Broadway Covers "We Are The World"

In 1985, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie gathered together a constellation of music stars at the time to record "We Are the World."

The supergroup, dubbed United Support of Artists For Africa, sold over 20 million copies of the recording.

Now, a new crop artists across the Broadway spectrum have united to record a new version of the 1985 anthem.

Released by Broadway Records, the video calls for healing and unity in the world today.

"We, Broadway United, are calling on you to raise your voice and stand up for our planet and the future of humankind. Since we are the world, then we must be the ones to heal it. Step up, speak out, and do whatever you can to be the change."

Participating artists include Christy Altomare, Kelli Barrett, Andrew Burns, Nikki Renee Daniels, Jordan Donica, Rachel Eskenazi-Gold, Justin Guarini, Derek Klena, Jeff Kready, Sydney Lucas, Beth Malone, Lesli Margherita, Constantine Maroulis, Orfeh, George Psomas, Anthony Rapp, Courtney Reed, Kate Rockwell, Jarrod Spector, Ephraim Sykes, and Jenna Ushkowitz.

Derek Klena of Anastasia

Also taking part are Tony Award winners Ben Vereen, Chita Rivera, Bebe Neuwirth, and Brian Stokes Mitchell.

Plus, there's a terrific children's chorus in the mix.

“More than ever, people need to know that their voices make a difference and their voices together are incredibly powerful,” said producer Yael Silver. “’We Are the World’ spoke to us universally and we wanted to share our united voices with the world.”

I have to admit, when I first saw news of the cover video I thought this could easily be hit or miss.

But the talent gathered here and the way the music directors assigned each voice in the perfect spot is perfection. Orfeh and Constantine Maroulis are particularly well-utilized in the more pop/rock moments.

Orfeh

AND - I love that the video also features the all-important musicians from Broadway orchestra pits (Ted Arthur, Bobby Wooten, Jamie Eblen, Ethan Pakchar, Justin Smith & Summer Boggess) who gave their time as well.

Watch below. It's a great song that gets me every time.