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Waylon Jennings was not a man who would back down. When he believed in something, he stood his ground. That is exactly what the “Don’t Mess Around With Me” singer did when it came time for him to sing “We Are The World.”
What is “We Are The World?”
The song “We Are The World” was written by both Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie way back in 1995. This collaboration of pop music superstars was written and recorded as a fundraiser to help children in Africa. Dozens of singers donated their time and talent to participate in this cause.
The single, which raised $65 million, was recorded in Hollywood, California. Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross and Bob Dylan were just a few of the pop stars who participated. Although it was a pop song, country music singers also were a part of this recording. Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers were two of those country music stars. And, possibly, Waylon Jennings actually sang as well.
Stormed Out Of The Recording Studio
The reason it is unknown if Waylon Jennings was part of this historic recording is because he stormed out of the recording studio. It could be said he had “artistic differences” with Stevie Wonder. Jennings did not like a suggestion Wonder made.
Stevie Wonder wanted part of “We Are The World” to be sung in Swahili, a native language in Africa. Waylon Jennings did not want any of it to be sung in Swahili. The reason the “If She’ll Leave Her Momma” singer, as well as several others, were against Wonder’s suggestion is they felt it would be mocking the language.
Waylon Jennings Was Not Alone
Waylon Jennings stormed out of the recording studio. When he left the studio it was early in the morning, after hours of singing. It was reported he said “I can’t even sing in English no more.” The country music star had had enough.
Several other singers also left the recording studio. Just like Waylon Jennings, they didn’t want to sing in Swahili. Despite believing in the cause, they all felt strongly enough about this issue to no longer participate.
After the singers left, an argument erupted. After a heated discussion, a decision was made. No one would have to sing any part of “We Are The World” in Swahili.
Country Legends 🙌
Waylon Jennings and
Hank Williams Jr. pic.twitter.com/8DKnfM9jsz— Joe_S_Pure🩸 (@Joe_S_Pure) January 25, 2024
Did Waylon Jennings Sing “We Are The World” Or Not?
All these decades later, it is still unknown if the “Don’t Bring It Around Here Anymore” singer actually returned to the studio to finish the song. It is also unknown if the other singers who left with him returned in time to record “We Are The World.” Despite that, Waylon Jennings was still listed as one of the singers in the final credits.
Tell us what you think. Do you remember “We Are The World” and how it raised money for children in Africa? Was Waylon Jennings right to leave the recording studio over artistic differences? Sound off in the comment section below.