the record store. So they buy what’s popular as opposed to what you would find at the back rack in a record store. Those days are gone and with that goes a lot of finding things on your own.. the Internet and the radio taken over all imagination for young people
You could make a reaction to every singer here and it would be the legends of that time in music. Getting all these people together was a magical experience and history was made here.
MJ at the youngest legend at age 26 and Lionel Richie at 36 teamed up with other legends (total of 46 artistes/singers from different races and musical genres) to raise millions for charity (USA for Africa). As a Jamaican we knew our legends and took pride in doing so as well as incorporating musical genres (rock, jazz, pop, souls and blues etc).
My favourite parts are Springsteen and Wonder duetting together and James Ingram’s last chorus. The part were he says “so let’s start giving” always gives me chills.
@@saritatambayong4002 Sometimes I think Cyndi kind of got overlooked among all the other female artists of her day, especially with how Madonna pretty much owned the 80s. But she's an incredibly talented and versatile artist.
I spent way too much money to take my family to universal. The hotel we stayed at had a boat that would take you to the park. There was an old fella on there who got the boat going and then turned around started playing girls just want to have fun and pretty much demanded you sing along. Good times!
This was the BEST song ever written in the history of music. Fellas just to let yall know 8000 stations played this song at the same time across the world
this song will never not give me chills. It’s my childhood and I remember watching this air live on tv. I know every face and every word. good memories
Thanks for doing this one, guys. I remember when this song came out. Fun Fact: Apparently there was a sign posted outside the studio that said "Check your Ego at the door." You know there's a lot of talent in the room when Bette Midler and Harry Belafonte are in your lineup, and neither one gets a solo. God, what a great song. 🤗
Yeah, Prince was going to be a part of it and demanded a solo. Quincy told him that nobody demands solos. Prince was asked to not be a part of it then. That's why Quincy came up with that sign and put it up on that door. So Prince inspired that message. And I can see why! He had a *major* ego! LOL
What most now don't realize, Harry Belafonte & Ken Kragen were in charge of this project. It was Harry's idea. After Band Aid's song, Harry felt the US should do something too. He contacted Ken (talent manager, TV producer, activist & fundraiser). They secured the talent, facilities, staff, etc. Ken contacted Bob Geldof, plus Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers & Kim Carnes (Ken managed all 3), Stevie Wonder & Quincy Jones. Quincy brought MJ on. It was Harry & Ken who chose Lionel & MJ to write it. Then, word spread quickly & Ken said he ended up having to turn away dozens of artists. So, Harry could have definitely had a solo if he wanted, but to make the most money, they put the focus on the popular stars of the day.
One of the greatest musical collaborations I can ever recall. I can still remember when this premiered on MTV. WHEN MTV played videos all day and night.
They were all HUGE stars and just about all of them are absolute legendary talents. They were all told they had to leave their egos at the door. They recorded this pretty much in secret, after an awards show. Quincy Jones wanted to avoid a circus. Just an amazing gathering of talent.
I can't listen to this without getting teary eyed. I was young school boy when the famine hit Ethiopia. We collected money for the relief effort, and then this song came along. It helped so much! Awareness of the situation was truly exploded by this, and it got people donating.
When everyone sings with their heart, it’s beautiful! When Bruce Springsteen sings he does it with his heart and his guts: and it becomes big! Respect for the Boss!
my school teacher made us sing this song when i was little in a choir it made me think of when i was young, but i'm not that old. I was born in 2006. I wish i was born a little before like 2001 then i would have had the time to experienced Micheal Jackson and the otherss when they released his songs. I think this is one of the best songs ever released.
This song made history back in the day. It applies to today more than back then for me. Everyone in this video is a legend. Many have since passed away unfortunately, but they will never be forgotten. Glad to see young people enjoying songs made before they were even born. Love to see it! ❤
The greatest selfless collaboration of the greatest artists of a generation. I highly recommend Googling the list of artists in the order they appear, watching it again, then watching videos of each artist you are not familiar with to appreciate their individual talents. Thank you so much for reacting to this! It brought be me SO much joy! An incredible cause in the mid 80’s during my youth. THANK YOU!
