Jackson's "We are the World"
Remake proceeds go to Haiti
Jon Gerardi
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Unfortunately, it's not just because it's an anniversary.
With the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the island of Haiti this past month, the project of redoing the song quickly took a turn to help raise money for those in need.
Just like in 1985, an all-star cast of singers is going to be assembled into one sound stage for a good cause. The original song has raised over $63 million to date for humanitarian aid, including selling 20 million copies worldwide.
Hopefully the remake can do just as good for helping raise money for Haiti.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, numerous singers that attended the Grammy's were requested to stay an extra night to participate in the recording this past Monday at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California.
The original song starred 45 of the biggest names in music at the time singing verses including Michael Jackson, Dianna Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Huey Lewis, Cindy Lauper, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel and Kenny Rogers, among others.
According to Smokey Robinson, who was one of the backing vocalists of the original song, none of those that participated in 1985 will be returning for the new re-make.
The song is set to have over 70 of today's biggest and most popular artists along with some of the big names of yesteryear. Some of those who will be singing include Jordin Sparks, Kanye West, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Lil Wayne, Rob Thomas, Usher, Keri Hilson, 1970's funk band Earth, Wind and Fire, Brandy, Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg, Pink, Gladys Knight and Will.i.am.
Janet Jackson is rumored to be singing her brother, Michael's, verse. "The King of Pop" was instrumental in helping write and organize the original song with Richie.
One singer who will be more emotionally charged than perhaps any other is Wyclef Jean, who has already been active in helping raise money to Haiti, his home country. When Jean heard of the remake and was called to help, he knew right away he had to be involved.
"I'm gonna go put some Haitian-influence sounds on it," Jean told reporters Monday. Another Haiti native that is excited for the remake is "Heroes" star Jimmy Jean-Louis, who will be participating in the song.
"I was in Haiti to visit my parents and my friends and family, and what I saw there was just devastating, so I'm happy the world is coming together so we can rebuild Haiti," Jean-Louis told reporters Monday. "I'm very happy to be here [recording "We Are The World"], but very sad deep inside, because my country is completely gone. And hopefully, this is a great start to rebuild my nation."
The video and song will debut on NBC on February 12 during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, according to BBC News.
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