USA For Africa "We Are The World" Polygram Records/Quincy Jones single award recognizing 7.5 million copies sold (a worldwide sales number). Released on March 6, 1985, the single was certified 4x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA on April 1, 1985 for four million copies sold* and also received certifications in Canada, the UK, and several other countries. (Note: This is not a RIAA award). The award includes a thank you to the recipient from album producer and renowned music impresario Quincy Jones.
The classic fundraiser track "We Are The World" was famously sung both in pieces and in unison by the supergroup of all supergroups, coined "USA For Africa". The Michael Jackson/Lionel Richie-penned song went to #1 on virtually every chart worldwide. It garnered four Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award. By 1995 worldwide sales of the single were estimated at 14 million. Most important, the single, album, and related merchandise sales generated more than $80 million ($234 million in 2025 dollars) for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States.
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Item Highlights:
- Polygram Records/Quincy Jones 7.5 million sold award for We Are The World
- In VG condition
- Award from sometime around 1985
- Presented to radio and record industry executive
- All original
- Letter of provenance included
- Award measures approx. 18.5" x 22.5 "
- Great collectors item for any We Are The World fan
- FREE insured shipping to continental U.S.
- International shipping available
Detailed Item Description: This Polygram album award was made in the mid-80s, making it about 40 years old. It is presented to radio and record executive Lee Abrams, who worked in radio and as a consultant to major record labels and industry companies including Capitol Records, Island Records, XM Radio, MTV and others from the 70s into the 2000s. A notarized letter of provenance from Abrams is included with this award (see image).
The presentation plate includes a personal thank you from Quincy Jones reading: "Dear Lee, Nobody does it better! With love and gratitude. YQuincy"
The group of singers included the literal who's who of the music world, along with a smattering of actors as well:
The award is in VG condition with very minor frame wear, mars on the plexiglass, and some tears on the backing paper.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage record awards: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 20 to 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*"We Are The World" was actually the first ever single to be certified Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com