USA FOR AFRICA COMMEMORATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
"WE ARE THE WORLD"
25年前の今日、この"We Are The World"が録音されたというＣＢＳニュースを観ましたが何とも感慨深いです。
初めてそれと意識したのはラジオ番組で松任谷正隆さんがＭＶを観て感激したと話されるのを聴いてからですが、私自身そのＭＶを初めて観たのは浜松駅のモニターでだったこと、このＬＰレコードをＭさんにプレゼントしようと購入したのですが要らないと断られたことなど、個人的にも想い出が多いです。
それが今や、このようにいつでも聴けるのですから。
Thursday, January 28, 2010 was the 25th anniversary of the recording of "We Are The World," the historic event that showed how the world's desire to help people in need could be harnessed into productive action by the efforts of artists in the United States and around the world. We want to express our gratitude to those whose vision, talent and dedication made so much possible on this date 25 years ago.
We especially note Harry Belafonte for inspiring the original effort to unite American artists in an effort to help the victims of the African famine; we owe a debt of gratitude to the genius of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie for writing the song and Quincy Jones for producing and conducting it; and we commend the efforts of Ken Kragen to turn what seemed to be impossible into a reality.
We learned recently that a new recording of the song is being spearheaded by Quincy Jones and others to help those in desperate need in Haiti. It is fitting that the anniversary should be marked by a renewed effort to help. Though sad in its necessity, it is appropriate for "We Are The World" to once again be the song that will become a singular vehicle to mobilize artists, people and organizations in a time of need.
While we had hoped to commemorate this anniversary by noting the progress and accomplishments enabled and supported by the original recording, we are gratified that others have seized upon the unprecedented success of the original event and will enable "We Are The World for Haiti" to again inspire and help a people in dire need of assistance. We applaud Quincy Jones as he prepares to take the baton in hand once again, asking a new generation of artists to 'check their egos at the door,' and re-record the iconic "We Are The World."
During the course of the rest of 2010, USA for Africa will be posting stories, materials and information on this website that relate to the 25 years of USA for Africa's work and the progress engendered by the more than $63 million it raised which supported more than 500 projects and helped millions of people in 18 countries in Africa along with educating tens of millions of people in the U.S., Canada and Europe about African needs and issues.
In the immediate aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, USA for Africa made a contribution of $10,000 to purchase 750,000 water purification tablets to be distributed in Haiti through Operation USA. Today, we are pleased to make the greatest gift we have to offer: The legacy and goodwill of "We Are The World" to those taking the lead in helping the Haitian victims to rebuild their lives.
http://www.usaforafrica.org/watw25.html
Quincy Jones to Redo "We Are The World"
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/28/entertainment/main6150778.shtml
Stars Gather To Cover 'We Are The World' For Haiti
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/01/ap/celebrities/main6162842.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;1
