Los Angeles, CA, United States (CNS) – Following the Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 31st, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie are planning to assemble a star-studded lineup of singers to record a new version of the Richie and Michael Jackson co-penned “We Are the World” to benefit Haiti.
According to Billboard, Usher, John Legend and Natalie Cole have already been asked to participate in the recording session, which also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the single originally released in 1985. Various Grammy nominees and attendees could also be participating in the project. Other names being passed around include Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Fergie, and Sting.
The original “We Are the World,” co-produced by Quincy Jones, helped raise over $63 million for aid in Africa and the US. The single included vocals from Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, among others. Proceeds from the new version would go to benefit Haiti relief.
Following September 11th, Jackson penned another charity single, “What More Can I Give?,” which was meant to raise aid for the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks. The track went unreleased but was later leaked online. It featured vocals from Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Usher, and Celine Dion, among others.
