Charity single

The concept of a song released for charity predates the 1980s, with earlier examples such as the 1971 recording of "Bangla Desh" by George Harrison, which raised funds for refugees of the Bangladesh Liberation War. However, the modern charity single template was solidified in 1984 when Bob Geldof and Midge Ure organized Band Aid, bringing together a supergroup of British and Irish artists to record "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in a single day. The single raised over £8 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspired a wave of similar projects worldwide.¹

The success of Band Aid led to the 1985 Live Aid concerts and the American response, USA for Africa's "We Are the World," written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie. That single sold over 20 million copies and raised more than $60 million, becoming one of the best-selling singles in history.² These projects demonstrated the power of popular music to mobilize mass audiences, but they also drew criticism for oversimplifying complex geopolitical issues and for the sometimes paternalistic framing of aid recipients.

Charity singles have adapted to changing music consumption, with digital downloads and streaming now contributing to revenue. Notable examples include the 2010 remake of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" for the Haiti earthquake, and the 2020 single "Times Like These" by the Live Lounge Allstars, which raised funds for COVID-19 relief. Some charity singles are released as part of larger campaigns, such as the annual "Red Nose Day" singles in the UK, which have featured artists like Ed Sheeran and the Spice Girls.

Beyond the well-known hits, charity singles have taken many forms. In 1982, the British new wave band The Beat released "Save It for Later" as a benefit for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, though it was not a commercial success. In 2005, the Canadian supergroup Northern Lights recorded "Tears Are Not Enough" for African famine relief, a project that included Bruce Cockburn and Joni Mitchell. Some charity singles are released posthumously, such as the 2016 single "Earth" by Lil Dicky, which raised awareness for environmental causes but was criticized for its simplistic messaging. Additionally, charity singles have been used to fund medical research, disaster relief, and social justice campaigns, often with proceeds going to specific NGOs or foundations.

Band Aid

A charity supergroup formed in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to record 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' for Ethiopian famine relief.

Live Aid

A benefit concert held in 1985, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine.

USA for Africa

An American charity supergroup that recorded 'We Are the World' in 1985, raising funds for African famine relief.