Unveiling the Untold Stories of the Legendary Charity Song

Prince's Unexpected Decline

In an unexpected turn of events, the Netflix documentary 'The Greatest Night in Pop' reveals an intriguing revelation about the legendary charity song 'We Are The World.' The documentary sheds light on the fascinating interest Prince had in being part of this iconic project. Despite being a prominent artist at the time, Prince declined to directly contribute to the song, leaving many surprised. Astonishingly, lyrics initially intended for Prince found a new home with Huey Lewis, a talented singer and songwriter known for his notable band Huey Lewis & The News. This unexpected twist added a unique dynamic to the creation of 'We Are The World.'

Prince in the Purple Rain video

Lionel Richie's Serpentine Surprise

The Greatest Night in Pop offers a captivating glimpse into the early stages of the iconic song's creation. Lionel Richie, reminiscing on the momentous writing process with Michael Jackson, shared a surprising encounter. As the foundation for the chorus of 'We Are The World' began taking shape, Richie was taken aback when he discovered Michael's pet snake silently coiled in the room. This unexpected encounter added a touch of intrigue to the creative process, leaving a lasting impression on the song's development.

The Greatest Night in Pop cast

Sheila E.'s Indispensable Role

The involvement of Sheila E., a long-time collaborator with Prince, brought an intriguing dynamic to the recording session of 'We Are The World.' Despite feeling that she was used to entice Prince to join the project, Sheila E. remained an essential part of the groundbreaking song's creation. Her unwavering commitment and contribution added a unique perspective to the recording process, making her an integral part of the historic song's journey.

USA for Africa recording We Are the World

Stevie Wonder's Empowering Influence

The documentary unveils a compelling moment in the creation of 'We Are The World' involving the iconic Bob Dylan. As the recording session progressed, it became evident that Stevie Wonder played a pivotal role in helping Bob Dylan find his footing in the bustling environment. Wonder's exceptional musical acumen and ability to connect with artists allowed Dylan to overcome his initial hesitation and deliver a memorable solo part, showcasing the collaborative spirit that defined the recording session.

Bob Dylan in The Greatest Night in Pop

The Journey to A&M Studios

The journey to A&M Studios for the historic recording session of 'We Are The World' was riddled with challenges. The documentary reveals the extraordinary efforts made by the members of USA For Africa to ensure their presence at the one-night-only recording session. From navigating award ceremonies to traveling across the country, the stars of the iconic song made remarkable sacrifices to come together and create a timeless anthem for a noble cause.

Lionel Richie in The Greatest Night in Pop

Diana Ross's Emotional Farewell

As the recording session for 'We Are The World' drew to a close, the documentary captures a poignant moment with the legendary Diana Ross. Despite her towering status in the music industry, Ross found herself overwhelmed with emotion as the magic of the night neared its end. Her heartfelt connection to the monumental project and the joy of meeting her peers added a deeply personal touch to the historic recording session, portraying the genuine emotions that defined the unforgettable night.

The Greatest Night in Pop

Waylon Jennings's Unexpected Exit

The unexpected departure of country singer Waylon Jennings during the 'We Are The World' recording session is unveiled in a new light. The documentary offers fresh insights into the infamous moment, revealing Jennings's disagreement with a proposal to incorporate Swahili lyrics into the song. This revelation sheds light on the diverse perspectives and challenges faced during the creation of the iconic charity single, adding a layer of complexity to the collaborative effort.

Johnny Cash smiling and posing with Waylon Jennings

Stevie Wonder's Missed Opportunity

The documentary unveils an intriguing chapter in the creation of 'We Are The World' involving the esteemed Stevie Wonder. Surprisingly, Wonder was initially approached to co-write the song before its inception. However, due to a delayed response, the opportunity passed, leading to the iconic collaboration between Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. This revelation adds a fascinating dimension to the song's genesis, highlighting the intricate web of connections and decisions that shaped its historic journey.

Stevie Wonder on Sesame Street

Paul Simon's Light-hearted Gesture

The documentary captures a lighthearted moment during the recording session of 'We Are The World' involving the legendary Paul Simon. As fatigue set in and the session extended into the early morning, Simon injected humor into the atmosphere, lifting the spirits of the weary supergroup. His humorous quip, aimed at brightening the mood, added a touch of levity to the intense creative process, showcasing the camaraderie and warmth that defined the iconic recording session.