James Ingram was the highlight of "We are the World" and more people need to recognize that!

In 1983, one of the greatest demonstrations of pure unadulterated vocal dexterity occurred, and one of the greatest musical injustices was waged soon after. In the studio that day,every major name in the music industry was on hand to perform the now classic tune, WE ARE THE WORLD. There's that infamous section of the song, where the key transposes from E to F. Quincy Jones, in his infinite wisdom, placed all of the more famous singers in that section, clearly to make sure the masses got to see their favorites improvise, and demonstrate their vocal prowess. The usual suspects were placed there, Stevie, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. But Quincy made a shrewd move that often goes overlooked, and to the worlds detriment in my opinion.

Quincy placed his artist at the time, James Ingram, in that F section, and James ripped the holy hell out of his part. From the time James came in with "WE ARRRRE THE WOOOORLD! WE ARE THE CHILDREEEEEEN!!" a gauntlet had been laid down that was not to be picked up. Sure, the great Legend, Ray Charles, came in with the response to the call, but minimally, and even he was forced to lay back, after he pronounced a flag waving "Good God!"- the song belonged to James at that point, and every one in the room knew it.

The only miscalculation made that day was the fact that James didn't come in until the 6:12 mark of the song-- not many people ever got that far along in the song, especially with radio's strict time limited formats, and Ingrams genius got lost to the world. This was a grave error on the part of Quincy, and the world paid for it. I mean, sure, the recording sold a million out of the gate, and countless millions since, but it could've done MOAR! There's lots of money still on the table as far as I'm concerned, and lots of Africans who didn't get fed because of it. Shame on you Q. Shame on you brother. If you are indeed a BROTHER. I'm being hard on ya Q, cuz you're supposed to know better.

Well, I've formed an organization to remedy just such an travesty. Please join JIRTSOWAT World, and fight to get James the recognition that he truly deserves. It's time to take a stand, and put James Ingram's part in that song where it deserves to be. Now I will admit, Stevie was kind of held back in his section, by Bruce Springsteen's sandpaper yelping, but that's neither here nor there, and The Boss needed to be there to bring in his crowd- another shrewd move by the Q, just to insure that James' would get his shine. If it wasn't for the damn late placement his plot would have been complete. Well dammit, as long as I have breath to breathe, Ingram will have his day!! Will you stand with me?