Poll: Who had your favorite solo from this incredible event?

@stephenbrown4211

Жыл бұрын

Brooooooooce! Also his contribution to to the album, Trapped was the best Not to leave out Band Aid, Bono

@DC8091

Жыл бұрын

Willie!!!!! (Happy 90th great sir!!🤠🍻)

@rebelscumspeedshop

Жыл бұрын

The voice " Steve Perry"

@stinkypinkeee5085

Жыл бұрын

Cyndi Lauper...it's so outbof place...jarring and hilarious...

@catherine6653

Жыл бұрын

Cyndi Lauper ❤.

Wonderful shows always professor...I want to see you and Steve Perry sit down.

I was sitting in my senior English class in 1985 in a little town in northeast Oklahoma, and the school played We Are the World over the intercom. I remember we all were holding our breath to se if Steve Perry had a part and the room came unglued when he came in. It was an incredible moment, and just a time in my life that was truly special.

@icmman7

2 ай бұрын

song annoyed the shit outa me, fake virtue signaling has that effect.

A friend of mine was producing a recording in an adjoining studio during this. He was leaving the building about the time this group was leaving. Someone in the crowd opened the door for him at the exit. He commented to his friend that “it was really thoughtful of that homeless person to open the door for us”. His friend, doing the best he could to stifle laughter, informed my friend, that the “homeless person” who had open the door for him was Bob Dylan. 😳😳😳😳😳 😂😂😂😂😂

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Ha ha! Serious? Has he documented this anywhere?

@philtullos3823

Жыл бұрын

😧 😆😂🤣

@AllenPendleton

Жыл бұрын

@@eightiesmusic1984 Get over dude it was funny.

@georgeedward1226

Жыл бұрын

A different era indeed. When people weren't so hyper sensitive about everything and eagerly looking for things to be offended by.

@KneeJerkReactions13

Жыл бұрын

​@@eightiesmusic1984grow a pair already soft serve.

Steve Perry!!!❤😊

I’d be down for a PART 2 (even a 3 and 4). There is so much gold here in this story that I would love more episodes on this topic. Who’s with me on that???? Please let the professor know.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

He should track down more people.

@libena1973

Жыл бұрын

Yessss!

@lauritag

Жыл бұрын

Yes! I am down!

@danfadden

Жыл бұрын

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 that would be awesome. Because of the fact that so many of the musicians who were popular in the 80’s are either retired or have passed, getting a “time capsule” interview for generations to come would be for the history books. I hope the professor understands that WE appreciate his work. I certainly look forward to my morning coffee and his show. It’s part of my day now.

@Willie_McBride

Жыл бұрын

I already did!! I’m a few days late in getting to this video, Sinai just told him I’m. Not sleeping until he produces however many episodes about this song…

Two of my all time favorite vocalists are Steve Perry and Kenny Loggins, they ended up singing next to each other (likely because of their friendship collaborating on Don’t Fight It in ‘82), their vocals were just power, emotion and beauty! 🔥🔥

@BigBass-xf5yi

Жыл бұрын

Two amazing vocalists

Steve Perry! My favorite band was Duran Duran, but Steve Perry was the best voice in rock at that time, imo!

Trying to pick a favorite solo is like trying to pick your favorite child. I really loved Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, of course, Huey Lewis, Cindy Lauper; too many to name. But the biggest thing for me was that this came out on my Birthday that year in 1985 and then sadly, later that year my mother passed away. But she really did love this song, and so when I hear it, I don't know, it helps me remember her and that for one time really, we both shared a love of the same music and the multitude of artists that were on this song. It just makes me smile to know that she really liked it too. 🎶💜

To me, the best part was Steve Perry's vocals. I wish he had been one of the additional soloists too. Ironically, I just bought the We Are the World LP earlier this year from a Discogs seller and it was mint condition. It had the advertisement for the T-shirt and I think ball cap from back then inside the record sleeve too. You know, the insert with the 6 to 8 week delivery time frame haha. I only paid $3.79 for it and that was with shipping (I'm guessing there was no shipping). I really didn't expect it to be a perfect copy and I'm still amazed I got it that cheap.

The greatest thing about this to me is how many great artists admire other great artists and “geek out”, but at the same time share a love of golf and mutual respect like other professionals. Still a great moment in history. I was 8 or 9 and this song was everywhere!

Professor of Rock is at his peak 🏔️ with this video. Pullin’ in all the stars through amazing stories, backdrops, and editing the interviews perfectly into the presentation. You were born to do this!

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! What was your favorite solo?

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

I love hearing different people’s perspectives on the song.

@micnorton9487

Жыл бұрын

​@@ProfessorofRockHuey,, guys a natural storyteller...

This is the best P.O.R. episode ever!!! Absolutely epic! Steve Perry and Darryl Hall

@suzi-q-tips65

10 ай бұрын

Steve an Daryl my fav singers with best voices ever❤

I remember this song very well. Every time I saw this on MTV I found someone else I hadn't noticed before. I loved seeing Steve Perry in the group. To get that many A list artists in the same room must have been quite a feat. Getting more than 2 artists today would be a miracle!

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Steve Perry Killed it!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

I know! It’s like you’re discovering a new person each time you watch the video. Even one of the Blues Brothers was there.

@wishingb5859

11 ай бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Did you ever see this guy do all of the voices for We are the World kzread.info/dash/bejne/m3itzsGog5zan7g.html&ab_channel=JCAlmeidaMusic

A random song just came on my Spotify and it's a Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry duet I had never heard called "Don't Fight it"

Among a tremendous assembly of legendary artists on this iconic song, the voice of Steve Perry is like a comet streaking across the night sky. Also Harry Belafonte RIP

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

When Ray Charles arrives at the end it truly becomes magical.

@007ndc

Жыл бұрын

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 like a benediction of sorts. Took us all to church a bit

@thunderwalker2000

Жыл бұрын

I recently saw an outtake video from this session where everyone was singing Harry's Day-O (The Banana Boat Song). Everyone was singing and laughing and having a great time.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

@@007ndc That was a nice touch.

SP: "There's a choice we're making. We're saving our own lives." The best part! (And the only artist that didn't have to hold the sheet music in front of him.)

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

So true.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

He must have had a perfect memory like me.

Next-level PoR right here. The look on Huey Lewis's face when he learns that Kenny Loggins recommended him for the solo in Prince's place is priceless. The stories from this one song and the interviews are historic artifacts regarding one of the most significant moments in 1980s popular culture. This is what music is about, what the channel is about in the purest sense-- bringing all of us together with music. Thanks for brightening up the start of my week once again, Professor.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

There's Baby Gerald! Haven't seen you in forever? Where have you been?

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting and watching by the way!

@babygerald4645

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Still watching every vid religiously, my friend. They make for positive vibes in a world that needs it badly. I'm usually at work when they drop, so I'll swing by comments to hit some thumbs ups on other viewers' stories but when the vid really hits a high note like this one, I just gotta give credit. Luckily was home on holiday to get it fresh off the feed. I just want to express again my appreciation that you are not only chronicling these musical events but also bringing artists information that can add dimension to their perspective and reflections. It shows you have a objective commitment to telling their stories that they probably haven't seen in a music journalist in a long time, if ever. Hats off.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

I had no clue he was Prince’s replacement!

I still watch the We Are The World video rather frequently. Still makes me tear up for more than one reason. One, because aid like this is necessary. Two, because these artists gave of themselves to make We Are The World happen. So much talent in one room. From what we see as fans, they all seemed to enjoy each other’s company.

@Neevie-Styx

11 ай бұрын

I watch it too every few months. 🩷

I seriously think that as divided as the World, the Countries, Generations and Families are today, we need this type of song again. Just to remind us we are all human and there's not one that is better than the other. Thank you, Professor.

I was of the HS Class of 1988. We covered this in choir performances in '87/'88. I wanted to sing Steve Perry's part, Huey Lewis' part, or Bruce's part. I seem to recall rehearsals doing Perry, Lewis and Daryl Hall's parts. :-) My Senior year of HS in SoCal was amazing. We alo did an award winning production of Grease! I was a T-Bird (Sonny) I was born in 1970 so all my teen years were in the greatest popular culture decade ever. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Truly, to quote Styx, it was The best of Times. :-)

Graduating high school in 1987, this song was a huge part of my teenage years and ALWAYS takes me back to those days, some of the best days in my life. Thanks Professor!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

The 80s were the best.

@shannonblanchard8195

Жыл бұрын

Me too!!

Adam, you are the best rock historian ever! Your dad is definitely proud of you! This video is amazing! The way it is put together and the interviews to back it all up. You are a great interviewer. Case in point, you and John both excited to finish a thought and you graciously backed off and let him finish. Only the best interviewers do this! Thank you as always for your content and positive contribution to my daily life!!!

@teddyrobinson813

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more

What an iconic crossover, an absolute product of the 80s. Truly can't see something like this ever happen again if I may be frank. Cheers

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

THanks RC32! I agree. Incredible!

@RC32Smiths01

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Absolutely gigantic! Music can achieve so much

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

It may not be my favorite event of the 80s, but it truly was monumental. Cheers 🍻

@erad67

Жыл бұрын

Something like, in terms of many of the current stars coming together for a cause, has happened several times, so I'd say it's likely to happen again. However, since rock music was a fairly new style, in the 1980s many of the pioneers and icons were still alive and active, so it was possible to have many of them in the mix. As the genre ages, it becomes more difficult. There will always be the living legends of a genre of music, but you only have one group of early pioneers.

I generally don't care much about celebrities and their actions, but just hearing the first few bars of the song brought tears to my eyes. I remember hearing this song when it was on the radio all the time when I was in high school. We didn't have cable, so no MTV to watch the video on, but it was such a phenomenon that it was everywhere. I can't imagine today's recording stars could ever produce a song with that quality of writing, arrangement, or vocals. I wouldn't know who today's stars are anyway.

@siriusfun

Жыл бұрын

👆

@chrisoakley5830

Жыл бұрын

There aren't enough current music stars to even attempt this today.

@freethebirds3578

Жыл бұрын

@@chrisoakley5830 Notice I did not call them musicians?

@davebellamy4867

Жыл бұрын

Same here.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

The video is so fascinating to watch, just the sheer amount of musical legends that arrived to record this song. What a spectacle.

Out of all of your videos, this is the one that I had goosebumps the entire time. What a moment in history, not just music history. I was in my early 20's when this came out and it truly unified America for that brief time.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Everybody felt the impact.

My favorite part of this song, and that still gives me goosebumps to this day, was the genius of putting Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen together near the end. The purposeful dichotomy of their vocal sounds, styles and textures and the way the whole performance was a sort of cultural "bridging the gap" between two almost polar opposite musical genres (Rock and R&B) but done in such a way that inspired unity, common goals and the message of how music can transcend any and all social or cultural differences was one of the most meaningful and spritual musical experiences I've ever had the pleasure to witness. And from a performance perspective, the power they conveyed - between Stevie's melodic exuberance and Bruce's soulful grit - it really drove the lyrical message home. That tiny piece of musical history will continue to restore my faith in humanity every time I listen to it. I am proud to be part of a generation that brought that level of selflessness through art into this world. God bless all who took part in this masterpiece - both those who are still with us and those who have passed on. Great episode Professor, and thanks for bringing more stories behind this important part of musical history to light! Love your show!

In Canada we had Northern Lights For Africa and "Tears Are Not Enough".. David Foster, Bryan Adams, Jim Valance and (Bob) Rock & Hyde put it together.. Another interesting "Check Your Ego At The Door" moment ✌️

@bobdavis4848

Жыл бұрын

Jim's last name is spelled Vallance. Yes, and forty heavy metal "Stars" did the Hear 'n Aid single also for the cause.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

That's right! Gordon Lightfoot too!

@draculasdaughter36

Жыл бұрын

​@@ProfessorofRock Please do a video about Tears are Not Enough 🙏 Tons of Canadian musical legends in that song and video.

@CasualSpud

Жыл бұрын

@@draculasdaughter36 I think it was on the USA for Africa album.. In Canada at least. Another one that would be good.. Remember Artists United Against Apartheid and Sun City?

@j.graham8068

Жыл бұрын

I was going to say this, you beat me to it!

Adam, you have amazing chemistry with Huey! He is an outstanding singer,but also very likable.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

He's the man!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

He’s funny.

@maestroaxeman

Жыл бұрын

Huey is as real as it gets🎶😎

Such an amazing event. I doubt today's "stars" would be able to check their egos like the artists who sang this incredible song did back in the day. Speaking of which I also wonder if Prince and Madonna ever felt like kicking themselves for snubbing the recording. Ray Charles, Diana Ross and Steve Perry were my favorite singers on this song but they were all outstanding. This was a very magical time. Sorry you didn't like Dan Akroyd being on the track. Cheers from Dan's home town of Ottawa, Canada🍁

I love most of the artist and they are all so iconic. My personal favorites that I believe nailed it every take were: Steve Perry, Diana Ross and Willie!

My favorite part of the behind-the-scenes footage is watching "The Bridge People", Huey, Cyndi Lauper and Kim Carnes butcher that one harmony line over and over again. It's a little unfair to those guys because they weren't familiar with the line and didn't have any time to prepare, but watching Steve Perry and Daryl Hall--two of the greatest vocalists in rock history--pull their hair out knowing they could nail that line in one take is hilarious!!

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Huey talks about it in the interview!

@dgarve

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock I know, I watched it, but you need to watch the actual footage for the priceless eye rolls of Steve and Daryl...

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

It’s like they were screaming their heart out to save the life of a loved one.

@wadefinch2664

Жыл бұрын

@@dgarve You can also see Huey and Kim where having the hardest time. The line put Huey at his vocal shelf and Kim was starting to lose her voice. Cyndi having a power house voice and being younger didnt have much of a problem other than her jewelry lol

@maestroaxeman

Жыл бұрын

​@@ProfessorofRock Huey's recollection is awesome😎🤣 He & Kim Carnes were not famously known for soaring vocal acrobatics AT ALL; but their unique & raspy vocals always recognizably stand out as unique & loved...add attempting harmonies & blammo!🎶🤣 The humor from those vocalists who breezed through it in the outtakes is epic as well🎶😎 All kinds of different skills in one epic song🎶❤🙏

I thought Steve Perry nailed the best.

What a wonderful set of interviews! The song was magical, and my best friend and I had a contest who would recognize the most voices. We were both blind, so didn’t have the video or other means to look up the names. And of course, being blind, it was so cool to hear both Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder on the same record. And yes, I would definitely love to hear more stories about this song. Thanks for all you do on this channel to keep the music alive!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

It would make a great guessing game.

Great interviews again from Huey, both Kennys, and John as always. Love the anecdotes from everyone, especially those about Bob Dylan and Ray Charles. That it was “Michael and Lionel’s song”… well, now we know why Prince wasn’t there. (Love your t-shirt, too, Prof☮️). “We Are The World” is indeed iconic. Never happen again because it really was a different time. Leave your ego at the door, real musicians and singers from different eras and genres gathered together for a cause. Great that they all said, “Yammo Be There.”😂 Best Award Show After Party Ever! To see so many stars together, some passed on and others still with us and performing today, in that video is still amazing. (For various reasons, I prefer this to “Do They Know…) Yes, please, to Parts 1, 2, 3, 4… give us all ya got, Prof.😉🎼🎶🎤🎧🌍

You hit this one out of the park Professor! You nailed the vibe - the world felt a bit smaller. It was the first time in my lifetime (before Live Aid) when I truly felt music and musicians in the USA had the power to change the world... and make the world a better place. I don't think we'll ever have that again. What a special time. And boy were we spoiled!!

WAY too many stories to tell about this song! Believe it or not, it finished the year 1985 as the 20th biggest hit of the year. As Casey Kasem explained it, everyone was so focused on it at the same time. It didn't have time to make a long run at #1. It only spent 4 weeks at #1. I also remember when hundreds (or thousands?) of radio stations around the world played it at the exact same time. I flipped through several Cleveland stations & they were all playing it. I participated in "Hands Across America" the following year. I took a friend, and my younger sister took a friend... plus our parents. We all cheered when they announced Ohio had completed the chain. I remember all of these helicopters flying over. Madonna wasn't part of USA For Africa. I heard she was snubbed. Her song "Crazy For You" knocked them out of #1. You can't make this stuff up! 😊

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Only the 20th biggest song? I’m kind of surprised, honestly. Prince chose not to make it to the studio either.

Great interviews…one of the best, Professor. We will never see or hear anything like this ever again. Thanks for putting this together. Look forward to part two, three, or how many it takes to share the stories. Well done.

I’m waiting for a video on Sheena Easton - she had 4 huge hits in 1981 (4 hits in 1 year !- incredible!) Before 1981 she was an unknown in America She’s still alive too - great if you can land an interview with her ! Thanks Professor!

@stephenhanft1226

Жыл бұрын

I agree. She recorded many great songs during the 1980's. Would love to see her featured.

@TheFunkybert

Жыл бұрын

You could add Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine as a double bill video!

@stephenhanft1226

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFunkybert Excellent suggestion. They were also fantastic and deserves to be featured on a future episode.

@duromusabc

Жыл бұрын

@@stephenhanft1226 1981 was her prime break out year in her pro singing career As a 9/10 year old boy in 1981 she was one of my favorite singers to listen to on the radio when MTV didn’t exist

@eleniprovia7667

Жыл бұрын

YES!!!! I am a huge Sheena fan, would love to see her on Adam’s channel. She has a fantastic voice. If I recall correctly, Adam mentioned in one of his older videos that he used to have a crush on her. She is a beauty for sure.

Amazing how Harry Belefonte got this together. Egos checked at the door, great stuff. And all genres and ages assembled. Ray Charles and Cyndi Lauper together? Check. Thanks for this Professor. Have a great Monday! 🎉

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Roger HAPPY MONDAY!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Everybody and their mama recorder We Are the World.

When Harry Belafonte passed, a video surfaced of everyone singing 'Happy Birthday' to him during a break in the recording. What a fantastic group, and a great song.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Oh, I’ve seen that video! It was cute.

@Pwj579

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, he was everyone’s favorite communist….glad he’s gone

@Neevie-Styx

11 ай бұрын

They also all broke out into his big song, “Daylight come and me wanna go home”. Sorry, I don’t know the title of the song.

Impossible for me to choose a single solo. Although I'm more of a 70's child, this performance blew my mind and actually gave me misty eyes to see so many stars from different eras come together and work together in harmony.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

It made me cry a lot when I first saw it.

@durangomcmurphy1529

Жыл бұрын

My favorite solo was Ray Charles . Amazing .

There needs to be more of this in the world instead of where it seems to be going lately ... ❤️

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

So true.

@draculasdaughter36

Жыл бұрын

There is good everywhere if you look for it. 🙏 ♥ Look at the efforts that were made to do the simultaneous performances that happened during the pandemic lockdowns.

@stringtheoryguitars4952

Жыл бұрын

Why are you believing the media? Go to a mall, go to a pub, go to a movie… what you see is people from all walks of life getting along great. Then hand out some drinks and put on some music- you’ll see all those different people dancing and partying together.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

We should try our best to help Ukraine. We’ve sent aid money.

@stringtheoryguitars4952

Жыл бұрын

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 LOL Ukraine is ranked as the most corrupt nation on earth. The US has sent hundreds of billions, and their govt just sticks it all in their pockets. Send money if you want, but the people will never see a penny.

This is such a great episode. Tears in my eyes from the stories in the interviews. An event rooted in compassion and magic.

I remember the first time I heard the part where Bruce Springsteen sang. So iconic. Whoever could do an impression of that was an instant hero.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Ha ha!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

It’s like Bruce risked his whole life and talent just for that part.

Love the song "We Are The World". The recording and video was such a historic, milestone event. So many of my all-time favorite music artists participated. "Do They Know It's Christmas" led to "We Are The World" which led to the great Live Aid concert raising tons of money for a very worthy, charitable cause. That was such a great time in music history.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

What was your favorite solo?

@RBS_

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock ....Cyndi....and, her BAUBLES.....ba-BOOM! ...ha-HAA!

@stephenhanft1226

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock Hard to pick one standout performance. I think everyone involved really stepped up and were at the top of their game.

@dgarve

Жыл бұрын

Stevie Wonder. He's just so creative with melody and fun to listen to.

@cjpew

Жыл бұрын

And please don't forget Canadian contribution Tears Are Not Enough - so many Canadian greats in that one.

This is so unique and a good benchmark from that time because everybody of all the stars had their complete own style, personality and most of all their own energy they let through them speak.. great performance and overall vibe! Huey and Cindy hit the peak of the song.. just perfect - love them all.. 🤩

One of my all-time favorites of any era. So much musical and vocal talent together making one song.

I remember my high school history teacher said this about Band Aid and USA For Africa - “a song will not permanently end hunger in a nation - it’s the government of that nation itself “ meaning the government of Ethiopia was to blame for its biblical hunger crisis Both songs were only band aids not the cure (another behind the scenes info many people don’t know about )

@halweiss8671

Жыл бұрын

Whatever blame they must shoulder in all of this, the Ethiopian government wasn’t responsible for the drought.

@duromusabc

Жыл бұрын

@@halweiss8671 the Ethiopian government was responsible for the famine of the civilians , not the drought

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

He nailed it on the dot! THIS is why I’m not the biggest fan of these charity singles, even though they were undeniable hits.

LOL! Anyone could have replaced Dan Aykroyd😂this song came out in 1985 and I never get tired of hearing it,what a year!!!Aloha from Hawaii🤙🏽

Thanks for this, Professor. I wasn’t a kid then, but I loved music, and I loved those singers. I was blown away the first time I saw it. It’s still one of my favorite KZread videos to watch. Wish I could have been a fly on the wall watching all that was going on.

I also bought the album the day it came out, and yeah I think everyone was sitting there waiting for the premiere. Such a great thing for music, I’m proud to still own that LP. It doesn’t get much play but it represents everyone coming together to try to help.

I wasn’t a big fan of the song back in the day, but hearing it now it definitely had its bright spots. It’s hard to argue against a group of superstars coming together for a good cause. This is an entertaining episode, and I’d love to hear more of that interview with Kenny Rogers.

Adam…first, what a GREAT episode. I spent over an hour going through the comments and I profoundly hope you understand the impact you’re having! You’re a outstanding story teller, interviewer and chronicler at the perfect time. Just keep doing what you’re doing, stay organic and genuine. We love you for it! Cheers!

I have to say, man, I think it's incredible what your channel has become. I've been watching for years and I think it's awesome that you've been able to have these kinds of interviews. It's exciting to see you get to interview some of the legendary musicians that we revere so much. Congratulations and thank you. You're living the dream, brother!

Wish you could have interview Steve Perry for this one. In the "Making of..." video, if memory serves, he mentions something about the harmony happening with Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes. I'd love to know if there was more back story to that moment. Understanding Steve's passion for music, it would be great to hear what he remembers about that recording session.

I definitely remember how exited I was in '85 seeing this incredible ensemble get together. Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen were and still are my favorite performers, but I loved all the performers. A great song, but I definitely pick "Do They Know It's Christmas" over "We Are The World" as best ensemble recording. It stands the test of time.

Long time radio broadcaster here. I remember playing this song when it first came out working a small market radio station outside of Portland, Oregon. My dad, who had his own international radio show long before the internet, used this song on one of his programs. He also had a chance to interview Ken Kragen, one of the masterminds of making this song happen. Ken sent my dad a thank you letter for the interview and spreading the word about the song through the large international radio network that my dad's program aired on. Truly a wonderful time to be in radio alongside my dad's show. Great memories.

I think Willie Nelson knocked it out of the park with his vocals. I, too, remember when the album was released. Til today, I didn't know Waylon was on it. I was/am a Waylon fan. Looking forward to part 2,3....

My gosh, this is an amazing episode!!!! I feel like a better person having watched it. I'm an 80s kid, I remember when it came out, one of the few times my parents watched MTV. The African Famines were so bad. I heard that the issues in Ethiopia were caused by decades of scorched earth civil war. The charity concerts/songs/comedy shows of the 80s were such a beautiful outpouring of human kindness. We need it again, this world is so jaded.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Those poor Ethiopians were struggling so hard.

Legendary...... so glad to grow up in the 80's. We are the World was life changing for a young adult....that and Hands Across America. I was in line in Corona, California. We really did think we could change the world.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Hand across America! yes! How long were you there?

@TheSlowoldman

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock All day! We showed up early and stayed late, I think the actual event was about 15 minutes long if I remember correctly. We met a bunch of people! I was 20 and everybody there by us was close to our age, although there was an older couple (in their 70's) that was just eating it all up. We had a BBQ going after the actual event....so much fun and so honestly innocent and heartfelt. Lots of prayers said too.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard stories about Hands Across America! Even teachers at my school when they were younger were in the line.

Thanks for sharing this story. It's a great thing of getting all of those top stars and record such a memorable song.

I love your content! You are an excellent storyteller and your passion for music shines through each of your videos! Thank you for the memories, nostalgia, and entertaining information!❤

I have been waiting for this one, so well done. Love that you were able to get some new gems, such as the one where Kenny Loggins recommended Huey Lewis. Also getting Huey's reaction, priceless! The fact that so many talented musicians were able to get together, check their egos at the door, and produce such a monumental song, may never be duplicated. I was disappointed when I heard that Prince didn't show, despite being invited, and it has always dulled his shine for me. He was a musical genius, but because of that and some of the other stories out there, he was never one of my faves.

@chrisoakley5830

Жыл бұрын

SNL did a skit about Prince recording his own song in which he declared... I am the World.😂😳😃

@Amaryllis-4U

Жыл бұрын

I thought I read somewhere that he did offer to contribute a song to the album

@jamesmommy13

Жыл бұрын

@@Amaryllis-4U He did. The Professor even mentioned that in this video.

@Amaryllis-4U

Жыл бұрын

@@jamesmommy13 yes, I commented too soon (that’ll teach me to comment before watching an entire video🤦🏻‍♀️😊)

@jamesmommy13

Жыл бұрын

@@Amaryllis-4U LOL, I scan comments while watching too ;)

Yep, this has got to be one of the most famous charity singles ever, rivaled only by Band Aid. I love that so many celebrities participated in a noble cause.

@bobdavis4848

Жыл бұрын

Don't you mean Band Aid? Live Aid was a concert. Band Aid did "Do They Know It's Christmas?" I agree about the participation and cause.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

No kidding. Trina, what was your favorite moment?

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Three big events!

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Ultimately, I think Band Aid won my heart even more, but even I cannot deny that this was a legendary song and event, even though I believe that both songs were made primarily for US and not so much starving Africans, which screams vibes of elitism I just cannot ignore.

@montrealsports29

Жыл бұрын

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Why do you believe that both songs were made primarily for US and not so much starving Africans? And how does that scream vibes of elitism?

Adam, it's great that now you have so many interviews to fill this kind of thing out, God bless.

Just saw the title and have to say, “Wow! I’ve been waiting for this one!”

Prince definitely had his idiosyncrasies, but he also had to be in Texas the following night for a show on his Purple Rain tour, so that may have played into it, as well.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

There were a lot of theories!

@stevennations2

Жыл бұрын

​@@ProfessorofRock Do you think it may have been because Michael Jackson were competing with each other? Maybe Prince felt this was a "Michael Jackson Project". His competitive nature got the best of him. Who knows.....🤷‍♂️

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

That’s true.

My favorite was probably Steve Perry or Huey Lewis

Huey is right on about John Denver. What an unbelievable talent, singer songwriter.

Fantastic episode. For those of us who were alive at the time, it was a one of kind, epic experience. Looking forward to another episode on this song.

Waylon Jennings was supposed to be on the single as well, but he got into a dispute over the lyrics of the song and walked out on the sessions. A lot of people don’t know that

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

True.

@RBS_

Жыл бұрын

....WOWZA! ....but didja know about June Pointer, too!??? ....shhhhhhhhhh.....

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

To be fair, some of those lyrics are elitist.

@TonyLeadholm

Жыл бұрын

​@@RBS_Wait. What happened with my favorite girls from Oakland?!? I know they were in the chorus, and also were given their own song on the album.

@RBS_

Жыл бұрын

@@TonyLeadholm ...June's (Manager) Hubby (at the time) wanted her to have a Solo, so he jostled Quincy to give her one, and he got thrown out of the sessions...June went him him, causing Q to mention the line, "...leave your Egos at the Door..."...THAT'S why Ruth & Anita were wearing the sunglasses indoors, because of the situation....

I remember being in Africa in 1994 Rwanda while working for the Red Cross.❌ The land is still filled with famines plagues and mans cruelty to man. I would like to see 👀 this happen again! There's plenty of people in the world. 🌎 That could've used the money and help that the Ukraine is getting from America. Let alone my home America! Music does so much 😩 and means so much!

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

It’s just “Ukraine”. Not “THE Ukraine”.

@constipatedinsincity4424

Жыл бұрын

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I remember Mother when I said that before Smarty Pants. 👖 You knew what I was referring to.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

@@constipatedinsincity4424 Huh huh.

@nancywyatt821

Жыл бұрын

@@ProfessorofRock A woman who survived the famine was recently interviewed. She said the tons of flour that arrived was fine and white, not like they were used to, and the bread they made from it was also very different. They called it Michael's Bread, and it saved their lives. He is revered as a saint there, and they will never forget him.

“We are the World” hit me like “You’re the one that I Want” in the 1978. I just couldn’t believe that these stars were singing together. I was blown away.

USA for africa is the greatest talent of singers to have ever assembled for one song but for for me the voice or steve Perry as we all come to know him was just brilliant in that solo piece breath taking it will never be match in this lifetime ❤❤

Let's not forget "we are the old" on Married With Children inspired by this.Truly fabulous in its own right.😊

Yeah I suppose USA for Africa was a bigger supergroup than Band Aid. Band Aid had superstars, USA had Legends!

@swfcocs1

Жыл бұрын

The original is always the best lol

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

So true!

@markallen2984

Жыл бұрын

But "We Are the World" is such a terrible, cringe-inducing cliche filled song.... PLUS it was clearly so cynically motivated...with it's "day late and dollar short" bid for "me too" nobility. It was a mere copycat gesture, motivated more by embarrassed obligation than genuine sincerity. In other words, the American pop stars came together because they didn't want the British to make them look bad

@keefp07

Жыл бұрын

Hmm. Queen, led zeppelin, Phil Collins, may not be as many legends, but we still have the legendary groups too y'know! 😉

@JW...-oj5iw

Жыл бұрын

@@markallen2984 ... You are dead nuts on the mark, but the turd DID engender an absolute gem of a song featuring the best legendary rockers. Yes, I'm talking about We Are The Old, the far better version of We Are The World. If it doesn't ring a bell right away, think of Axl Bundy on the Ham Sandwich and Peter Noone telling about "oonlimited peanuts" in the first class lounge.

I hated that song passionately back then when it was released. Still hate it just as much.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Ah come on!

@sayrerowan734

Жыл бұрын

It's not the sentiment or the artist behind it I hate. The song itself is schmaltzy and saccharine to the max, and the radio and MTV absolutely overyplayed it to death. It was so ubiquitous, everywhere, all the time. Sorry, not sorry.

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t blame you.

This was fantastic. So great to get historical insight on legendary songs. Can't wait for the next parts. Great work Adam.

I love how these great artists give each other amazing compliments. They really did leave their egos at the door.

That was a horrible song and that was no supergroup. BTW, all the money from that, yeah, they bought the food and delivered it, but the warlords stole it all for themselves. Oh well.

"And there's not a close second" other than Band Aid who did it first and this group ripped off ... I mean, was inspired by. So why is "We Are The World" hated? Because it's disingenuous and arrogant. It's saying "Hey look at us, aren't we great?" And don't think the Brits get away scot free either, one of the biggest criticisms of Bob Geldof is he has lots of money (like most celebs) but keeps telling poor people to give their money. So three decades later, did these charity singles make any difference at all to Africa? Not to the people who needed the help, but that's just an opinion.

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

I didn't take it that way...

@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

Жыл бұрын

Right! The US is not all roses. We’ve done horrible things in the past, which is why I cannot separate this from the song itself.

I have so many memories about this song. I was a Senior in HS in 85, and upon Graduation I was in the Ohio State Fair Youth Choir where we would preform throughout the Fair at multiple locations. My favorite story concerning We are the World would be going with some of my Choir members to see the Great Comedian/Impressionist Rich Little. After the show We went back stage to meet him, and when he found out who We were he got Us all singing this song. The best part is that he was doing his impressions throughout the whole song! This memory will live in my heart until the day I die, and then some!! What a Great time to be alive it was in the Mid 80's!!!

You said it best, Professor. Music really can change the world. And to get that many music icons in the same room without egos getting in the way! It was a different time indeed.

Hate that song

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Even the performances?

My parents got me the making of video and I lost count of how many times I sat and watched it. I was still pretty young back then so I didn’t realize just how much greatness was in that room until several years later.

A true once in a lifetime event !!! I knew it then and still believe it today !!! That will be duplicated and I’m am so thrilled to have been alive to see and hear it !!! 😊

I bought the 45 back then, and I still love that song.

THANK YOU and PLEASE!!! LOL I Thoroughly enjoyed this deep dive into “We Are The World.” part 1! I SO SO SO looking forward to part 2 and 3!😁

I've said it many times, thank you for documenting this for us and future generations.

This might be my favorite video of yours. The trivia you include is awesome!

Thank you for doing this episode. ❤I love this song for so many reasons! Everything about it is just so AWESOME😍.

Wonderful job with this one Professor. I so enjoy you video, keep up the good work

And its made even greater by your interveiws and the history that only the Professor can paint such a beautiful picture of an monumental night in music history

Excellent blend of interviews, facts and opinions. Thank you!

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

This song was released just over two months before I would graduate high school, smack dab in the middle of the greatest decade of my memory. You better believe this song, which I don't hear too often on the radio today, takes me back to that time; if only for a few minutes. Thanks for the deep dive into its making and I eagerly await part two!

@robersonclan4879

Жыл бұрын

@Official_professor_rock--_ Just saw this; been off YT for a couple of days. Would love to talk!

Hey Adam! This is my favorite episode youve done so far! And there have been many. Thanks!

Very Cool, thank you so much for brining this together for us- this was the ultimate 80's pop super group

@ProfessorofRock

Жыл бұрын

You bet!

Man, I just discovered your channel and what a great song to lead off with. This is indeed iconic. Love your content and keep it coming.

Wow! Huey got the nod because Prince didn't show up. Amazing! Because Huey killed it!!!