INDIANAPOLIS — One of the best-selling music singles of all time was released 35 years ago this month.
The supergroup USA for Africa released “We are the World” on March 7, 1985.
Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the single, and 46 recording artists recorded it on Jan. 21, 1985.
Proceeds from the song went to help with famine relief in Africa.
Former Channel 6 reporter Greg Todd visited a Peaches Record store where the single was flying off the shelves.
“I would say three out of every four customers is asking for that particular single at the moment,” said the store director. “This is probably selling more in one day than we sell of any other in a month.”
While the full album hadn’t been released yet, the record store was selling dozens of copies of the single for $1.98 apiece.
The song was also in high demand at radio stations throughout Central Indiana, including FM 97 WENS, which is now Hank FM.
USA for Africa included the following recording artists:
Dan Aykroyd
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham
Kim Carnes
Ray Charles
Bob Dylan
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof
Daryl Hall
James Ingram
Jackie Jackson
LaToya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Al Jarreau
Waylon Jennings
Billy Joel
Cyndi Lauper
Huey Lewis and the News
Mario Cipollina
John Colla
Bill Gibson
Chris Hayes
Sean Hopper
Kenny Loggins
Bette Midler
Willie Nelson
John Oates
Jeffrey Osborne
Steve Perry
The Pointer Sisters
Anita Pointer
June Pointer
Ruth Pointer
Lionel Richie
Smokey Robinson
Kenny Rogers
Diana Ross
Paul Simon
Bruce Springsteen
Tina Turner
Dionne Warwick
Stevie Wonder
