MUSIC
Tina Turner is the 10th singer from the charity single ‘We Are the World’ to have passed away
A look at the other all-stars who appeared on the song who have passed away.
Tina Turner, better known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday, May 24, after an illustrious 50-year career that saw her release a number of hit songs with her captivating stage presence.
Her star power earned her a spot in the 1985 charity song ‘We Are the World’ by the supergroup USA for Africa, which consisted of 47 artists including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan, and many more.
The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and was produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian. The song was released on the album of the same name.
At the 1986 Grammy Awards, the song went on to win four Grammy Awards, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Music Video, Short Form.
‘We Are the World’ also won a People’s Choice award and one American Music Award.
Since the song was released, a number of performers on the hit song have passed away. Here’s a look at some of the stars that made the song a hit.
‘We Are the World’ singers who have passed away
Tina Turner’s death came just one month after Harry Belafonte passed away on April 25, 2023. Belafonte was the man who was largely responsible for putting together the ‘We Are the World’ project after he originally got the idea from the 1984 charity song by Band Aid ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’
Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters, which also consisted of June and Ruth, passed away in December 2022 at the age of 74. Her sister, June, passed away 16 years prior in April 2006.
Kenny Rogers passed away in March 2020, after James Ingram passed away a year prior in January 2019.
Al Jarreau passed away in February 2017. Michael Jackson, one of the song’s co-writers, passed away in 2009.
Ray Charles passed away in June 2004, and Waylon Jennings, one of the pioneers of the Outlaw Movement in country music, was the first ‘We Are the World’ singer to pass away in February 2002.