A rare and previously unseen set of photos of Michael Jackson has emerged, taken on January 28, 1985, during the legendary We Are the World recording session. The images were captured by world-renowned photographer Harry Benson, who has recently updated his official website with a series of never-before-seen photographs from that historic night.
Harry Benson at 95
Harry Benson, now 95 years old, is one of the most celebrated photographers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1929, he began taking photographs at a very young age and started working for his local newspaper in his early teens. His career took off in the 1960s when he documented The Beatles’ first trip to America, a body of work that remains iconic to this day.
Throughout his career, Benson has captured countless defining cultural and political moments, photographing figures such as U.S. presidents, world leaders, and many of the biggest names in entertainment. His photographs have been published in magazines including Life, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker, and his body of work has been celebrated in major exhibitions and retrospectives. Even at 95, Benson continues to share treasures from his vast archives, offering new glimpses into unforgettable moments in history.
The We Are the World Recording
On January 28, 1985, a constellation of music’s biggest stars gathered at A&M Studios in Los Angeles to record We Are the World, the charity single that raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones, the session brought together more than 40 legendary artists, from Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross to Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner.
The photograph of Michael Jackson taken by Harry Benson on that night captures the magic of the session in a way only Benson could. Known for his ability to capture candid, emotional, and timeless images, Benson managed to document Michael in a rare, behind-the-scenes moment that reflects both his artistry and his humanity.
Unseen Images Resurfacing
Harry Benson has now made available a set of photographs from that night, many of which had never been seen by the public before. These images go beyond the staged group shots and iconic footage we already know, instead offering a more intimate glimpse into what it was like inside the studio. They show the camaraderie, focus, and energy of an extraordinary gathering that united artists for a greater cause.
Michael Jackson’s presence at the session was central, not only as one of the writers of the song but also as one of its strongest vocal performers. Seeing him through Benson’s lens offers fans a new appreciation for Michael’s role in the project, reminding us of his dedication to both music and humanitarian efforts.
Why These Photos Matter
The release of these rare photographs matters for several reasons. First, they enrich the historical record of one of the most important charity singles ever recorded. Second, they provide Michael Jackson fans with a more personal and candid view of him during a milestone in his career. Finally, they highlight Harry Benson’s remarkable ability to preserve history through photography, capturing moments that feel alive decades later.
A Gift to Fans and History
For fans of Michael Jackson and lovers of music history alike, these newly shared photographs are a gift. They remind us that even in moments as well-documented as the We Are the World session, there are always new perspectives waiting to be discovered. Thanks to Harry Benson’s enduring work and dedication, we are able to step closer into that unforgettable night in January 1985, when Michael Jackson and dozens of artists came together to use their voices for something bigger than themselves.
