"We are the World" yesterday and today

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

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For those who can't name all 46 artists in the 1985 WATW video, it's ok. I can't name half the faces of the newer artists in the 2010 version, co-produced by AEG. LMAO

Whether you remember the day We are the World was originally released, or heard it for the first time in more recent years, Michael and Lionel's vision of making a change to help eradicate hunger in Africa with song was groundbreaking, raising over over $63 million, of which 90% of the proceeds went directly to Africa. $63 million dollars before the internet! The following is from Wikipedia (and many thanks to VOLOS for the contribution!) "Since its release, "We Are the World" has raised over $63 million for humanitarian causes. Ninety percent of the money was pledged to African relief, both long and short term.The long term initiative included efforts in birth control and food production.The remaining 10 percent of funds was earmarked for domestic hunger and homeless programs in the US." 

Twenty-five years later, and sadly without Michael present, the song is being remade, officially titled We Are the World - 25 for Haiti, this time to help the victims of the January 12th Earthquake in Haiti.

If we purchased both versions of the song (1985 & 2010), we could help 2 countries at once?   The answer is YES, according to the reply from USA for Africa.   If you purchase the 1985 version (available here) "70% of each dollar when you purchase We Are The World via download/digitally. Which is very good." So there you have it!

 Here is the official USA for Africa site (ty VOLOS). 
This post will follow news about the 2010 version, it's participants, and where you can purchase the song and video when released on Feburary 12th during the Vancouver Winter Olympics opening games. With a total of 25.8 million TV viewers for the Grammys, a ratings increase of 35% over 2009, one can only imagine what the ratings will be opening night of WO games.

*Interesting sideline: Check out this graph by year of Grammmy viewers. Notice what year had the highest ratings. Ummm, can you say it's a Thriller?

News:
1. Janet Jackson to contribute vocals, and according to this on VH1, Janet will be singing Michael's lines.  Upon the request of Katherine Jackson, a poem written by Maya Angelou will be read at the end, according to this, by Michael's three children. Among the 100 stars also participating, are Michael's nephews, Taryll, TJ and Taj Jackson, (aka 3T).
2. According to this ET article, "Producer Lionel said, "It's the new generation doing it." There are no repeat performers. No one from the original recording will be heard on the new track."
3. According to Mary Hart, there are 95 artists who were involved in the studio re-recording. Also to be filmed in 3D and technicolor, because "the accompanying video will be available for purchase" also. Here are a few pictures of who's singing.
4. Make That Change blog is calling for people to make videos of yourselves singing We are the World. Please see this link for all the details.

Here is a snippet of what took place yesterday: the 25th Anniversary remake recording of Michael and Lionel's We are the World.
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This picture was posted by @wyclef yesterday on Twitter

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