Oh wow, this was incredible. Ive never been entirely too fond of this song....until now. She brings a entirely new, effortless, and genuine emotion to it. She looks SO relaxed and is not pressed in the least. Those last acapela notes must have sailed in that room!!! 💎 💎 💎
In the event that there ever be a "Solid Gold" reunion show or reboot, it would be very interesting and poignant if they were able to re-assemble Dionne Warwick and the members of the International Children's Choir that appeared on this episode and try this song again. It is as applicable to the world as ever. "We are the world. We are the children. We can make a better world for you and me". Bravo to all who participated in this bravura performance.💙💙💙 It radiates such positive energy.
I saw her sing this live at Radio City. The official video, with the star-studded cast, was being released that Friday and this was a Tues or Wed. She had a lectern in front of her, with the words/music on it, because it was that new, and she brought that big house down.
FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!!!!!!!!!! This version of "We Are The World" on the "Solid Gold" Top 40 Year-End Countdown show for 1985, broadcast February 1986. It is hard to believe that is already 35 years ago. That must have been an occasion that the International Children's Choir must have remembered as a keepsake memory, especially the four children that Dionne Warwick had placed the wireless microphone so they could have their solo parts. The version of the song did not include the original last verse that begins "When you're down and out...", but this special "Solid Gold" version includes the special lyrics by Dionne of "...make a better day for you and me, ...make a better day for you and me," "and you, and you, and you and me-e-e-e-e." That was a very nice way to close the song and let spirits soar and provide hope. The International Children's Choir I did not know anything about until when watching this performance. Those kids were good and the boy with braces on his teeth I could relate to at that time as I had them as well. The lighting, the Morpheus Panaspots, Dionne's blue dress, and the positive feel helped combine with the collective talents to help make this the most memorable year-end countdown specials of the series. That we are still talking about it more than 35 years later shows just how spectacular it was for a music/variety television series, and, The Solid Gold Dancers at the end credits as well.❤ A winner in all regards. I do not know if "Solid Gold" won any Emmys while it was on the air, but it should have, and especially for this broadcast.
The thorough and caring way in which you write, Jason, amazes me every time I see one of your comments. I don’t know how anyone could have as much music lore within them as you, but it is certainly appreciated! And I’m certainly glad you enjoyed this gem of a video! Many, many thanks…🤗
@@bigeyezzzzzzz You are very welcome!!! The best shined through on this video. Thank you for the kindest of words!!! The children were so good as well and made me aware of the existence of the International Children's Choir. Dionne and they made such a good combination with all the behind-the-scenes help as well.
In this video, it clearly shows clearly than any other, that The Solid Gold Dancers always performed the end dance sequences live for each episode on each "Solid Gold". There was a tremendous transition from the children singing a specialized version of "We Are The World" with Dionne Warwick to the cameras going to Dionne's closing statement about the Countdown '85 show, then going past her to The Solid Gold Dancers dancing in time to your "Solid Gold" theme song. I know I have asked/commented on this particular touching video before, but I have some new questions that I hope could be answered, Michael, as it is nearly the 37th anniversary to the day that this episode aired. That is mind-boggling by itself, at least to me. Anyway, these are the questions. This version of "We Are The World" is obviously a specialized version. My questions include about who originated the idea of the International Children's Choir participation and who originated the special, dramatic Dionne part acapella close with the "and you" lyrics 3 times, and the "and me" lyrics, where the orchestra was rejoined? I know that you were the arranger, so it might have been you who had originated the concept that was then agreed upon as a shared decision with Dionne and other behind-the-scenes positions. The answer would help me understand the inner workings of this type of show performed in front of a live audience. The last question for this video covers the whole series itself, and that is that I know that the end dances were done live to your theme song. I know that your theme was recorded to customize for most of the hosts and co-hosts and appeared to be a recorded track that would play over the end credits. My question is if, during the 8 years of the show, your theme song at the end of the show was ever performed specially live in person off to the side, but in range of the studio audience and Solid Gold Dancers, at any time, or as the recorded track that most episodes had for the opening and closing themes. I tried to simplify, but it might be wordy, but I was just wondering. As was always the case with the show, the end dances and credits and your theme song were always something to look forward that kept many glued to their television sets until the blue Paramount Television mountain and stars truly signified that another episode had ended and in a grand finale approach with each episode.
I don’t think there’s anyone else on the planet, who thinks as deeply about our show than you do! 🤩 To answer your questions: the “and you“ thing at the end of “We Are the World“ is how Dionne ended that song in her live touring show, so that’s how we also did it on this particular episode. And, my band never played my SOLID GOLD theme live at a taping. Any use of the theme on the show was with my pre-recorded track. There was no way that a television studio in those days would be able to record a live band in a way that would be good enough to pick up on all the intricacies of my Solid Gold Theme arrangement.
@@bigeyezzzzzzz Thank you for your compliment!!! The end of "We Are The World" the way Dionne Warwick performed it was a special way to end the song, especially with the children's choir present. As for your theme song, I had figured that it was always a pre-recorded track at the end of the show. The only live performances of your "Solid Gold" theme on the show itself, were, therefore, the "slowly" Dionne Warwick version as part of the show in 1981 and her additional on-camera performance at the beginning of the 1985-1986 season. Thanks for the clarification on all of that. No matter how the theme song was done, what a theme it had been and still happens to be.
When a song stays in your memory for so long, it actually stays in your heart because you longed to hear it again!
There were dozens of mega stars singing this song, about a dozen of them with solo verses, and Dionne can sing every one of them effortlessly.
Absolutely.... This lady sounds powerful, soothing, stylish and divine... Big fan of Ms. Warwick, from Bangalore, 🇮🇳India
Oh wow, this was incredible. Ive never been entirely too fond of this song....until now. She brings a entirely new, effortless, and genuine emotion to it. She looks SO relaxed and is not pressed in the least. Those last acapela notes must have sailed in that room!!! 💎 💎 💎
In the event that there ever be a "Solid Gold" reunion show or reboot, it would be very interesting and poignant if they were able to re-assemble Dionne Warwick and the members of the International Children's Choir that appeared on this episode and try this song again. It is as applicable to the world as ever. "We are the world. We are the children. We can make a better world for you and me". Bravo to all who participated in this bravura performance.💙💙💙 It radiates such positive energy.
I saw her sing this live at Radio City. The official video, with the star-studded cast, was being released that Friday and this was a Tues or Wed. She had a lectern in front of her, with the words/music on it, because it was that new, and she brought that big house down.
FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!!!!!!!!!! This version of "We Are The World" on the "Solid Gold" Top 40 Year-End Countdown show for 1985, broadcast February 1986. It is hard to believe that is already 35 years ago. That must have been an occasion that the International Children's Choir must have remembered as a keepsake memory, especially the four children that Dionne Warwick had placed the wireless microphone so they could have their solo parts. The version of the song did not include the original last verse that begins "When you're down and out...", but this special "Solid Gold" version includes the special lyrics by Dionne of "...make a better day for you and me, ...make a better day for you and me," "and you, and you, and you and me-e-e-e-e." That was a very nice way to close the song and let spirits soar and provide hope.
The International Children's Choir I did not know anything about until when watching this performance. Those kids were good and the boy with braces on his teeth I could relate to at that time as I had them as well.
The lighting, the Morpheus Panaspots, Dionne's blue dress, and the positive feel helped combine with the collective talents to help make this the most memorable year-end countdown specials of the series.
That we are still talking about it more than 35 years later shows just how spectacular it was for a music/variety television series, and, The Solid Gold Dancers at the end credits as well.❤ A winner in all regards. I do not know if "Solid Gold" won any Emmys while it was on the air, but it should have, and especially for this broadcast.
The thorough and caring way in which you write, Jason, amazes me every time I see one of your comments. I don’t know how anyone could have as much music lore within them as you, but it is certainly appreciated! And I’m certainly glad you enjoyed this gem of a video! Many, many thanks…🤗
@@bigeyezzzzzzz You are very welcome!!! The best shined through on this video. Thank you for the kindest of words!!! The children were so good as well and made me aware of the existence of the International Children's Choir. Dionne and they made such a good combination with all the behind-the-scenes help as well.
In this video, it clearly shows clearly than any other, that The Solid Gold Dancers always performed the end dance sequences live for each episode on each "Solid Gold". There was a tremendous transition from the children singing a specialized version of "We Are The World" with Dionne Warwick to the cameras going to Dionne's closing statement about the Countdown '85 show, then going past her to The Solid Gold Dancers dancing in time to your "Solid Gold" theme song.
I know I have asked/commented on this particular touching video before, but I have some new questions that I hope could be answered, Michael, as it is nearly the 37th anniversary to the day that this episode aired. That is mind-boggling by itself, at least to me.
Anyway, these are the questions. This version of "We Are The World" is obviously a specialized version. My questions include about who originated the idea of the International Children's Choir participation and who originated the special, dramatic Dionne part acapella close with the "and you" lyrics 3 times, and the "and me" lyrics, where the orchestra was rejoined? I know that you were the arranger, so it might have been you who had originated the concept that was then agreed upon as a shared decision with Dionne and other behind-the-scenes positions. The answer would help me understand the inner workings of this type of show performed in front of a live audience.
The last question for this video covers the whole series itself, and that is that I know that the end dances were done live to your theme song. I know that your theme was recorded to customize for most of the hosts and co-hosts and appeared to be a recorded track that would play over the end credits. My question is if, during the 8 years of the show, your theme song at the end of the show was ever performed specially live in person off to the side, but in range of the studio audience and Solid Gold Dancers, at any time, or as the recorded track that most episodes had for the opening and closing themes.
I tried to simplify, but it might be wordy, but I was just wondering. As was always the case with the show, the end dances and credits and your theme song were always something to look forward that kept many glued to their television sets until the blue Paramount Television mountain and stars truly signified that another episode had ended and in a grand finale approach with each episode.
I don’t think there’s anyone else on the planet, who thinks as deeply about our show than you do! 🤩 To answer your questions: the “and you“ thing at the end of “We Are the World“ is how Dionne ended that song in her live touring show, so that’s how we also did it on this particular episode. And, my band never played my SOLID GOLD theme live at a taping. Any use of the theme on the show was with my pre-recorded track. There was no way that a television studio in those days would be able to record a live band in a way that would be good enough to pick up on all the intricacies of my Solid Gold Theme arrangement.
@@bigeyezzzzzzz Thank you for your compliment!!! The end of "We Are The World" the way Dionne Warwick performed it was a special way to end the song, especially with the children's choir present. As for your theme song, I had figured that it was always a pre-recorded track at the end of the show. The only live performances of your "Solid Gold" theme on the show itself, were, therefore, the "slowly" Dionne Warwick version as part of the show in 1981 and her additional on-camera performance at the beginning of the 1985-1986 season. Thanks for the clarification on all of that. No matter how the theme song was done, what a theme it had been and still happens to be.