Exclusive First Listen — ‘We Are The World’ Circa 2010

In 1985, a dream team of musicians consisting of 43 superstars gathered after the American Music Awards to record the song “We Are the World” as a fundraiser for African famine relief. The track, written by the genius pairing of Michael Jackson and  Lionel Richie with production by Quincy Jones, included vocals from Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Diana Ross to name a few.

It was released March 7, 1985 and found phenomenal commercial success, topping music charts throughout the world and became the fastest-selling American pop single in history. The first ever single to be certified multi-platinum, “We Are the World” received a 4× certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Fast forward to Monday night, just hours after The Grammy Awards and you’ll find Quincy Jones in the same studio he stood in 25 years prior where he re-recorded the song with over 80 stars like Bono, Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean, Lady Gaga, Usher, Akon and Jason Mraz. The new beneficiary is Haiti, with all proceeds going to various earthquake relief efforts.

To top off how special this track will be, Michael Jackson’s three children (Paris, Prince and Blanket) will be heard reciting a poem as the song opens. A UK insider told the media that, “They wanted to put a special message on the song – a message that echoes everything their father wanted for the world.” Michael’s sister Janet will be singing her brother’s parts on the remade version as well.

To say that this track hasn’t come full circle would be an understatement. Dozens of superstars across all genres coming together united to help in a time of need while simultaneously honoring the legacy that Jackson, Jones and Ritchie started 25 years ago — is simply tremendous.You can expect this remake to find as much, if not more success than the original.

Check out an exclusive first listen of the ‘We Are the World’ remake provided by MTV News below. To view exclusive photos of the recording event, click here.