U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World

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.

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.

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

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY SINGER ON THAT SONG IS A LEGEND!! EACH OF THEM WERE AT THE TOP OF THE CHARTS AT THIS TIME!!

My brothers, I highly suggest educating yourself about these great artists. Legends who served the music industry with distinction. Love from South Africa

This song raised $75 million dollars for Africa. All the singers are legends.

What Stevie does is simply magical

Just pay attention and show some respect. All these performers are LEGENDS!

Why don't American kids know this song??? I am from Africa and this is one of the most beautifully crafted songs of all time. LEGENDS!!!

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.

Growing up in the 1980s was the best generation for musical talent ever! I miss it. Today’s artists cannot it even compare on a pure talent level.

You'll never get that many talented people on one song as long as we live. That was epic.🎯

That Stevie and Bruce duo is iconic, still gives me goose bumps

I miss the 80s... what a wonderful time to live in.

The fact that you guys had no idea who these legends are make me even prouder 😊😊 as a non American 😅😅 we grew up on these in the Caribbean 🇯🇲🇯🇲

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.

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. ✌🏻

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.

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...

This song meant so much to the world. I remember when it came out. So many GOATS! I believe MJ helped write it.

This is what REAL talent sounds like without auto tune. ❤

This was the best reaction you guys I am 55 I was real young when this happened.The lady in front is Tina Turner

Stevie blasted offfff!!!! Mike was incredible, its Mike! Exceptional Artist!❤

I can't fault you youngsters for not knowing who a lot of these people are. Just be aware you're in the presence of greatness.

The 80's was a great time. Music was amazing.

Feed the world by band aid is another great classic collaboration. 1984 Christmas song.

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.

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..

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 ❤

🌎🌍 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.

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 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

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

Almost 40 years later and I still get excited every time I see this video. I can name every artist. Amazing voices and talents.

Nobody in the 2020's can sing like these singers from the 80's and 90's

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.

The 80s: "And this, is to go, even, further beyond!" 100% of my power!

To the young man on the right, all of the singers donated their time & talent for a worthy cause. Judging the singers is unseemly.

EVERY time Dionne Warwick starts singing my jaw drops. Her voice is just perfection. Love her. Great song

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. ❤👏🏽

I get such a kick out of this. They are so young and have no idea who these singers are! I love seeing them enjoy all the artists!

Michael wrote it and got all these folks together. It was for relief for Africa

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.

How blessed we were to have grown up listening to the music of these iconic artists.

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.

Im so glad i was born in 67 and experienced the best music ever created!!! Enjoy guys!!!!!!!

MJ was a different level wasn't he. With all those superstars around him, I was so excited to see Michael like you guys!

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

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.

They were legends in the music era during 1960-2010

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.

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.

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).

Music legends ALL, across all music genres together for one purpose ❤️

That Michael Jackson voice is just unmatched! These were true singers here. Can sing with or without music!

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.

Loved this song when I was a kid. And as an 80s kid we did sing this at an elementary school assembly.

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 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

The girl with colored is Cyndi Lauper, she had incredible range, and can hit 5 octaves, she does all kinds of music from jazz to opera, blues, and pop

All that talent in one room. Will never be seen again

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.

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.

I miss the 80s!! Consider myself blessed to have grown up in that time.

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

Legends!!!! Thanks guys for watching this! It meant so much for us to see this in the 80s when we (Gen X ) were kids. ❤

Listen more and pay some respect. these are icons, legends of music! The song itself is a treasure, the message and the reason it was composed.

Somebody failed these articulate young men that they don’t know about the legends that lived in their times

I was ten in 84 this was about feeding Africa

So much talent in this song. It shook the world at that time and the meaning is timeless. Love Cyndi Lauper at 6:57!!

It is impossible to explain just how big of a deal this song was across all age groups. Nothing will ever be seen like this again.

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!

Artists back then didn’t use auto tune. They were the real thing live or in the studio. Talent

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.

Some of the best musicians that ever were!!!

The camaraderie and unity of the past generation were truly remarkable. In contrast to today's divisive media landscape, individuals genuinely cared for one another and fostered a sense of community.

There was so much talent in that studio. I was 4 when the song came out. The duet between Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen always gives me chills.

I don't get how these guys don't know half of these singers, it's depressing.

The group of highly attractive Black singers in a cluster are the Jackson’s, guys!!!!!!

I absolutely love watching ya'll, i am 51, it is beautiful watching you learn about my time.

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.

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.

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

I still get the good chills whenever I view and hear this. Some things cannot be duplicated. Thank you for reacting to this amazing moment in time.

This song was played on darn near every radio station in the United States at the same time on purpose. All legends, all great voices

What a collaboration of people and unique voices. This song was so LEGENDARY in the 80s and still today in 2023!!!!!

It's absolutely astounding how many legendary musicians participated in this.🙏🏾❤️👑🎶🌎👏🏾

It’s a joy to see you guys discover this… one of the most phenomenal songs done EVER!!!!

You need to find the video of MJ rehearsing his part in the studio on his own and it’ll blow your mind. His vocals are absolutely crazy 🔥

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.

THE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN ' VOICE IS SUPERNATURAL.

Stevie and Bruce oh my word what a song

Stevie Wonder is one of the most incredible singers of All-Time!!! A voice that ppl don’t even try to replicate bc nobody hits it like Stevie does!!!!

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! ❤

Whole song makes me tear up. This was BEAUTIFUL! Glad I was alive to see it when it came out

I remember I was a junior in high school when this song came out. The few radio stations we had in the area played it and played it and played it. That was when you could put your differences at the door and come together as one to do something. So incredible that 40 years later people still talk about❤

These are some of the greatest songwriters of all time. White, black, or otherwise. I suggest you look up every artist and feature them because they picked the greats for this and what they did for Africa was amazing and it kick started these concerts for charity ACROSS THE WORLD.

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. 🤗

if only people would unite like this still , instead of the division of this day and age , so legendary , with actual talented artists !