“We Are The World” remains one of the biggest-selling singles of all time. Nearly 40 years since its recording, Netflix is taking a look at the making of the legendary charity track.
Aptly named The Greatest Night in Pop, the documentary offers an in-depth account of the writing of “We Are The World” and the chaotic recording process that took place in just one night.
A number of artists that were featured on “We Are The World” sat down for new interviews for The Greatest Night in Pop. Among them are Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick and Huey Lewis. Additionally, various engineers and other production crew members recorded new interviews for the documentary, which features never-before-seen footage from the recording.
The Greatest Night in Pop hits Netflix on Jan. 29. Its trailer is below.
The Legacy of “We Are The World”
Simply put, USA for Africa’s “We Are The World” was a massive commercial and critical success. The single sold over 20 million copies and topped the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for a month. Additionally, the single won big at the 1986 Grammy Awards. Among the four categories it won were Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Producer Quincy Jones accepted the Record of the Year award on behalf of the many artists who participated in the recording. He said, in part, “I hope that this is the thing that you don’t worry about whether it’s hip or square to do. I hope it just becomes fashionable. And at any time that you are ready on that side, I know we will be, too.”
Of course, the song raised a lot of money for African famine relief. Including merchandise, “We Are The World” generated over $63 million in aid.
In 2021, “We Are The World” was one of 29 albums and singles added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.