The song was released on March 7, 1985 as a single for U.S.A for Africa. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. We Are The World sold 20 million copies, all the money went to famine relief in Africa. The recording event brought some of the most famous music artists in the music industry at the time. We Are The World was awarded three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award. The song was promoted with a music video, home video, special edition magazine, books, posters, and t-shirts. U.S.A for Africa raised a total of $63 million for humanitarian aide in Africa and the United States.