July
7, 2009 (Cable Muse Network) -- As the curtain closes to tributes and seemingly hourly coverage of Michaels Jackson’s
life and early death, Cable Muse Network looks at one song and charity behind the song We are the Worldand causes of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985.
The record hit, We are the World,
raised money and awareness to the famine crisis in Africa, benefiting USA for Africa, specifically Ethiopia. (The link to
USA for Africa is at the end of this CMN article.) The 1985 song was co-written by Michael Jackson and
Lionel Richie then produced and conducted by Quincy Jones and Bruce Springsteen. We Are the Worldwas
recorded by 45 ‘A’ list of 1985 celebrities including Lionel Richie, Diana
Ross, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson,
Kenny Loggins and the A list goes on... The March 9, 1986, edition of the Chicago Sun Times reported that 44.5 billion dollars
was raised in from We Are the World.
On USA for Africa’s website singer, actor and social activist, Harry Belafonte said, “I
discovered some time ago that being in the struggle for freedom, to fight against injustice or to end poverty is not a part
time job, nor can it be treated as a hobby. I have strongly believed in the importance of artists recognizing their potential
role in effecting social change.”
CNN’s Larry King
Live July 7, 2009 broadcast, Larry King asked Harry Belafonte, “How did you and Michael come into We Are the
World?” Harry in a heavy raspy voice told Larry, “...For a long time I been watching the continent of
Africa wither under the devastation of the famine and the drought and literally hundreds of thousands of people were dying
and the world at large watched with a great indifference.” “When Michael decided to step to the table, he brought
the greatest gift of all.” “…without that hugely remarkable song there was nothing for us to say.”
Ben Cable, editor of Cable Muse
Network stated on FaceBook, “The We Are the World project set a milestone for future celebrity
endorsements of humanitarian and environmental efforts in the music and entertainment industries. Since
WAtW, entertainers felt empowered to lend their talents to causes that touch their hearts and moved their
minds; they knew their voice or appearance empowered change from an audience. The song and legacy is excellent but nothing
is as powerful as the statement, We Are the World and we should not forget this message in our personal
and corporate paths”.
We Are the World has been continually broadcast up to Michael
Jackson’s memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles California on July 7th, 2009. The details of how rights
or benefits from the sale or rebroadcasts of We Are the World will benefit USA for Africa is not
yet clear to Cable Muse Network (CMN).
