In 1985, a powerful anthem brought together the biggest names in American music. That song, “We Are the World,” was created by a group called USA for Africa—short for United Support of Artists for Africa. The project was inspired by the UK’s Band Aid initiative, which aimed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Although often considered a one-hit wonder, USA for Africa made history with one of the best-selling singles of all time. “We Are the World” became a symbol of music-driven humanitarianism and remains a landmark moment in pop culture.
| Artist Profile: USA for Africa | |
|---|---|
| Group Name | USA for Africa (United Support of Artists for Africa) |
| Origin | United States |
| Genres | Pop, Soft Rock, Adult Contemporary |
| Years Active | 1985, 2010 (reunion project) |
| Label | Columbia Records |
| Notable Members | Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, and others |
| Notable Work | “We Are the World” (1985 single) |
| Sales | Over 20 million copies worldwide |
| Awards | 3 Grammy Awards (1986) |
| Legacy | One of the best-selling charity singles; inspired other musical relief efforts |
Origins and Formation
The idea for USA for Africa came shortly after the UK charity supergroup Band Aid released the single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in late 1984. That song, written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, featured a cast of top British pop stars and raised over 8 million pounds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
American singer and activist Harry Belafonte, inspired by Band Aid’s success, wanted to organize a similar effort in the United States. He approached manager Ken Kragen, who then enlisted clients Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers.
Soon after, pop megastar Michael Jackson, producer Quincy Jones, and soul legend Stevie Wonder joined the project. Jackson and Richie co-wrote the anthem “We Are the World” in just two evenings. The goal was simple: use music’s unifying power to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger in Africa.
The Recording Session
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On January 28, 1985, 45 of the biggest names in American music gathered at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood, just after the American Music Awards that evening. A sign at the studio entrance read:
“Check your ego at the door.”
Artists included:
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Al Jarreau
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Bette Midler
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Smokey Robinson
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Bob Geldof (guest and honorary contributor)
The recording lasted into the early hours of the next morning. Quincy Jones co-produced the song and ensured that each artist had a role. Despite the packed studio and star power, the process was surprisingly smooth, with artists collaborating for a shared cause.
The Impact of “We Are the World”
“We Are the World” was released on March 7, 1985, by Columbia Records. The song debuted at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly climbed to #1, where it stayed for two weeks.
It became one of the fastest-selling singles in U.S. music history, selling 7.5 million copies domestically and over 20 million copies worldwide. The single raised more than $50 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa.
The song also earned three Grammy Awards:
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Song of the Year
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Record of the Year
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Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
Its iconic music video, showing American music legends singing shoulder-to-shoulder, became an instant classic and a global symbol of unity.
The USA for Africa Album
In addition to the single, the group released a full-length album titled We Are the World. It featured new or previously unreleased tracks donated by several top artists, including:
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Prince – “4 the Tears in Your Eyes”
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Tina Turner – “Total Control”
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Chicago – “Good for Nothing”
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Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band – “Trapped” (live version)
The album reached #1 on the Billboard 200 and boosted the fundraising efforts further.
Influence and Legacy
The success of USA for Africa led to other musical charity projects and concerts such as:
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Live Aid (1985)
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Farm Aid (1985)
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Hands Across America (1986)
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Hear ’n Aid (1986, metal artist equivalent)
These efforts demonstrated how musicians could rally for social causes and make a tangible difference.
“We Are the World for Haiti”
In 2010, a new version of “We Are the World” was recorded to support relief efforts for Haiti after a devastating earthquake. The project was dubbed “We Are the World 25 for Haiti” and included a new generation of artists such as:
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Justin Bieber
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Jennifer Hudson
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Celine Dion
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Kanye West
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Lil Wayne
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Pink
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Barbra Streisand
While the 2010 version received mixed reviews, it showed the enduring legacy of the original initiative. It was executively produced by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie.
USA for Africa: A Defining Moment in Music
USA for Africa stands as a unique moment when the music industry united for a global cause. Though they were technically a one-hit group, their contribution left a lasting cultural and humanitarian impact. “We Are the World” proved that music has the power not just to entertain, but to uplift, mobilize, and change lives.