Notes From The "We Are The World" Remake Session

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 02.03.2010

Who sang what and who was Tony Bennett excited to meet?

As reported earlier, tons of musicians gathered in L.A. with Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones to re-record "We Are The World", which will be released as a charity single for Haitian relief. Here are some notes.

* Celine Dion sung the part of the song originally done by Cyndi Lauper. Word has it Richie wanted her to rough up her vocals a little to make it more emotional.

* 80 artists were present, including Dion, Barbra Streisand, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Tony Bennett, the Jonas Brothers and actor Vince Vaughn.

* The session was held in Studio A of Jim Henson Studios, where the original "We Are The World" was made.

* The song opens with Justin Bieber singing Richie's original lines, "There comes a time when we heed a certain call, when the world must come together as one."

* According to Celine Dion, no one knew what they would sing until they got there.

* Lil Wayne recorded the part originally done by Bob Dylan. When asked if he sung it better than Dylan, Wayne said, "Hell, no!"

* "I think we're all groupies," admitted Anthony Hamilton. "I think even Tony Bennett had a handheld - 'Oh my God, it's Lil Wayne!'"

* The remake includes a new "Greek rap chorus" written by Will.i.am. RedOne also helped produce.

* The whole session was filmed for some sort of video release.

* Janet Jackson recorded her vocal part yesterday in Atlanta.

* Josh Groban recorded Kenny Rogers' original part.