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"We Are the World" Signed Document Archive (11)
We are proud to offer for the first time an historic archive of eleven documents, all directly tied to the creation of the 20 million-selling single "We Are the World", a group collaboration that has raised to date $63 million for humanitarian aid to Africa and the U.S. The song, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, involved 43 soloists and extras, all conducted by Quincy Jones, and was released on March 7, 1985. Among the outstanding performers were Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and Kenny Rogers. By signer, the documents include: 1.) MICHAEL JACKSON (signed twice), 7pp. Los Angeles, Jan. 1, 1985, a legal agreement between Jackson and Lionel Richie wherein both parties agree that they will own an equal share in the song (which is named), that each will receive an equal percentage of all credit and income, that Warner will have the license and print rights, and that United Support For Artists For Africa will have the perpetual right to use the composition and video, and that all income that both parties receive from the song, video and other royalties, with minor exceptions, will be paid to the charity, not executed by Richie, fine; 2.) LIONEL RICHIE, 2pp. [Los Angeles], June 1, 1984, an inducement letter in which Richie seeks the services of fellow singer Diana Ross (a "loan-out) from her management company, nicely signed by Richie, paperclip stains at top of second page; 3.) STEVE PERRY, Journey's lead vocalist, his signed agreement with USA FOR AFRICA to perform on "We Are the World", 4pp., Los Angeles, "As of January 28, 1985" (the day the song was recorded), a release Perry signs with the understanding that: "...(100%) of the 'net proceeds' from the exploitation of the Master and the Special [vide shall be donated directly or indirectly to victims of the famine in Africa...some portion of such net proceeds...may be donated to the hungry in the United States..." Perry also allows all photographic images of him obtained during the recording to be used for any purpose benefitting the cause. Also signed by a CBS Records executive. Fine. The balance of the documents are essentially identical to Perry's and also dated the day of the performance, and include other important performers on the recording and video. Among them are Jackson's brothers JACKIE JACKSON, RANDY JACKSON, MARLON JACKSON, and TITO JACKSON, as well as Toto keyboardist STEVE PORCARO, vocalist and drummer SHEILA ESCOVEDO ("Sheila E."), SMOKEY ROBINSON (secretarial) and Song Administrator, mixer and audio engineer HUMBERTO GATICA. Important documentation from one of the most famous songs in rock history!