Michael Jackson And Janet Duet On Charity Single
The pop icon died aged 50 last June, after taking a cocktail of drugs including powerful anaesthetic Propofol. The track he wrote in 1985 with Lionel Richie has been re-recorded to raise money the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, and his mother Katherine has given her blessing for his vocals to be used on the new version.
Lionel and producer Quincy Jones, both close friends of Michael’s, decided to organise the remake of the song, claiming Michael would have wanted to help the survivors of the natural disaster if he was still alive.
“His original part is there singing now with his sister Janet,” Lionel confirmed.
Over 80 celebrities sing on the track, including Pink, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Lionel Richie, Wyclef Jean, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion and Snoop Dogg.
Both Lionel and Quincy admit working on it was hard, as they had to take into account such varying singing styles. “There’s Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand, and there’s will.i.am... it was organised chaos,” Lionel said. “Everything was challenging,” Quincy added.
Lionel added not everyone wanted to take part, with some stars claiming the song wasn’t strong enough and didn’t think it would be a hit. First time round, it sold over 20 million copies raising $63 million for charity.
On Monday, Michael personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in relation to his death. The Jackson family are unhappy with the charge, insisting he should face the more serious second degree murder.
Lionel refused to be drawn on the case, telling television show Extra none of it really mattered as Michael is dead. “I wish it would go away. If it would bring back Michael, I would be sitting here passionately telling you what I think. Whether it's a homicide or whatever... I don't have Mike,” he said.
We Are the World will be shown on NBC tonight.
