The Greatest Night in Pop Story:-
At a pivotal moment, a collective of artists responded to a call and united as one. Inspired by the Band Aid single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” released in December 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, luminaries such as Harry Belafonte and music industry insider Ken Kragen rallied the superstars of mid-’80s popular music to create their own initiative to combat the drought and famine afflicting Africa, vowing to alleviate suffering through the power of music.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 29 January 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Documentary, Musical |
| Duration | 1h 36min |
| Cast | Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dan Aykroyd, Harry Belafonte, David Breskin, Christie Brinkley, Lindsey Buckingham, David Byrne, Tom Bähler, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Bob Dickinson, Bob Dylan, Sheila E., Humberto Gatica, Bob Geldof, Daryl Hall, James Ingram |
| Director | Bao Nguyen |
| Music | Goh Nakamura, Darren Morze |
| Producer | Julia Nottingham, Bruce Eskowitz, George Hencken, Larry Klein, Richard Sterling, Harriet Sternberg |
| Production | Henson Studios |
| Certificate | 13+ |
Thus, on January 21, 1985, following the American Music Awards, a multitude of megastars convened at L.A.’s A&M studios to record a charity single. Dubbed the “Greatest Night in Pop,” this momentous occasion saw Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie penning the tune, Quincy Jones orchestrating the proceedings, and icons like Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Diana Ross lending their star power and vocal talents.
Coincidentally, even before Bao Nguyen’s documentary was announced for Sundance, I found myself revisiting footage from that historic night during the holiday season. An old DVD release chronicled the making of the single, as well as Belafonte and Kragen’s journey to Africa, where they confronted the harsh realities on the ground and grappled with the complexities of addressing the region’s challenges beyond mere monetary aid.
While snippets of this journey are included in Nguyen’s film, any ambivalence surrounding the aftermath of the single’s success is largely overlooked. However, raw session performances and behind-the-scenes moments captured during the late-night recording sessions, which were previously available only as outtakes, are skillfully interwoven throughout the documentary. Through contemporary commentary, these moments gain added depth and resonance.
New interviews with Richie, Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Smokey Robinson, Sheila E., and others offer insightful reflections on the triumphs and tribulations of that fateful night. Richie’s insights are particularly illuminating, shedding light on his collaborative process with Michael Jackson and the dynamics at play during the recording sessions. These nuanced perspectives, enriched by the passage of time, lend Nguyen’s film a compelling narrative arc, even for those familiar with the story.
For audiences unfamiliar with the events depicted, “The Greatest Night in Pop” offers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in music history. From the sublime collaboration between Wonder and Dylan to the behind-the-scenes anecdotes, such as Lauper’s necklace mishap, the documentary provides a rich tapestry of musical moments and human experiences that are both enlightening and entertaining.
In the documentary, we witness the solemn yet impactful speech from Geldof, but the voices of the Ethiopians brought by Stevie Wonder to underscore the purpose of their gathering remain absent in this context. Similarly, while we are treated to Michael Jackson’s solo recording, showcasing his unmistakably clear and powerful voice, we miss out on the subsequent events involving Ray Charles, who made a significant contribution to the project days later.
Of utmost importance, the documentary sets the record straight regarding Prince’s potential involvement, dispelling decades-old rumors. It confirms that Huey Lewis stepped in to fill the void left by Prince, and Lewis’s humble interview is as refreshing as his impressive performance that day. Sheila E.’s perspective is particularly enlightening, as she reveals how she felt like a pawn used to lure Prince to the recording sessions. Despite the goodwill and ego-checking, there were still instances where feelings could be hurt, highlighting the callous nature of the music industry even in times of duty.
For those unfamiliar with the initial recording sessions featuring Greg Philinganes, Louis Johnson, and John Robinson laying down the basic tracks while MJ, Stevie, and Lionel performed, the documentary promises a delightful surprise. Hearing the instrumental session in its entirety, along with the cassette demos made at Jackson’s home with Ritchie on piano, is a treat long-awaited by many. Stevie Wonder’s presence in the studio, guiding the song’s changes with the weight of gospel music, serves as a reminder of the song’s solid foundation beneath the ’80s production gloss.
The documentary fills in other intriguing details, such as the reasons behind Al Jarreau’s unsettled performance and the subsequent re-tracking, including a revealing shot of a hidden bottle of wine. It’s insightful to hear from Tom Bähler, the esteemed vocal arranger, and industry veteran who played a pivotal role in selecting soloists and determining their performance order. Additionally, insights from the camera crew who captured the original music video’s footage in real-time offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective.
Following the single’s recording were months of mixing and re-recording, but the core event, where some of the era’s biggest stars united, remains a milestone in American popular music history. The Live-Aid concerts later that year in July further solidified the notion of the charity single, making it almost commonplace.
Since viewing “The Greatest Night in Pop,” the song has once again become stuck in my head, particularly the unused earworm that Jackson wanted to include until reminded that Swahili is not spoken in Ethiopia. These nuanced details breathe life into the story, and through interviews, archival material, and the event’s genuine historic significance, the documentary ensures that the story endures for future generations. Beyond the superficialities and extravagant hairstyles, “The Greatest Night in Pop” showcases the profound impact of a song that truly made the world a better place for millions of people.
