Why Prince Skipped ‘We Are the World’: Unpacking the Icon’s Absence from the Charity Hit
Ah, the ’80s—a decade of neon leg warmers, blockbuster hits, and musical titans clashing in epic showdowns. Among the most notorious of these rivalries was that of Prince and Michael Jackson. Yet, when the star-studded charity single “We Are the World” was recorded in 1985, the reason behind Prince’s conspicuous absence was far more layered than mere rivalry. As it turns out, the artist famously known for his purple flair was more concerned about creative control than a feud with the King of Pop.
Let’s rewind to January 28, 1985. The American Music Awards had just wrapped up, and Prince was basking in the glow of three wins, including a stunning performance of “Purple Rain” that left audiences breathless. Ironically, it was this very event that set the stage for the recording of “We Are the World.” Quincy Jones, the legendary producer behind the project, had hoped to lure Prince into the mix, but the Purple One had a different vision. According to Susan Rogers, Prince’s longtime engineer, when approached by Jones, he asked, “Can I play guitar on it?” The answer was a firm no, prompting Prince to decline the invitation altogether.
It’s important to note that rumors swirled about Prince being too ill to attend, a story later debunked as a fabrication by his co-manager, Bob Cavallo. In reality, Prince was irate—not just about missing out on a charity event, but at the prospect of his band, The Revolution, being involved without his approval. “Prince was pissed,” guitarist Wendy Melvoin recalled, emphasizing that he didn’t want his band members attending.
Even Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World,” made a heartfelt appeal to Prince, stating, “We’re all down [here] waiting on you.” Yet, Prince remained unmoved, illustrating a classic case of artistic integrity clashing with collaborative expectations. Sheila E, a key collaborator and romantic partner, revealed that her invitation to join the supergroup may have been part of an attempt to coax Prince into participating. But alas, the plan failed.
Forty years later, the discussions around Prince’s absence from “We Are the World” continue to intrigue fans and historians alike. While it’s easy to paint the picture as a rivalry with Jackson, the reality delves deeper into the complexities of artistic pride and creative autonomy. In the end, Prince’s absence became just another chapter in the colorful tapestry of music history, leaving us to wonder how the collaboration might have turned out had he chosen to join the ranks of the luminaries gathered that day.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Access Hollywood, Alan Light’s book *Let’s Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain*
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