Forty years ago, ‘We Are the World,’ by the Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie-helmed supergroup USA for Africa, was released to the public, raising $80 million for Ethiopian famine relief and other humanitarian causes.
Richie revealed in a 2022 interview that Bob Dylan was having a nervous breakdown during the historic 1985 recording session of “We Are the World.”
Dylan’s participation in the charity single was a departure from his usual solitary nature, driven by a desire for a hit and a career move.
Dylan’s discomfort and stress during the recording session were evident as he struggled with the lyrics and his performance, leading to a moment of self-consciousness and self-deprecation.
Stevie Wonder’s impersonation of Dylan and the encouragement from Richie and Quincy Jones helped Dylan overcome his nerves and deliver a satisfactory performance, leading to a touching moment of genuine smile from Dylan.
