It became a recording session instead, following in the mode of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” which had hit the charts weeks earlier - but Kragen had less than a month to set up everything before the AMAs. Kragen says that USA for Africa was spurred by Harry Belafonte calling him up just before Christmas, wanting to do a benefit concert. (Other stars sporting the shirt include Al Jarreau and, for some of the night, Diana Ross.) Rogers was as big a pop-country star as there was in 1985 (but not yet a roasted-chicken maven) he was also a client of manager Ken Kragen, who handled Lionel Richie and was the driving force in recruiting talent for the session. The following year, however, he released the career-defining Graceland.Ġ:53 Richie’s hand extends into the frame, cueing Kenny Rogers, who’s wearing a USA for Africa sweatshirt like he’s a particularly big fan of the group. In 1985, Simon hadn’t had a hit in years it looked like he might not have much left in the tank other than perpetual cameo appearances on Saturday Night Live. With his jacket and his plaid shirt, he’s setting the fashion template for Rivers Cuomo’s entire career. Follow me!” Wonder took Charles by the hand and led him down the hall to the appropriate door, while the other stars watched gobsmacked at the blind literally leading the blind.Ġ:41 Paul Simon takes over on “oh, it’s time to lend a hand,” clutching the sheet music. According to Richie, during a break from recording, when Ray Charles asked where the bathroom, Wonder said, “I’ll show you where it is, Ray. Wonder was originally supposed to be Richie’s cowriter, but Quincy Jones knew Wonder was busy making an album ( In Square Circle), so he suggested Michael Jackson instead. No longer the unstoppable commercial powerhouse he was in the Seventies, Wonder was still a force on the charts in 1985: “Part-Time Lover” would hit Number One later in the year. ![]() During rehearsals, Wonder flubbed a note, and Richie joshed him, “Stevie messed up? Is that legal?” They decided to blame it on his alter ego, Eivets Rednow. ![]() ![]() 0:31 Stevie Wonder steps up to the microphone to harmonize with Richie.
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