The 1985 hit song and charity single, “We Are the World,” is renowned for bringing together an unprecedented collection of music superstars. From Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, who penned the song, to legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Bruce Springsteen, the ensemble was a veritable who’s who of the music industry. Among this galaxy of stars, however, one name often raises eyebrows: Dan Aykroyd. Best known for his comedic roles in Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers, Aykroyd’s presence in a chorus line-up of musical titans seemed somewhat out of place. This leads to the question: why was Dan Aykroyd in “We Are the World”?
The Puzzling Inclusion of Dan Aykroyd
For many, Dan Aykroyd’s claim to fame rested firmly in comedy and acting, particularly his iconic portrayal of Elwood Blues. While The Blues Brothers did achieve musical success, selling millions of records, Aykroyd himself wasn’t primarily recognized as a singer in the same vein as his “We Are the World” counterparts. This naturally sparked curiosity and even confusion. Why was he chosen to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most celebrated vocalists of the 20th century, while arguably more musically-recognized figures were absent?
Ken Kragen: The Architect Behind the Scenes
The answer, as with many behind-the-scenes decisions of “We Are the World,” lies with Ken Kragen, the influential talent manager who orchestrated this monumental musical event. Kragen’s role was pivotal; he was the driving force who brought together the artists, managed the logistics, and ultimately shaped the entire project. It was Kragen who decided who was in and who was out, and his personal connections and managerial decisions heavily influenced the final roster of participants.
A Chance Encounter and an Unexpected Invitation
Dan Aykroyd’s participation in “We Are the World” wasn’t a result of an audition or a deliberate selection based on his vocal prowess. Instead, it was a serendipitous encounter. As Aykroyd himself recounted in a 2009 interview with New Hampshire magazine, the invitation came about entirely by chance. He and his father were in Los Angeles, seeking a business manager, and mistakenly walked into Ken Kragen’s office.
My father and I were interviewing business managers in LA and we walked into this office of a talent manager, and realized we were in the wrong place. I was looking for a money manager, not a talent manager. I had managed myself at that time and always have. But he said, so long as you are here, would you like to come and join this “We are the World” thing.
Kragen, seizing the opportunity, extended an invitation to Aykroyd on the spot. Aykroyd, initially surprised by the offer, accepted, attributing it to his musical persona from The Blues Brothers.
More Than Just the Blues Brothers Persona
While Aykroyd humbly suggested his inclusion might be linked to The Blues Brothers’ musical success, Ken Kragen likely had broader considerations. Including a well-known personality like Dan Aykroyd, even if not primarily a singer, added to the overall star power and media attention surrounding “We Are the World”. Aykroyd’s presence broadened the appeal beyond just music fans, drawing in audiences familiar with his comedic and acting work, further amplifying the reach and impact of the charity single.
The Ken Kragen Factor
Ultimately, Dan Aykroyd’s participation in “We Are the World” boils down to the influence and decisions of Ken Kragen. Kragen’s strategic choices, sometimes driven by client relationships and sometimes by a desire to maximize the event’s impact, shaped many aspects of the project, including this somewhat unexpected celebrity cameo in the chorus. Aykroyd’s inclusion serves as a testament to Kragen’s power and the often-unpredictable dynamics behind the creation of this iconic moment in pop culture history.
