Netflix, through the vision of director Bao Nguyen and producer Julia Nottingham, has decided to relive the "Greatest Night in Pop" by creating a documentary that looks back on the recording of the "We Are The World" music video in 1985.
Fans have since been wondering why the two biggest stars at the time, Prince and Madonna, were seemingly absent from the "We Are The World" music video.
Apparently, the "Greatest Night In Pop" documentary answers this longstanding question.
Here's Why Prince, Madonna Was Not Invited In 'We Are The World' Music Video
In 1985, Michael Jackson wrote the now-iconic "We Are The World" song that has since transcended generations and became a song of hope for many communities.
He, along with Lionel Richie, and Quincy Jones, decided to do the biggest thing and have the biggest names in music at the time to record a music video for the said song.
The likes of Tyler Perry, Dionne Warwick, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and even Tina Turner were present at the time.
However, during that period, fans noticed that Price and Madonna - two of the biggest names in music at the time, were not present.
Why Prince Was Absent In 'We Are The World' Music Video
According to the documentary, which will be released on Netflix on Jan. 29, 2024, singer-drummer protégé Sheila E., who was invited by Lionel Richie for the recording session, actually invited his mentor to participate. (via The New York Post)
"Man, you should come - it's really cool," Sheila told Prince.
However, she revealed that Prince would only come to record "We Are The World" if he could record a guitar solo in a room all by his regal self.
"I knew he wasn't going to come because there were too many people," Sheila E. concluded about his reclusive mentor.
Huey Lewis went on to sing the part that was meant for Prince.
Why Madonna Was Not Invited In 'We Are The World' Music Video
Apparently, the case is different with Madonna at the time. Lionel Richie's manager, Ken Kragen, the initial mastermind behind "We Are The World" has some very straightforward preferences.
He opted to go with Cyndi Lauper instead of Madonna, which Kragen's then-associate Harriet Stenberg attested to in the "Greatest Night In Pop" documentary.
"I wanted Madonna, but Ken wanted Cyndi," she confessed.
Watch the 1985 "We Are The World" music video here.
READ MORE: Lionel Richie Describes 'We Are The World' Recording As 'The Greatest Night In Pop Music'
