We are the World, USA for Africa
Savannah Roberts
What impact did the super group, United Support of Artists for Africa have on humanitarian needs in 1985 and the years that followed?
Why was USA for Africa created?
In 1985, the American music industry gathered together some of the most famous and known artists to create an anthem that would respond to the unimaginable famine that was spreading through Africa at the time. The result of the gathering was the song, We are the World which sold more than 7 million records which was about $60 million that went to Africa to aid them in their crisis.
What other musically oriented organizations compare to USA for Africa?
In 2017, Lin Manuel Miranda produced a song that would donate all it's proceeds to the citizens of Puerto Rico and The Hispanic Federation's Unidos Disaster Relief Fund, after a hurricane destroyed Puerto Rico. The song, Almost Like Praying, featured famous Mexican American artists that had a heart to help Puerto Rico such as, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Luis Fonsi. Another organization that contributed to raising awareness of societal and political issues was Farm Aid. Farm Aid was organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young. These men produced a concert on September 22nd, 1985 in Illinois that raise over $9 million for America's family farmers. Farm Aid is still very much in action today and has changed the way farmers provide good food for families.
USA for Africa chorus
While singing We Are the World
The artists enjoy their time together while recording the song.
What were the effects of We Are the World on United States society?
USA for Africa increased the way America saw the needs that had to be met in Africa and were inspired to participate in the role that the famous musical artists participated in. These artists were able to sale the cause to the teenagers and younger Americans because of how popular their music was and this provided the funds to aid Africa in their crisis. The top hit artists of the 1980s together in one record was a dream to an American teenage boy or girl. Not only did the record grab the attention of young boys and girls but it also united the country through different cultures and genres of music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9BNoNFKCBI
We Are the World is featured by many popular artists from different genres, including: 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, and Ray Charles.
we are the world lyrics:
There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can't go on
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
...
And we're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me