Given the timing of my decision to start this blog, I decided that my first entry would be a tribute to one of Michael Jackson's many amazing creations. Say and believe what you will of his personal life - you will be hard pressed to find anyone who won't admit he was a breathtakingly talented man. Granted, this is less a song that changed MY life, than one that changed the lives of people around the world. But hey, this is a baby blog. I can do what I want until people start reading.
The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and was recorded in 1985 to raise money to end hunger and disease in Africa. "USA For Africa" actually doesn't stand for the United Stated, but rather for "United Support of Artists for Africa".
Many of the rockers who recorded disliked the song, and were vocal about it, but reportedly Bruce Springsteen refused to participate in the "revolt" saying, "I'm here to save lives and feed people, and I'm staying."
Speaking of the event and of the issue, Springsteen said, "Anytime somebody asks you to take one night of your time to help people who are starving to death, it's pretty hard to say no... There's all this senseless suffering in the world. Either you're tearing something down or building something up. I want to be part of the building process, holding back the flood a little bit."
In the end, the single sold more than five million copies within weeks, and was able to raise 200 million dollars for famine relief. The combined success of We Are the World and Do They Know it's Christmas inspired the infamous LiveAid concert in 1985.
"We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving"
I want to hear from you! Send me an e-mail with your story about a piece of music or literature that has had an impact on your life. Small or large, any story you have to tell. Music and books have the power to shape our lives, give us freedom, calm us down or rile us up. Get us through some of the hardest times we face, remind us of loved ones we've lost, our childhoods. What do you owe to your favorite piece of work?
Send your story to: morethansoundsandwords@gmail.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
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