I can't imagine something like this happening today.
They created art that night, and we still appreciate it almost four decades later.
I can't imagine something like this happening today. Even if a producer wanted to make one with many current artists, it would all be made with modern software technology that would make it easier to dissociate from, as a music lover.
This behind the scenes account of how Harry Belafonte inspired Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones is warm and beautiful. Along with some personal commentary by many of the artists that participated in that recording. It all happened in one night. That too after the AMA evening.
Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson did a fabulous job with the music and lyrics. It is amazing how Quincy Jones and the crew were able to find the unique combination of singers to put together for the (half) verses.
In addition, Lionel Ritchie played the role of the pacifier in this group, that too on the same night he hosted the American Music Awards and won half a dozen awards. Getting together pop stars would be even tougher than herding house cats. But Lionel Ritchie proved to be a master of the art.
Also a big shoutout to Bob Geldof who set the tone by explaining to the artists why they were there and why the song was so important.
The raw energy that is present in the archival footage will be very hard to replicate. There's even a moment when two blind musicians, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, accompany each other to the restroom - like where else would you hear this kind of a story?
You can see that the artists cared for the cause; cared even more for the craft and had the admiration and respect for each other. This despite their differences in age, skin colour or accolades.
We listen to the finished product and go, 'Wow'! But to see how it came all together is an even bigger 'Wow'!
One quote from the show that brings a lump in the throat - Be happy when you come back home because one day there'll be no home to come back to ....(it'll just be a house).
I enjoyed it. And it makes me sad that we are at a stage that some of the icons have left or will be leaving us someday. Nothing lasts forever. But it was good while it lasted. I'm glad the song is with us and will live for eternity.
I can't imagine something like this happening today. Even if a producer wanted to make one with many current artists, it would all be made with modern software technology that would make it easier to dissociate from, as a music lover.
This behind the scenes account of how Harry Belafonte inspired Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones is warm and beautiful. Along with some personal commentary by many of the artists that participated in that recording. It all happened in one night. That too after the AMA evening.
Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson did a fabulous job with the music and lyrics. It is amazing how Quincy Jones and the crew were able to find the unique combination of singers to put together for the (half) verses.
In addition, Lionel Ritchie played the role of the pacifier in this group, that too on the same night he hosted the American Music Awards and won half a dozen awards. Getting together pop stars would be even tougher than herding house cats. But Lionel Ritchie proved to be a master of the art.
Also a big shoutout to Bob Geldof who set the tone by explaining to the artists why they were there and why the song was so important.
The raw energy that is present in the archival footage will be very hard to replicate. There's even a moment when two blind musicians, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, accompany each other to the restroom - like where else would you hear this kind of a story?
You can see that the artists cared for the cause; cared even more for the craft and had the admiration and respect for each other. This despite their differences in age, skin colour or accolades.
We listen to the finished product and go, 'Wow'! But to see how it came all together is an even bigger 'Wow'!
One quote from the show that brings a lump in the throat - Be happy when you come back home because one day there'll be no home to come back to ....(it'll just be a house).
I enjoyed it. And it makes me sad that we are at a stage that some of the icons have left or will be leaving us someday. Nothing lasts forever. But it was good while it lasted. I'm glad the song is with us and will live for eternity.
- dhunjiwadia
- Feb 7, 2024