The Greatest Night in Pop (Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis) – Thirty-nine years ago, the greatest collection of popular music artists gathered secretly after the American Music Awards to create the record, We Are the World.
This spectacular documentary on Netflix reveals never-before-seen footage of that magical night. In short, it was historic. Superstars who often can’t control their considerable egos worked for free to raise money to help solve the famine in Africa. The brainchild of producer Bob Geldof and artists led by Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones, USA for Africa launched a worldwide effort that galvanized the entertainment industry with humanitarian causes.
As important as those efforts are, this documentary zeroes in on this special night, the events leading up to it, and the interaction of these stars with each other. We learn how Richie and Jackson collaborated in the writing of the song; how the stars were recruited; what obstacles were overcome; and how the session went.
It is through the interviews with Richie, Huey Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Cyndi Lauper, Sheila E., Smokey Robinson, and others that we all become voyeurs. You’ll find out how some of the greatest singers/writers of all time were in awe of each other. Many sought autographs of their heroes. There is a tribute to Harry Belafonte that moved him to tears. Singing solos with their peers watching made them nervous. Plus, there was some competition … and some frustration. You’ll watch Bob Dylan struggle to find his place. Find out who walked out of the recording session and who was almost too drunk to sing his solo. Watch Quincy Jones herd the cats and Michael Jackson laying down his part alone in the studio.
This is a not-to-be-missed documentary for anyone who ever bought an album or listened to the radio. This is reliving your youth and yearning for a simpler time. Watching it provides a unique, fly-on-the-wall opportunity for the viewer. And you don’t have to buy a ticket to see it.