Twenty-five years after the original 'We Are the World' recording was organized to benefit the famine relief in South Africa, the resurrected song featuring a bevy of superstar artists -- Wyclef Jean, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Usher, and more -- is the iTunes top download.The original track -- co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson in 1985 -- featured more than 40 artists and was produced by Quincy Jones. Since its release on Feb. 12 with an accompanying music video, the redux version, titled 'We Are the World 25,' has held the Number One sales position on iTunes.
Wyclef Jean was recently in New York City for Sony's Make.Believe campaign and spoke about getting involved with 'We Are the World 25.' "I got the call from Quincy and Lionel Richie and they just told me that they needed me on the project and that all the proceeds would be donated to Haiti," Clef told the BoomBox from his Manhattan hotel room.
"It was just a surreal feeling for me, man. Here's a song written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson – both were huge influences on me growing up," Clef said of being asked to participate on the record. The Haitian-born singer has played an ambassador role for his country and has been a vital part in getting recording artists and the music community involved in the aide of Haiti during this time of crisis.
Before making his exit to hit the stage at the Canal Room, Wyclef shared his final thoughts on the recording session. "Being in the studio with Quincy Jones and seeing how he vibes, hears the music, and from Barbra Streisand, Kanye West, Will.i.am, Pink all contributing, was absolutely amazing for me as an artist. It's just like every generation has come kiss this man's ring."
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