Quote:
Originally posted by lostnfound117
Follow-Up: ’We Are The World’
With January 28th marking the 20th anniversary of "We Are the World," plans are underway to "recreate" the musical phenomenon that brought to together everyone from Bob Dylan to Ray Charles, Michael Jackson to Bono. Except this time, the lineup could be more like everyone from Usher & Alicia Keys, to Kanye West. It's called 'We Are the Future,'" and, rap star/producer Jermaine Dupri is behind the project. He promises to “try to recreate, follow in the footsteps of those who made a big record before, like Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie." "We Are the Future," the working title, is a new song--not a remake or reworked version of "We Are the World." Just like "We Are the World," "We Are the Future" will help raise money for children in "embattled countries" all over the world. The "We Are the World" effort concentrated on famine relief in Africa. Quincy Jones is also spearheading the new campaign—as he did 20 years ago. Dupri has floated names like Usher, Kanye West and Jay-Z as possible performers for the new recording. Presumably Jermaine’s gal Janet Jackson would also be involved. On Jan. 28, the 20th anniversary of its recording of‘We Are The World,’ organizers are working on getting to get the original song played simultaneously on radio stations across the world. A 20th anniversary DVD is due out Feb. 1. Sales will benefit the still-around USA for Africa. But this time out, the organization will focus on funding programs fighting AIDS in Africa, as well as hunger and homelessness in the United States.
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There is
NO WAY that they can "recreate" "We Are The World." Some things should
NOT be tampered with.
Just like they tried to "recreate" Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?" this song will be a flop. We are dealing with a new generation of adolescents and young adults. They are not inspired and moved to try and change the world. Young people today just seem lost and unconcerned with anything that won't bring them fame and fortune. I don't even think that the message will get across.
I can still remember to this day how "We Are The World" made me feel everytime I heard it. That song changed my life at the time and I still believe in the message. Will this "remix" have the same effect on people? I don't think so. It will just be another Hip-Hop/R&B collaboration. Where are the other big name, non-Hip-Hop/R&B performers to bridge the gap? What about Norah Jones, Linkin Park, Tim McGraw, U2, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and all the other performers that can reach a wider spectrum of citizens? What else do these performers plan to do besides drop a few lines on a hit record? Are they going to donate some of their OWN money? Are they going over to visit and volunteer?
I will be getting my anniversary copy of the DVD though! I want my students to check it out. Maybe it will inspire them like it inspired me.