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March 1985

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Achievement · music
Lionel Richie co-writes 'We Are the World'

Co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones, 'We Are the World' assembled 45 of America's biggest recording artists and raised over $63 million for African famine relief. It became the fastest-selling American pop single in history and demonstrated pop music's capacity for humanitarian mobilization.

Events

  1. March 7, 1985
    Lionel Richie co-writes 'We Are the World'

    Co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones, 'We Are the World' assembled 45 of America's biggest recording artists and raised over $63 million for African famine relief. It became the fastest-selling American pop single in history and demonstrated pop music's capacity for humanitarian mobilization.

  2. March 7, 1985
    We Are the World Recorded and Released

    USA for Africa's We Are the World, featuring Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and many other Black artists among its 45 performers, is released and raises over $63 million for African famine relief. It is the fastest-selling American pop single in history.

  3. March 6, 1985
    Mike Tyson Begins Professional Boxing Career

    Mike Tyson makes his professional debut at age 18, knocking out Hector Mercedes in the first round. Trained by Cus D'Amato, Tyson wins his first 19 fights by knockout, setting the stage for the fastest rise to heavyweight contention in the sport's history.