1980's Music Analysis

Before the 1980’s were over, Michael Jackson’s album, “Thriller,” sold over 40 million copies and became the best selling record of all time. In 1985, Jackson wrote “We Are the World,” after seeing footage of starving people in Ethiopia. The song had raised $44 million for starving people in Africa only one year after its release, a world-wide effort for relief in Africa inspired by Jackson transpired. Soon, many other artists organized concerts, wrote songs, and even albums to support the cause. In the 1980’s, the African hunger relief movement affected music and the punk to rock transformation. During the 1980’s, many artists wrote songs and albums, even airing of reports from Africa occurred to raise awareness and funds for African countries. Starting on October 23, 1984, the BBC aired reports from Ethiopia because over the past two years over 8 million people passed away due to famine. “Images of families starved to skin covered skeleton, children with bellies distended and covered with flies while government officials refused to alleviate their suffering horrified viewers.” …show more content…
For example, “Live Aid” was one of the biggest and most influential events in music history; the concert inspired the rock and roll community to revive the genre. An additional influential event was Paul Simon’s release of “Graceland,” because it motivated women to become involved in the movement. Another artist heavily involved in “Live Aid,” and in songs geared toward the movement is Tina Turner. But what began the whole movement was the BBC’s airing of reports from Ethiopia; after seeing the reports, Michael Jackson wrote “We Are the World.” The song sparked the interest in hunger relief and gave rock and roll motivation. Events designed to bring awareness to African hunger persuaded other artists to participate in the