A.R.Rahman in 'WE ARE THE WORLD' re-recording

A.R.Rahman in "We Are the
World' re-recording to raise
funds for Haiti earthquake relief
Source: CNN
February 2, 2010
Lionel Richie, who co-wrote the
first song with Michael Jackson,
organized the re-recording.
Lyrics, music updated from
African humanitarian-inspired
song from 25 years ago The
original producer, Quincy Jones,
used the same studio he used in
1985 Los Angeles, California
(CNN) -- Twice Grammy Award-
winning composer A.R.Rahman
was among dozens of recording
stars who converged on a
Hollywood studio on Monday
evening to add their voices to a
song they hope will raise
millions of dollars for Haitian
earthquake relief.
The lyrics and music are an
updated version of "We Are the
World," a song that raised at
least $30 millions for African
humanitarian programs 25
years ago.
Music legends -- including
crooner Tony Bennett and
Barbra Streisand -- stood with
newcomers -- including 15-
year-old Justin Bieber and
country artist Zac Brown -- in
the crowded studio Monday
night. Lionel Richie and the
original producer, Quincy Jones,
gathered "a diverse group of
contemporary superstar artists"
at the same studio used for the
1985 recording session,"
organizers said in a news
release. Richie co-wrote the first
song with Michael Jackson.
The production team includes
producer-musician Wyclef Jean,
producer RedOne and producer-
musical director Ricky Minor, the
statement said. The world
premiere of the new "We Are
the World" will take place
during the NBC network's
coverage of the Winter Olympics
opening ceremony in Vancouver,
Canada, on February 12, it said.
Both the song and an
accompanying video, shot by
Oscar-winning "Crash" director
Paul Haggis, will go on sale both
through traditional and online
retailers.
The original 1985 roster of
artists was packed with such
superstars that Jones placed a
sign above the studio door that
read: "Check your egos at the
door."
The roster of artists made public
by organizers includes: Carlos
Santana, Orianthi, Jennifer
Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Sugarland,
Adam Levine, Jason Mraz, Earth
Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, The
Jonas Brothers, T-Pain, Brian
Wilson, Justin Bieber, Nicole
Scherzinger, India.Arie, Julianne
Hough, Mary Mary, Melanie
Fiona, BeBe Winans, Mya, Tyrese
Gibson, Anthony Hamilton,
Raphael Saadiq, Gladys Knight,
Keri Hilson, Joel and Benji
Madden, Heart, Brandy, Pink,
Musiq Soulchild, Miley Cyrus,
Akon, Jordin Sparks, Celine Dion,
Rob Thomas, Katharine McPhee,
Jeff Bridges, Randy Jackson,
Patti Austin, Kid CuDi, Usher,
Will.i.am, Kanye West, LL Cool J,
Issac Slade (of The Fray), Snoop
Dogg, Nicole Richie, Trey Songz,
Ethan Bortnick, Taryll Jackson,
Taj Jackson, TJ Jackson, Vince
Vaughn, Drake, Freda Payne,
Faith Evans, Robin Thicke,
Rashida Jones, Barbra Streisand,
Jimmy Jean Louis, Enrique
Iglesias, Zac Brown, Lil Wayne,
Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Sean
Garrett, Harry Connick Jr., Al
Jardine, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
(Bizzy Bone) and A.R.Rahman