Was Prince’s Alleged Beef With Michael Jackson the Reason Behind Him Bailing on Recording of Iconic We Are the World? Explained

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Prince famously didn’t appear in the star-studded 1985 charity single We Are the World. It featured some of Hollywood’s A-listers like Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and Bruce Springsteen. 

The single ended up being the most successful charity single in history, raising $80 million since its release. However, Pince, who was also at the peak of his fame, was notably absent from the elite group of musicians. For years, people couldn’t stop wondering why he turned down the opportunity. 

In the conversation, Susan Rogers, the veteran sound engineer of the deceased singer, was present as Prince took a phone call from Quincy Jones, the producer of the track. Even though he could only listen in on one side of the discussion while waiting in the control room, he heard him turn down the offer that was made during the call.

“It was a long conversation. Prince said, ‘Can I play guitar on it?’ And they said no,” Rogers said, implying it was the reason he turned down the opportunity. The recording was strategically held at the beginning of the year as it was a few weeks ahead of the American Music Awards. 

Since all the artists were in Los Angeles for the event, it was the perfect opportunity to bring them under one roof and align their calendars for the recording. Prince was not only an attendee but also went home a winner, bagging three AMAs. 

He also delivered an iconic version of his song Purple Rain that is still hailed as one of the most legendary sets performed at an award show. His epic performance made people question the reports that alleged that he was too sick to attend the We Are the World session. 

Actually, it was later found out that the tale was fabricated by Bob Cavallo, the singer’s fellow manager, as a means of disguising the singer’s absence from a charity event.

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2025-03-15 22:09