On Tuesday (Jan 9), Netflix unveiled the trailer for The Greatest Night in Pop, a new documentary chronicling the complicated writing and recording process behind crafting “We Are the World” through the eyes of several musicians who lived it: Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Shiela E and more.
The Bao Nguyen-directed film utilizes both archival footage and new interviews to tell the story of how Harry Belafonte enlisted Richie, 74, and Michael Jackson to write the benefit anthem to raise funds for African famine relief.
In total, 46 pop stars came together to record the groundbreaking, “We Are the World”, including Stevie Wonder, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Sheila E., Diana Ross, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, The Pointer Sisters and, Hall & Oates.
The charity single, released March 7, 1985, went on to sell more than 20 million copies. The more than $75 million raised by non-profit organization USA for Africa helped to fight poverty on the continent.
“A great song lasts for eternity,” said Quincy Jones, who produced the track. “I guarantee you that if you travel anywhere on the planet today and start humming the first few bars of that tune, people will immediately know that song.”
The Greatest Night In Pop is set to premiere on Netflix on Monday, January 29th, just in time for the single’s 39th anniversary. You can view the film’s trailer below.