Chart-topping and multi-platinum single “We Are the World” was released on this day in 1985

Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, award-winning and multi-platinum selling single “We Are the World” was released on this day 34 years ago.

The single was recorded by various superstar musicians known as the United Support of Artists (USA) for Africa on January 28, 1985, and it was off the eponymous album.

With one of its aims being raising funds to help famine victims in Ethiopia as well as help alleviate poverty in Africa, USA for Africa, through the single and album were able to raise over $75 million to champion the cause.

The single and album sold millions of copies worldwide and bagged four Grammy Awards in 1985 for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Music Video, Short Form and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.

A follow-up to the single was composed to raise funds for victims of the magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake which struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, titled “We Are the World 25 for Haiti.” It was released on February 12, 2010.

To take you back in time, Face2Face Africa shares with you the original video:

Watch the remake below: