[Sharon007]

Michael Jackson's Influence Lives On In 'We Are The World' Remake

Janet Jackson will represent her brother in new version of the song he co-wrote.

A number of today's biggest stars gathered on Monday night to record "We Are the World — 25 for Haiti," the classic 1985 charity single re-imagined as a benefit for earthquake relief. Though song co-writer Michael Jackson passed away last summer, his presence was most definitely felt in the studio, where fellow co-writer Lionel Richie and producer Quincy Jones had assembled more than 80 singers, rappers and actors for the new version.

To make sure that listeners feel his presence too, Janet Jackson will be representing her brother in the new recording. "She's doing Michael's part in the middle the same part Michael did," Jones told the press. "She's representing Michael."

Many of those involved on Monday said MJ's part in the original will always remain their favorite. "My favorite part of the song — it would be the bridge [when Michael comes in]," said Mya, who hinted that Jackson's voice might make it onto this version too. "I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to share. ... We do hope [to have Michael's voice on the track]."

"I was not born yet, but the song has had a huge impact on me," Jordin Sparks said. "And I've always loved Michael's love for the world and for the Earth and for other people and to help and give back."

Celine Dion, who paid tribute to Jackson at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, noted that by re-recording the song, they are not only helping the people of Haiti but also remembering the passion Jackson had for helping those in need. "In a way it was because of him I learned English. I had my posters in my bedroom when I was a young, young kid," she recalled. "The atmosphere [in the studio] is amazing. People are very touched to be there. We're talking about somebody who was living through music and his passion was to try to help and change the world through his lyrics and what he was doing."

Akon, who worked on music with Jackson before his death, fondly remembered stories Jackson told him about working on the original "We Are the World." "The wild part about it, Michael used to tell me stories about making the 'WATW' song and then working with Lionel," he said. "I never thought I'd be in a position to be remaking it and actually be able to tell the story myself one day."

Richie and Jones were quick to point out that if Jackson were still alive, he'd want to be just as involved with the song as he was 25 years ago, though maybe in a different role. "I know it's hard to believe, but if Michael were, alive he'd stand behind the scenes," Richie said.

Learn more about what you can do to help with earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti, and for more information, see Think MTV. Visit HopeForHaitiNow.org or call (877) 99-HAITI to make a donation now.

Source: MTV

[MJackson News]

Artists Talk About Michael Jackson and The New Recording of We Are The World
In this video artists, Akon, Jordin Sparks and Celine Dion talk about the recording of the new version "We Are The World", Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. Original collaborators, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie decided to ask a new generation of artists to rerecord the song to benefit those in Haiti. The original "We Are The World" was recorded 25 years ago and was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie with Quincy Jones producing the recording. The original recording generated over $30 Million to help impoverished people in Africa.

MTV Shows

Source: The Official Michael Jackson Site

[Sharon007]

I just hope they don't ruin the song I like the original.

[MJackson News]

Richie, Jones honor Jackson in 'We Are the World'

LOS ANGELES – The late Michael Jackson has a prominent role in the revamped version of "We Are the World."

Lionel Richie, who wrote the original charity anthem with Jackson, says the King of Pop can be seen in the new video for the track, singing with his sister Janet.

"We left the original footage of that part, but now he is singing with his sister," Richie said.

"It's something we wanted to see, but his mother requested it too, for Janet to sing with Michael," said Quincy Jones, who produced the original track and helped orchestrate the re-recording. "It was perfect. It was meant to be."

The video is set to make its debut Friday during coverage of the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics. "We Are the World — 25 for Haiti" features 80 artists, including Pink, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson.

Proceeds from sales of the song will benefit earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti.




Source: AP

[magic]

somehow it's seems wrong to say it was meant to be. Michael died and now he is kind of singing with Janet from the grave... It would be meant that to be if he would sing it with Janet alive.

[magic]

[Eriny]

Just watched the video... I like it. I'm not disappointed at all. I like the different sound, the voices blend really good and you can see that people really mean what they are singing. It was so emotional that I cried... Because it's MIchael's song and he was and wasn't there at the same time. I have to say that I'd preferred Michael not to be seen and heard in the video. Just because here it's another generation, another situation... I don't know how to explain. The previous "We Are The World" is the REAL song, this one is a great remake that everyone can recognize thanks to Michael. I appreciate both of them.

The lyrics were changed: where can I read them?
And I'd like to put the names on some faces... Of course, I recognized Celine Dion, Barbara Straizand, Enrique Iglesias, Justin Bieber, Pink, Fergie, but the rest - there are too many faces I've maybe seen somewhere but don't know who they are...

[magic]

I didn't like the version, especially the rap part. Why do they even thought adding rap will make the song cool? But at least they left Michael in the song and the video which I wanted.

But I never liked when somebody made covers of Michael's songs anyway. At least I don't remember liking the covers.

I also didn't feel the emotions in the song at all as you felt. I didn't cry. Some voices were very computer like. Although I liked Celina Dion's part but it could be cause she had very similar voice as Cindy Lauper whose parts I like. I feel more the original song.


Check these sites :lol
http://rappersiknow.com/
http://illdoctrine.com/

[Sharon007]

I loved the original it was very special and unique at the time. Also Michael was on it along with some other great artists like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. But there will always be remakes I didn't like the newer versions of Do They Know Its Christmas. At the end of the day its for a good cause and I hope they raise allot of money for it. I bought the song online after watching the video and I hope people people did the same. I thought it was great that they included Michael and had Janet in it too. Did you guys see 3T in there I noticed them also.

[30 thousand faces]

hm.. what can I say.. I didn't like it. Especially that rap part.. Pain for my ears, actually.
But it's very good, that this helps to raise money. That's the good one. :)

[Sharon007]

There is a guy on You Tube giving out about the song he says Quincy Jones ruined the song. I still prefer the original though:

[Eriny]

magic, on 13 February 2010 - 09:23 AM, said:

I didn't like the version, especially the rap part. Why do they even thought adding rap will make the song cool? But at least they left Michael in the song and the video which I wanted.
But I never liked when somebody made covers of Michael's songs anyway. At least I don't remember liking the covers.
I also didn't feel the emotions in the song at all as you felt. I didn't cry. Some voices were very computer like. Although I liked Celina Dion's part but it could be cause she had very similar voice as Cindy Lauper whose parts I like. I feel more the original song.
Check these sites :lol
http://rappersiknow.com/
http://illdoctrine.com/

I can agree for the "electronic voices" part - it seemed a bit strange. And a black man who was singing in haitian (?) language. But the rap part was pretty cool! It gives a modern touch to the song.
I think sometimes covers are even better than original song. I'm not saying it about WATW because I feel these songs were meant to be different although created with one purpose - to help a nation in need.

So I think Michael's song is not spoiled, I see the new version rather as a respectful gesture to him. Also because his part was kept in it. Even if I don't feel like it had to be there.

[magic]

Quote

But the rap part was pretty cool! It gives a modern touch to the song.

You loved the rap??? omg, everyone hates it :lol even rap fans lol I don't like they added rap just to be modern. Sometimes it's just ruins the song :o When I heard that rap I facepalmed my face and said "omg, what have they done?" :rolleyes

Quote

I think sometimes covers are even better than original song.

yes, I agree. I like some covers better than original songs. But it's not with Michael's songs. In my opinion, everybody just destroys Michael's songs. I am not talking about the boy in Britain Gets Talent singing Who's Loving You. I am talking about professional music business.

[magic]

Erini, you wanted the lyrics and the names. Here they are :)


[Justin Bieber]
There comes a time
When we head a certain call
[Nicole Scherzinger & Jennifer Hudson]
When the world must come together as one
[Jennifer Hudson]
There are people dying
[Jennifer Nettles]
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
[Josh Groban]
We can’t go on
Pretending day by day
[Tony Bennet]
that someone, somehow will soon make a change
[Mary J Blige]
We are all a part of
God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

[Chorus]
[Michael Jackson]
We are the world
We are the children
[Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson]
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
[Barbra Streisand]
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

[Miley Cyrus]
Send them your heart
So they’ll know that someone cares
[Enrique Iglesias]
so there cries for help
will not be in vein
[Nicole Scherzinger]
We can’t let them suffer
no we cannot turn away
[Jamie Foxx]
Right now they need a helping hand
[Wyclef Jean]
Nou se mond la
We are the Children
[Adam Levine]
We are the ones who make a brighter day
so lets start giving
[Pink]
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
[BeBe Winans]
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

[Michael Jackson]
When you’re down and out
There seems no hope at all
[Usher]
But if you just believe
There’s no way we can fall
[Celine Dion]
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change can only come
[Fergie]
When we stand together as one

[Chorus - All]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
[Nick Jonas]
Got to start giving
[All]
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
[Toni Braxton]
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me
[Mary Mary]
We are the world
We are the children
[Tony Bennet]
Its for the children
[Isaac Slade]
We are the ones who make a brighter day
[Toni Braxton]
So lets start giving

[Lil Wayne]
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

[Chorus - All]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
[Akon]
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we make a better day
Just you and me

[T-Pain]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
[Jamie Foxx imitating Ray Charles]
Choice were making
saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

[Rap - LL Cool J, Will-I-Am, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz]
We all need somebody that we can lean on
when you wake up look around and see that your dreams gone
when the earth quakes we’ll help you make it through the storm
when the floor breaks a magic carpet to stand on
we are the World united by love so strong
when the radio isn’t on you can hear the songs
a guided light on the dark road your walking on
a sign post to find the dreams you thought was gone
someone to help you move the obstacles you stumbled on
someone to help you rebuild after the rubble’s gone
we are the World connected by a common bond
Love the whole planet sing it along

[Chorus - All]

[Kanye West]
Everyday citizens
everybody pitching in

[Singing - Children & Wyclef Jean]
Nou se mond la
nou se timoun yo

[Will-I-Am]
You and I
You and I
[Kanye West]
Uh, 12 days no water
wishing will to live
[Will-I-Am]
we amplified the love we watching multiply
[Kanye West]
Feeling like the Worlds end
we can make the World win
[Will-I-Am]
Like Katrina, Africa, Indonesia
and now Haiti needs us, the need us, they need us

[Chorus - All]
[Wyclef Jean]
Haiti, Haiti, Ha, Ha, ha, ha, ha
Haiti, Haiti, Ha, Ha, ha, ha, ha
Haiti, Haiti, Ha, Ha, ha, ha, ha

[magic]

Jay-Z wanted no part in We Are The World remake

Rap superstar Jay-Z turned down the opportunity to join Quincy Jones' star-studded remake of We Are The World - because he didn't want to touch the classic.

The Empire State of Mind hitmaker was personally invited by Jones to take part in the charity single, but, while he is supportive of the cause, he decided against it because he considers the track to be musically "untouchable" - like the King of Pop's Thriller.

Jay-Z tells MTV.com, "We Are the World is like Thriller to me. I don’t ever wanna see it touched.

"I’m a fan of music. I know the plight and everything that’s going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts: (Millions have been raised) through text (donations) to Haiti. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but ‘We are the World is (musically) untouchable like Thriller is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it’s gonna be untouchable."


http://www.kimt.com/...QSsagjmRSw.cspx

[magic]

^ exactly! Many times in my mind I compared it with as classic as Thriller is. I would never want it to be changed

[Eriny]

magic, on 15 February 2010 - 10:50 PM, said:

Erini, you wanted the lyrics and the names. Here they are :)

Great! :giddy Thank you!
Got to find a moment to re-listen to the song and to hum with the lyrics...

[Sharon007]

Eriny, on 14 February 2010 - 05:24 PM, said:

But the rap part was pretty cool! It gives a modern touch to the song.

I agree seeing all those kind of "cool" rap people singing their hearts out for people in need, it's just a rare these days and gives a lot of freshness to it. It's all thanks to our sweet Michael, he would be proud he loved new sounds!

[magic]

Sharon007, on 16 February 2010 - 09:23 PM, said:

I agree seeing all those kind of "cool" rap people singing their hearts out for people in need

just an innocent question :) it really seemed for you they rapped their hearts out?

I wonder what ppl would say if these rappers would rap on Mozart or Tchaikovsky. There are some classics that shouldn't be rapped on, imo lol

[Sharon007]

magic, on 17 February 2010 - 04:14 AM, said:

just an innocent question :) it really seemed for you they rapped their hearts out?

I wonder what ppl would say if these rappers would rap on Mozart or Tchaikovsky. There are some classics that shouldn't be rapped on, imo lol

Well to me I don't think it was wrong to rap on this song it gives a freshness to the song. Also there was a wide range of other artists on the song like in the original. I don't see anything wrong with the rapping on it. Its great to see those people get together for a worthy cause.