Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie Remaking ‘We Are the World’ to Benefit Haiti
Legendary producer Quincy Jones is set to remake his 1985 hit 'We Are the World,' to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti. Jones will team with the song's original co-writer, Lionel Richie, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the record. According to Billboard, Jones has commissioned the help of big name performers like Usher, Natalie Cole and John Legend, and will record the single Feb. 1, at Los Angeles' Nokia Theater. Although the entire list has yet to be released rumor has it that Alicia Keys, Fergie, and Wyclef Jean will all lend their voices to the song.
The original track was written by Richie and Michael Jackson and was recorded for the Live Aid in an effort to raise money to aid poverty stricken countries in Africa. The song featured vocals from over 20 singers including Jackson and Richie, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Kenny Rogers, Ray Charles and Cyndi Lauper. It went on to become the first certified multi-platinum single, selling four million units.
This latest effort is just one of the many ways that celebrities have banded together to aid the victims of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti Jan. 12. One week after the catastrophic earthquake the country was hit by a 6.0 aftershock. More than 200,000 people are feared to be dead; many of their bodies are trapped under mounds of rubble and have yet to be identified.
Among the most vocal philanthropist has been Jean, who is a native of the country. Through his Yele Haiti organization, the Grammy winner raised over $1 million in just 24 hours by asking the public to donate $5 via text message. Additionally singers Justin Timberlake, Bono and rapper Jay-Z will perform on the 'Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief Program' which will air on several network and cable channels Friday (Jan. 21). Pop star Rihanna recorded a remake of Bob Marely's hit 'Redemption Song' which is currently available for download via iTunes, with all proceeds benefiting the country.