Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the classic charity song ‘We Are The World’ during their downtime while recording ‘State of Independence’ for Donna Summer, Jon Anderson tells Noise11.com.
Jon Anderson photo by Tim Cashmere
‘State of Independence’ was originally recorded in 1981 for the Jon & Vangelis album ‘The Friends of Mr Cairo’.
Donna Summer covered the song a year later in 1982 and added a choir featuring Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, Brenda Russell and James Ingram.
“That day Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote ‘We Are The World’,” Jon tells Noise11.com. “When they were doing that album they stopped for a break. Quincy Jones was there. Quincy told me the story. He said ‘why don’t we sit down and write a song’ and they started singing ‘We Are The World’. It was kind of fun that they would do it at that moment”.
Jon Anderson will perform in Australia as a solo artist for the very first time for Bluesfest as well as sideshows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle.
His setlist will feature his many of his Yes classics including ‘Owner Of A Lonely Heart’ and ‘I’ve Seen All Good People’.
March 28, Brisbane, Powerhouse
April 3, Newcastle, Lizottes Supper Club
April 6, Sydney, Factory Theatre
April 10, Melbourne, The Corner
April 14, Adelaide, The Gov
