"Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a charity Christmas song written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. It was originally recorded by the supergroup Band Aid in 1984. The song was created to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia and became one of the most iconic and enduring Christmas songs.
Here are some key details about "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid:
Origin: The idea for the song and charity project came after Bob Geldof saw a BBC documentary about the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia. He and Midge Ure co-wrote the song and organized the recording to raise funds to help those affected by the famine.
All-Star Lineup: Band Aid featured an all-star lineup of British and Irish musicians, including Bono (U2), Phil Collins, George Michael, Boy George, Sting, and many others. The collaboration showcased the unity of the music industry in addressing a humanitarian crisis.
Release: "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was recorded in November 1984 and released in the UK in December of the same year. It became an instant hit, topping the charts and selling millions of copies. The song's success also inspired the later creation of "We Are the World" in the United States.
Lyrics: The song's lyrics express the urgency of helping those suffering in Ethiopia during the Christmas season and the hope for a brighter future. The lyrics include the famous line, "Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime," which became an anthem for the charity cause.
Charitable Impact: The success of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" led to the Band Aid Trust, which raised substantial funds for famine relief. The song has been re-recorded multiple times with different lineups, including "Band Aid II" in 1989, "Band Aid 20" in 2004, and "Band Aid 30" in 2014, each time raising funds for various charitable causes.
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" is not only a beloved holiday song but also a symbol of the music industry's ability to come together for a charitable cause. It continues to be played during the Christmas season, and its message remains relevant in raising awareness and funds for various humanitarian issues.
Here are some key details about "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid:
Origin: The idea for the song and charity project came after Bob Geldof saw a BBC documentary about the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia. He and Midge Ure co-wrote the song and organized the recording to raise funds to help those affected by the famine.
All-Star Lineup: Band Aid featured an all-star lineup of British and Irish musicians, including Bono (U2), Phil Collins, George Michael, Boy George, Sting, and many others. The collaboration showcased the unity of the music industry in addressing a humanitarian crisis.
Release: "Do They Know It's Christmas?" was recorded in November 1984 and released in the UK in December of the same year. It became an instant hit, topping the charts and selling millions of copies. The song's success also inspired the later creation of "We Are the World" in the United States.
Lyrics: The song's lyrics express the urgency of helping those suffering in Ethiopia during the Christmas season and the hope for a brighter future. The lyrics include the famous line, "Feed the world, let them know it's Christmastime," which became an anthem for the charity cause.
Charitable Impact: The success of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" led to the Band Aid Trust, which raised substantial funds for famine relief. The song has been re-recorded multiple times with different lineups, including "Band Aid II" in 1989, "Band Aid 20" in 2004, and "Band Aid 30" in 2014, each time raising funds for various charitable causes.
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" is not only a beloved holiday song but also a symbol of the music industry's ability to come together for a charitable cause. It continues to be played during the Christmas season, and its message remains relevant in raising awareness and funds for various humanitarian issues.
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