Grammy award-winning artist Lionel Richie recently took a trip down memory lane as he reminisced about the iconic recording session of 1985’s ‘We Are the World’ with the legendary Michael Jackson, whom he fondly referred to as ‘a Martian’. In an exclusive interview, Richie shared his thoughts on the experience and the upcoming Netflix documentary ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’, which delves into the making of the charity song.
Having known Michael since he was a young boy, Richie had never collaborated with him until that moment. Reflecting on this partnership, Richie described it as an incredible experience, comparing their creative chemistry to that of basketball players who effortlessly know how to play the game. Together, they had to find the right words and melody to bring the song to life. Richie considered Jackson not just an artist, but a Martian – someone extraordinary and otherworldly in their creative abilities.
The Netflix documentary promises to provide viewers with an intimate look into the recording session of ‘We Are the World’. Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film showcases the star-studded night that brought together music legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles, Cyndi Lauper, Dionne Warwick, and Huey Lewis. Richie admits that managing the relationships between these talented individuals was a challenging responsibility. However, once they realized the importance of the cause and the impact they could make, the focus shifted from themselves to saving lives.
The documentary aims to capture the essence of that unforgettable night in music history, highlighting the talent and camaraderie that was present in the room. Richie reflects on how Ray Charles’ presence transformed the atmosphere and how they were able to bring together the right players. He emphasizes that the goal was larger than any individual egos, their united objective being to deliver a song that could make a difference in the world.
Stay tuned for the premiere of ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ on Netflix, where viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of ‘We Are the World’. This documentary promises to shed light on the collaborative effort, the incredible talent involved, and the impact this iconic song had on the global music landscape. It’s a tribute to the power of unity and the ability of music to bring people together for a greater cause.