In 1984, a group of primarily British and Irish musicians united to collect fund for famine relief in Africa. A project initiated by musicians Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, they called themselves Band Aid, and they released a memorable Christmas single called "Do They Know Its Christmas." Band Aid was literally a "whos who" of the '80s British music scene, and included, among others, such names as Boy George, Sting, George Michael, Phil Collins, David Bowie and members of Bananarama, Duran Duran, and U2.
"Do They Know Its Christmas" went on to become a major holiday song in 1984, and a wonderful memory of that year. It also ultimately led to additional efforts at famine relief, such as USA for Africa and the enormous Live Aid concert in 1985.
Update: in searching for info on Band Aid, I discovered that two fellow bloggers have posted in previous years about this great '80s song:
I Miss My Childhood
and
Trapped In The '80s Moms
Another update: And another blog mention of this great '80s song!!:
I still hear this song every year around this time. It seems to pick up more airtime with every passing year as of late.
ReplyDeleteI think that I might have had the 45 of this song. I am sure that I will be hearing it on the radio alot soon. I will not listen to Christmas music on there or my stereo until about December 10th. One station started playing it continually on either the Friday or Monday before Thanksgiving which is too early.
ReplyDeleteDarrin and LaraAnn- Its good that this great '80s song, and the sentiment behind it, is not forgotten. Perhaps this song, which is part Christmas song and part protest song, is like a modern version of Dicken's Christmas Carol, reminding people to think of those less fortunate in this time of giving.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention Lazlo! :) I never get tired of this song.
ReplyDeleteChelly- Youre welcome! This song is an '80s classic.
ReplyDelete