We Are the World

At the Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay’s Big Gay Cabaret: #1 Hits concert on March 2, 2024, at The Straz Center’s Jaeb Theatre in Tampa, Florida, one of the most powerful and moving moments of the evening was the chorus’ performance of “We Are the World”, the iconic song recorded by USA for Africa in 1985. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, this global anthem of unity and compassion brought the audience together in a collective moment of reflection and hope, making it an ideal piece for the concert's theme of celebrating the most impactful hits in music history.

“We Are the World” was released as a charity single to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, and its message of shared responsibility and global solidarity still resonates deeply today. The Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay, with its trademark vocal strength and unity, performed the song with sincerity and passion, amplifying its timeless message of empathy and collective action. Each member of the chorus brought their full energy to the performance, harmonizing beautifully to create a sound that was both powerful and uplifting.

The arrangement was a rich blend of individual voices and group dynamics, with soloists taking turns to deliver the memorable lyrics, while the full chorus soared through the harmonies. The performance was accompanied by simple yet effective staging that allowed the emotional weight of the song to take center stage. As the chorus sang, “We are the world, we are the children,” the room was filled with a palpable sense of connection, not only to the song’s message but also to the community present in the theater.

By including “We Are the World” in their concert, the Gay Men's Chorus of Tampa Bay paid tribute to the power of music to inspire change and bring people together. The performance left a lasting impact on the audience, reminding them of the importance of compassion, unity, and the collective power of the human spirit.