More than 40 years after bringing some of the biggest names in music together for one of the most memorable charity recordings in history, We Are The World is returning to vinyl with a special limited-edition release for Record Store Day Black Friday 2026.
The 7-inch single will be released on Friday, November 27, 2026, through USA for Africa, celebrating the song’s enduring legacy while supporting independent record stores.
The special We Are The World (40th Anniversary Edition) will feature purple vinyl, remastered audio alongside the original recording, and a collectible poster. According to the Record Store Day listing, the release will be limited to just 1,000 copies, making it a particularly interesting item for Michael Jackson fans and vinyl collectors.
Originally released in March 1985, We Are The World was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian. Recorded by an extraordinary ensemble of artists under the name USA for Africa, the song aimed to raise funds for humanitarian relief during the famine in Ethiopia.
Michael Jackson played a central role in the project, co-writing the song with Richie and helping bring the historic recording to life. The all-star session took place in Los Angeles on January 28, 1985, following the American Music Awards, bringing together artists from across the music industry for a common cause.
The single became a worldwide phenomenon, topping charts and raising millions of dollars for humanitarian aid. More than four decades later, its message of unity, compassion and collective responsibility continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
The upcoming vinyl edition offers collectors an opportunity to revisit this important chapter in Michael Jackson’s musical legacy in a special physical format.
Available at participating independent record stores
The limited-edition 7-inch will be available exclusively at participating record stores as part of Record Store Day Black Friday 2026. With only 1,000 copies listed, fans interested in securing a copy are encouraged to contact their local independent record shop in advance.
The release is listed as a regional-focus release, so availability may vary by country and store.
Fans can check participating stores and further release information through the official Record Store Day website.
We Are The World (40th Anniversary Edition) arrives on November 27, 2026, celebrating a song that united artists for a cause and continues to remind the world of the power of music to bring people together.
