For no reason, I will now provide a shot for shot commentary of the “We Are the World Video”. There was a lot going on, and even for those very familiar with both the song and video, still some surprises along the way. Thread 1/18

First thing, I always forget that the project was titled “USA For Africa.” The video starts with very 1985 graphics that are as expected. We open with writer Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder, who shows up at the end of course. 2/18

Paul Simon and Kenny Rogers are next up. Kenny one of the few actually sporting a USA For Africa shirt, and really selling the moment even though it’s obvious lip syncing. Paul Simon just happy to not be with Garfunkel. 3/18

Next up James Ingram, Tina Turner and Billy Joel. Tina totally cool. Billy kind of goofy, but, you know. James Ingram has a really nice reprise at the end too. Billy Joel extremely early on the beard craze too. 4/18

Miles away in some hyperbaric chamber, Michael Jackson. Too special to be near anyone else. Michael gets the entire chorus. This the iconic marching band jacket, rhinestone be-gloved, sequined socks, Michael Jackson. Had he stopped changing his look right here... who knows 5/18

Diana Ross comes in and is superimposed with Michael Jackson, because no one is allowed near Michael Jackson. 6/18

Twitter’s Aunt, Dionne Warwick, next up with a short haired(!) Willie Nelson, and the overly expressive Al Jarreau. Al Jarreau in the top bad lip syncing category. Not even close. 7/18

Here… comes... THE BOSS, BRUCE. He gets almost a full chorus, but as a man of the people, he is actually in the same room as everyone else. Bruce very soulful here. Kenny Loggins, of every massive 80s movie soundtrack (DANGER ZONE ANYONE???), joins in, laid back. 8/18

Steve Perry comes in to remind everyone of the real voice of Journey. What a voice… Daryl Hall rounds out the chorus. Oates… not so much. 9/18

Back to MJ for the bridge. Then a really nice section by Huey Lewis, who has always had an underrated voice IMHO. 10/18

And then… Cyndi Lauper comes in to absolutely and utterly blow the roof off of this song. Girl kills it, and everyone knows it. In a room full of 80s SUPERstars, she destroyed. Undeniable talent. Let’s be honest, this is the part everyone waits for. 11/18

Kim Carnes gets to sing “when we” as a solo. At least she got “when we.” Oates didn’t get a “when we.” I would have killed for a “when we.” 12/18

Now let’s go to the wide chorus shots, and here is where things get weird. There are 10-12 lesser Jacksons scattered about. Sheila E’s entire band might be there too. Prince probably sent them and said “Make sure they know I’m not coming. Tell them, Prince isn’t coming.” 13/18

Then comes Bob Dylan with a ridiculously long segment. I understand his status in the music pantheon, but there were other people in attendance (Pointer Sisters, etc.) who I would rather have heard from, honestly. 14/18

AND THEN… it happens. The shock everyone experiences starting at 4:07. “Is that… Dan Akroyd?... OH MY GOD, IT’S DAN AKROYD!!! WHY???" It's jarring and disorienting. I want an entire documentary of just Dan Akroyd’s experience that day. 15/18

Ray Charles helps to bring things home, with that rich, incredible voice of his. Here, it starts to sound like gospel. 16/18

Next up is the Stevie Wonder/Bruce sing-off, and it’s old Motown soul versus NJ thunder road. This is pretty great, but goes on longer than I ever remember. 17/18

Thumbs up from Lionel as we close out. They say only Quincy Jones could have pulled off wrangling the egos and personalities to pull this off. They cured world hunger and put out a nice song. All in all, nice to see people believing that they could make difference. 18/18