We Are the World

-

When I saw that Netflix was going to do a documentary on the making of the song, ‘We Are the World’, I basically started counting down the days.

Man, it’s worth it…

…was as great as I thought it would be.

I was a senior in college when the song hit the world. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the song and watched the video for the first time.

I was blown away by the group of talented musicians who came together to sing the song in an effort to raise money for starving people in Africa.

Just an overwhelming, beautiful song and almost 40 years later, I still can’t believe they pulled it off.

The documentary showed some of the artists here in 2024.

They spoke of how they were a bit nervous.

Bob Dylan looked like he wanted to crawl under the stage. Huey Lewis explained that he didn’t feel he belonged and that he thought his head might explode.

Bruce was just coming off a show from the night before and he wasn’t sure his voice would hold up.

They all nailed their parts.

I laughed when they showed Steve Perry hitting the high notes…

…they immediately went to 2024 Springsteen and he said:

“Steve Perry can really sing.”

Some of the artists have passed. Tina Turner looked so young, so did Paul Simon and Willie Nelson.

Thirty-eight years later, the lyrics hit me in the heart again.

Every radio station played that song, at the same time, all over the world.

I thought of life now.

“We Are the World?”

It doesn’t appear that we are.

“We’ve gone backwards,” Kathy said. “Imagine what half the country would say now if someone announced that they were going to send the money to starving people on another continent.”

Exactly.

It would go over like a lead balloon.

Compassion, empathy, respect, love…

…all seem to be in much shorter supply.

I hate to be cynical about it, but backs have been turned.

I decided not to dwell on the down side of it. 

Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson wrote a great song.

Quincy Jones produced the hell out of it, and all those great artists checked their egos at the door for one night…

…all in the name of doing something great.

It’s still possible.

Isn’t it?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more