Explaining Madonna and Prince's Absence from 'We Are the World' 1985

On January 28, 1985, a collective of music's biggest stars came together to record 'We Are the World,' a song that would become a global anthem for compassion and change. Surprisingly, two prominent figures of the era, Madonna and Prince, were not part of this iconic event. The story behind their absence has now been detailed by Bao Nguyen, director of the 'We Are the World' documentary titled 'The Greatest Night in Pop.'

Why Madonna Wasn't Included

In a candid discussion, Bao Nguyen revealed the thought process that led to the decision not to include Madonna in 'We Are the World.'

Producer Ken Kragen and his team, including Harriet Sternberg, had to make tough choices about which artists to feature. Sternberg had suggested Madonna, but Kragen felt Cyndi Lauper filled the role of the leading female pop icon of that time. They were seeking artists with unique voices who represented their genre, and it was decided that Lauper's voice was the preferred choice over Madonna's for this particular collaboration.

The Reason Behind Prince's Exclusion

As for Prince's notable absence, Nguyen sheds light on the situation through conversations with Sheila E., musician and a friend of Prince. Evidently, Prince was reluctant to participate because he felt uncomfortable in the group setting envisioned for the recording.

Sheila E.'s own experiences with the event were complex. Feeling used in attempts to persuade Prince to join the project, she opened up about the emotional weight of that time. Despite this, Sheila E. acknowledges the significance and positive impact 'We Are the World' had on her legacy.

Comparing Music Icons Then and Now

Nguyen also touches on the presence of music icons in today's world versus those nearly four decades ago. He wonders if modern artists can emulate the iconic status of performers like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross.

The director expresses concern about whether a similar project could materialize today, given the pervasive influence of social media, along with the complexity of aligning schedules of artists and their teams.

'The Greatest Night in Pop' aims to inspire the current generation to undertake collaborative efforts for a cause, despite the challenges they might face in organizing such events.

Marking a moment in time when music brought people together for a greater good, 'We Are the World' remains a potent symbol of unity and altruism.

Madonna, Prince, documentary