This documentary about the making of “We Are the World” premiering at Sundance and soon on Netflix stands out from typical music docs. It avoids being just a collection of anecdotes and instead dives deep into the recording process, showing near-misses with lyrics, conflicts among participants, and one member enjoying a bit too much wine. Sundance has a track record of launching innovative music documentaries, like “Twenty Feet From Stardom” and “Summer of Soul,” and this one follows suit by offering a more nuanced look at a famous recording session.
The big takeaway from “The Greatest Night in Pop” is Quincy Jones’s brilliance. While Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson played key roles in “We Are the World,” Quincy was the mastermind who brought together all those talented personalities for one of the biggest recordings of the 1980s. Watching him in action is captivating, showcasing a true musical genius at work. Bob Geldof also deserves credit for his role in the project.
“The Greatest Night in Pop” sets the stage by introducing the music scene and key players of 1984. Harry Belafonte, celebrated as a significant figure of the 20th century, decided to respond to “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” with an American single to combat African hunger. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson took on the role of key songwriters, with Richie sharing amusing anecdotes about working at Jackson’s house surrounded by animals like Bubbles. Music manager Ken Kragen had the brilliant idea to capitalize on timing: Richie was hosting the American Music Awards on January 21st, 1985, and Kragen invited everyone performing or attending to come to a studio afterward and make music history.
In the beginning of “The Greatest Night in Pop,” they introduce and remind viewers of key players. Stevie Wonder’s involvement was crucial due to his influence and musical talent. Cyndi Lauper was chosen over Madonna for reasons not disclosed. They considered getting Prince involved, but it’s unclear if they pursued him. Huey Lewis was notably anxious about participating. However, the presence of Dan Aykroyd remains a mystery throughout.
After the initial VH1-style introduction, “The Greatest Night in Pop” really comes alive when everyone arrives at the studio. There’s a wealth of footage from the night and intriguing trivia shared by participants like Sheila E., Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis, and Smokey Robinson. Robinson even recounts talking Jackson out of some questionable lyric changes, showing he wasn’t afraid to challenge the King of Pop. From Lionel Richie’s eating habits to Bob Dylan’s concerns about vocal range to spontaneous lyric changes, fans of music documentaries will be captivated. While music bio-docs might be losing steam, “The Greatest Night in Pop” stands out by offering specific and enlightening insights.
The film leaves you pondering whether something like “We Are the World” could happen today (without mentioning the “Imagine” debacle). There’s a feeling that what occurred in that studio in 1985 was unique and remarkable. Whether it was the greatest night is debatable, but the documentary convincingly portrays it as a special moment.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Documentary Title | “The Greatest Night in Pop” |
| Premiere Venue | Sundance Film Festival |
| Distribution Platform | Netflix (soon after Sundance premiere) |
| Unique Approach | Focuses on the making of “We Are the World” with deep insights into the recording process, conflicts, and behind-the-scenes moments |
| Key Figures Highlighted | Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Bob Geldof, Harry Belafonte, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Huey Lewis, Dan Aykroyd, Sheila E., Bruce Springsteen, Smokey Robinson, Bob Dylan |
| Notable Exclusions | Madonna was considered but Cyndi Lauper was chosen over her; Unclear if Prince was pursued for involvement; Dan Aykroyd’s presence remains unexplained |
| Captivating Moments | Footage from the recording session, anecdotes from participants, conflicts resolved (e.g., Smokey Robinson challenging Michael Jackson on lyric changes) |
| Reflection on Current Times | Raises questions about the possibility of similar collaborations today, without delving into the “Imagine” debacle |
| Overall Impression | Portrays the 1985 recording session as a unique and remarkable moment in music history |
