‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ Review: They Were the World

The Origins of 'We Are the World'

In late 1984, Harry Belafonte, a singer and activist, was inspired and disturbed by the British charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” which featured a group of pop stars and aimed to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. Belafonte expressed his concerns to music manager Ken Kragen, stating that black people were not saving their own community. This led to the creation of “We Are the World” in 1985.

The creative team behind the song consisted primarily of black artists: Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson as its writers, Stevie Wonder (although uncredited) who played a pivotal role in the creative process, and producer-arranger Quincy Jones. The documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop,” directed by Bao Nguyen, chronicles how the project evolved into a star-studded, one-night-only event.

Behind the Scenes Anecdotes

While the making of the song was partially documented in its original music video, “The Greatest Night in Pop” provides new and captivating behind-the-scenes stories. One notable anecdote is Stevie Wonder’s impromptu idea to sing a phrase in Swahili, which caused country star Waylon Jennings to storm out of the session because Swahili is not spoken in Ethiopia. Cyndi Lauper almost withdrew from participating due to the doubts of her then-boyfriend, who believed the record would fail. Additionally, some interviewees reveal that Al Jarreau was under the influence of alcohol throughout the recording process.

Notably, Bob Dylan did not give a present-day interview for the documentary, but Bruce Springsteen did. Springsteen, known for his musical talent and insightful commentary, offers a passionate defense of the song, praising the vocal abilities of Steve Perry. As the room pays tribute to Harry Belafonte, Stevie Wonder improvises a clever and humorous song, adding further entertainment value to the documentary.

The Impact of 'We Are the World'

The documentary “The Greatest Night in Pop” sheds light on the enduring impact of “We Are the World.” Its success not only raised significant funds for charity but also highlighted the power of collaboration and solidarity within the music industry. The song brought together a diverse group of pop celebrities, transcending racial and genre boundaries. With its powerful message and memorable performances, “We Are the World” remains a testament to the collective responsibility and compassion of artists in using their platform for social good.