The 1980s

Stevie had worked on the movie soundtrack to The Woman in Red during 1984. The song “I Just Called to Say I Love You” reached number one on the charts, Stevie's first number one hit since 1977! The song was nominated for an Academy Award.

Stevie's roots in helping Africa's people stretched back nearly ten years. When reports of Ethiopia's starving children reached the world, money and food began to pour in from around the world. In America, three generations of musicians gathered to record “We Are the World.” Dozens of artists—including Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Madonna, and Bob Dylan—worked together to make Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson's song a success. Stevie sat at his piano and helped coordinate the musical arrangements. He was there throughout the recording and often helped get the best singing from these megastars.