in 1984, musicians around the world did charity fundraisers for African countries beset by famine, plague, internecine warfare, and various other sundry afflictions. It started with the British, a song called "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was released, along with a video chock full of rockstars singing their heart out to raise money.
Not to be outdone, the Americans (with help from some native Canadians, like Dan Ackroyd), sang "We Are the World". It became a game to figure out who's singing you liked better (my money was always on Bob Dylan, with Huey Lewis a close second), and the subsequent Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia brought out the firepower.
An album was released, with tracks donated by members of the American effort. But the album also included a song made by Canadian stars, a tune written by David Foster (a producer/songwriter with a long list of clients). For my money it's better than "We Are the World" if for no other reason than it has a Geddy Lee vocal. And Gordon Lightfoot. And Mike Reno from Loverboy. And Corey Hart (no sunglasses?). And Neil Young. And Bryan Adams.
Have a seat in the Time Machine and enjoy "Tears Are Not Enough" by Northern Lights. My link is pretty low-res, but it does have names to put with the faces. Boy, does Neil Young look rough...
See you tomorrow...
Pete
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