The year was 1985 and the song is We Are The World. The legendary Lionel Richie found himself in a Hollywood studio, desperately trying to convince Prince to join the star-studded cast for the charity single “We Are The World.” This encounter would unravel a tale of rivalry and disdain between two musical giants, Prince and Michael Jackson.
The Midnight Frustration of We Are The World song
- Lionel Richie’s frustration as he tried to persuade Prince to participate in the iconic charity single.
- Prince’s reluctance, fueled by his shyness and aversion to the star-studded atmosphere.
The Jacko-Prince Feud:
- The subtle yet intense rivalry between Michael Jackson and Prince, born out of their burning ambition.
- The power shift after the success of Prince’s “Purple Rain” in 1984, leaving Jackson seething.
The Unlikely Collaboration:
- The only time Prince and Jackson shared the stage, orchestrated by James Brown.
- Prince’s memorable but embarrassing performance and the lasting impact it had on both artists.
Bad Blood Escalates:
- Quincy Jones’ attempt to bring Prince and Jackson together for a duet on Jackson’s “Bad” album.
- Prince’s open dislike for Jackson’s lyrics and the bizarre incident involving a gift labeled “Camille.”
Ludicrous Heights of Rivalry:
- The ping-pong showdown between Prince and Jackson, revealing the absurdity of their competition.
- Jackson’s private recordings expressing open hatred towards Prince.
Growing Dislike:
- Jackson’s increasing dislike towards Prince, evident in his discussions about their rivalry during the 2009 comeback planning.
- Prince’s guarded response to Jackson’s passing, performing a tribute but offering only faint praise.
The Legacy That Wasn’t Shared:
- Speculation about what could have been if Prince had joined the “We Are The World” sessions.
- Reflection on the enduring legacy of the charity single and its impact on the superstars involved.
In the silent night of their parallel lives, Prince and Michael Jackson remained destined to be apart, their legacies intertwined with rivalry rather than collaboration. As we look back at “We Are The World,” we can’t help but wonder if, in those quiet moments, Prince pondered whether the iconic song was the one that got away.
Behind the Scenes in 1985
The recording of “We Are The World” in 1985 was not all smooth sailing. While the world remembers the iconic charity single, there were moments of disagreement and disappointment behind the scenes.
Not Everyone Stayed:
- Stevie Wonder’s suggestion to add a Swahili phrase to the lyrics sparked creative debate.
- Waylon Jennings, a member of the chorus, dropped out, expressing discomfort with singing in Swahili.
- Ken Woo, the session’s filmer, recalls Jennings saying, “Well, ain’t no good ol’ boy ever sung Swahili. Think I’m out of here.”
Disillusionment for Sheila E.:
- Sheila E., excited about a solo, grew disheartened as her time at the mic kept getting postponed.
- Suspecting she was used as bait to lure Prince, her creative collaborator, Sheila E. decided to leave the studio.
- Despite the disappointment, Sheila E. reflects positively on her participation in the project.
Behind Sheila E.’s Decision:
- Sheila E. reveals her thoughts on the situation for the first time publicly in a documentary about “We Are The World.”
- The filmmakers, including Thuy-Anh Nguyen, share Sheila E.’s perspective on the experience.
- Sheila E. expresses no regrets about being part of the project, maintaining a positive outlook.
