One of the fastest-selling American singles of all time is getting re-recorded for a good cause. “The Hollywood Reporter’s” Showbiz 411 blog reports that Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie plan to update “We Are The World” to raise funds for relief efforts in Haiti. Jones and Richie — who were both integral to the original — are attempting to persuade artists to stay in Los Angeles after next weekend’s GRAMMY Awards for a massive recording session at the Nokia Theater on February 1st. To date, invited guests for “We Are The World 2010” include Usher, John Legend, and Natalie Cole. Showbiz 411 also predicts that big names like Fergie, Sting, Justin Timberlake, and Alicia Keys may also join the list. Proceeds from both the single and the video will benefit Haitian relief efforts.
“We Are The World,” written by the late Michael Jackson and Richie, was released in 1985. Jones and Michael Omartian produced the track that features performances from Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, and others. Next Thursday, January 28th, will mark the 25th anniversary of the song’s original recording.
Simon Cowell Planning To Release Haiti Relief Single
“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell is planning to release a charity single to benefit Haiti relief efforts. Cowell made the announcement on Thursday and is expected to recruit artists for the track who are signed to his own imprint. Two of the artists signed to Cowell’s label include Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis. Cowell made his announcement at the National Television Awards in London. According to Britain’s “Telegraph,” Cowell says about the track, quote, “I’ve got to get it together in 48 hours. I wanted to do something for Haiti, and we have a request from the prime minister to put a record together.”
