INTRODUCTION (easy as A B C) A) Be sure to begin with a great hook sentence.
B) Your introduction should contain historical context.
C) Be sure to include a clear thesis sentence leading your reader into your three body paragraphs.
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4 Points of Historical Context & Setting:
3. Gathering of Artists:
In January 1985, a group of 45 prominent artists came together in Los Angeles to record "We Are the World." The collaboration featured numerous well-known musicians from various genres, demonstrating a united front for a global cause.
4. Release and Impact:
The single was released on March 7, 1985, and it quickly became a massive commercial success. It raised over $60 million for famine relief, directly funding food, medical assistance, and other resources to help those affected.
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3 BODY PARAGRAPHS
4 Key Themes:
1. Unity and Global Responsibility:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Key Emotions:
Overall, these emotions work together to create a powerful message that resonates with listeners, encouraging them to reflect on their role in creating a compassionate and supportive global community.
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Key Messages:
By breaking down the lyrics, it becomes clear that “We Are the World” is more than just a song; it is a powerful call to awareness, collaboration, and positive action toward creating a better future for all.
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Conclusion
Summarize Key Points:
Briefly restate the main points you've covered in your essay (key themes, emotions, and messages).
Connect to the Present:
*see Roles of Artists in Social Movements - below for ideas
Call to Action (optional):
Encourage your readers to think about how they can contribute to positive change. This could be through volunteering, raising awareness, or participating in charitable activities.
End with a Strong Statement:
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Role of Artists in Social Movements:
1. Raising Awareness: 2. Mobilization:
The collective effort of the artists exemplified how music can mobilize and inspire action among the public. Their collaboration demonstrated solidarity and showcased the power of collective action in addressing humanitarian crises.
3. Cultural Influence:
"We Are the World" exemplified the growing trend of artists engaging in social and political issues. It set a precedent for future musical collaborations aimed at philanthropic causes, influencing other artists and initiatives around the world.
"We Are the World" played a crucial role in the 1985 famine relief efforts by raising significant funds and awareness while exemplifying how artists can come together to impact social movements positively. Its legacy continues to inspire humanitarian efforts within the music community and beyond.
LAGNIAPPE
Thirty-nine years ago, the biggest music stars in the world crammed into a recording studio in Los Angeles for an all-night session that they hoped might alter music history. It is still known as “The Greatest Night in Pop."
“We Are the World” was a 1985 charity single for African famine relief that included the voices of Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, Lionel Richie, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.
“It (was) a celebration of the power of creativity and the power of collective humanity,” says producer Julia Nottingham. “The amazing thing about the song is it’s such an inspiration for so many artists.”
There is a documentary that has recently been released that highlights wonderful behind the scenes moments.
Here are some special tidbits from the documentary:
There was a moment when the 40-plus superstars are asked to groove from their knees and stop pounding their feet on the risers, which was throwing off the sound.
Producer Quincy Jones tried to head off any hubris by taping up a sign: “Check Your Ego at the Door.”
In an interview with the AP at the Sundance Film Festival, Lionel Richie recalled that having Ray Charles there was helpful, since he was revered. The presence of Bob Dylan also helped neutralize any griping.
“We got the right players to come in. And then once we realized we were trying to save people’s lives, then it’s not about us anymore,” Richie said. "But to deliver that in one night? An impossibility.”
The documentary anchors the effort in the activism of Harry Belafonte, who had raised the alarm about famine in Ethiopia, and having him in the studio singing “We Are the World” was poignant.
The group — exhausted and giddy in the wee hours — also serenaded the legend with a spontaneous version of Belafonte's “Banana Boat,” with the lyrics “Daylight come and we want to go home.”
It is revealed that Loggins suggested that Huey Lewis replace Prince in the solos, right after Jackson. No pressure, right? “It was just one line, but my legs were literally shaking,” Lewis recalls in the movie.
The song co-writers Jackson and Richie were still working on it 10 days before the recording session on Jan. 28, 1985. Once in the studio, footage captures superstars — no assistants allowed — nervously hugging. “It was like first day at Kindergarten,” Richie says.
The decision to pick that particular night to record the single was made in order to piggy-back off the influx of music royalty attending the American Music Awards, hosted by Richie, who performed twice and won six awards. The cream of the cream then made their way to the all-night recording session at A&M Studios.
Lauper, who dazzled everyone with her vocal prowess, was almost a no-show. Her boyfriend counseled her to skip the recording because he thought the single wouldn't be a hit. But Richie told her: “It’s pretty important for you to make the right decision. Don’t miss the session tonight."
Nottingham, the documentary producer, isn't sure such a similar recording session with music superstars could ever happen these days, especially with ever-present social media and armies of assistants.
“It was very ahead of its time in terms of it being the '80s and technology. But I would hope it would serve as an inspiration for other artists to keep trying and do these things for great causes.”
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