ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Netflix documentary 'The Greatest Night in Pop' recounts the making of 'We Are The World'

other · 2026-04-27

A new documentary titled 'The Greatest Night in Pop' is set to debut on Netflix on January 29, 2024. It uncovers the story behind the making of 'We Are The World', which was recorded on January 28, 1985. This charity single, crafted by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, was produced by Quincy Jones and featured 46 music icons at A&M Studios in Hollywood following the American Music Awards. Harry Belafonte spearheaded the initiative, drawing inspiration from Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'. The song generated over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia, sold 20 million copies, and garnered 4 Grammy Awards. Interviews with Richie, Jones, Bruce Springsteen, and archival footage of stars like Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner are included in the documentary.

Key facts

  • 'The Greatest Night in Pop' documentary premieres on Netflix on January 29, 2024.
  • 'We Are The World' was recorded on January 28, 1985, at Hollywood's A&M Studios.
  • The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced by Quincy Jones.
  • 46 music stars participated in the recording session.
  • The project was conceived by Harry Belafonte, inspired by Band Aid.
  • The single raised over $100 million for Ethiopian famine relief.
  • It sold 20 million copies and won 4 Grammy Awards.
  • The documentary includes interviews with Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and Bruce Springsteen.

Entities

Artists

  • Michael Jackson
  • Lionel Richie
  • Quincy Jones
  • Harry Belafonte
  • Bruce Springsteen
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Tina Turner
  • Diana Ross
  • Dionne Warwick
  • Bob Dylan
  • Paul Simon
  • Bob Geldof

Institutions

  • Netflix
  • A&M Studios
  • American Music Awards
  • Band Aid

Locations

  • Encino
  • California
  • Hollywood
  • Ethiopia
  • Africa

Sources