‘We Are the World’: Inspired by Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’

In 1984, the world was confronted with the harrowing images of the Ethiopian famine—a devastating crisis that saw over a million people perish due to severe drought and famine. The sheer scale of the disaster was shocking, and it galvanized people around the globe to take action. The humanitarian efforts that followed were unprecedented, but one of the most significant responses came in the form of music—an industry often seen as a vehicle for entertainment, now transformed into an instrument of change.

The global response began with Band Aid, a project led by Bob Geldof, the Irish singer and philanthropist, in the United Kingdom. Motivated by the dire situation in Ethiopia, Geldof and Midge Ure of Ultravox wrote the song ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ as a way to raise awareness and funds for famine relief. The track, recorded in November 1984, featured an all-star line-up of British and Irish musicians, including Bono, George Michael, Sting, and Paul Young, among others. Upon its release in December 1984, the song became an instant hit, raising millions for famine relief efforts.

But the success of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ was not confined to the UK. The outpouring of global compassion inspired American musicians to act. Lionel Richie, who had been deeply moved by the crisis, reached out to Michael Jackson, with whom he had previously collaborated. Together, they co-wrote the anthem ‘We Are the World’, a song aimed at bringing together artists from across the United States to raise funds and awareness for the famine. Quincy Jones, the legendary producer, was enlisted to oversee the project.

In January 1985, ‘We Are the World’ was recorded in a single night, bringing together an unparalleled group of 45 iconic musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Cyndi Lauper, and Tina Turner. The track was recorded as part of the USA for Africa initiative, and like ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, the song’s success was immense. Released in March 1985, ‘We Are the World’ reached the top of the charts worldwide and raised more than $63 million for famine relief, providing critical aid to those suffering in Ethiopia.

The two projects—Band Aid and ‘We Are the World’—were groundbreaking in their ability to use the power of music to unite people and inspire change on a global scale. While ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ was a catalyst for action in the UK, We Are the World expanded the movement to a global stage, with artists from both the East and West coming together to support a shared humanitarian cause.

Though they came from different parts of the world, both songs reflected a universal desire to alleviate human suffering, transcending cultural and national boundaries. The success of these songs in raising awareness and funds not only helped bring attention to the Ethiopian famine but also highlighted the potential of the music industry to make a meaningful difference.

Today, ‘We Are the World’ and ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ stand as enduring symbols of what can be achieved when artists unite for a greater cause. The collaboration between musicians and the global response to the 1984 famine marked a turning point in the way music could be used to advocate for social change, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations to harness their talents for good.

Also Read: A-ha’s ‘Take on Me’ and Its Connection to 1980s Synth-Pop

–Silviya.Y