Who Wrote the Song 'Do They Know It's Christmas' with Midge Ure?

The iconic Christmas song 'Do They Know It's Christmas' was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. This charity single was recorded by the supergroup Band Aid, formed by Geldof and Ure in 1984. It was released with the intention of raising funds for the famine in Ethiopia.

Bob Geldof, an Irish musician and philanthropist, was inspired to write the song after seeing a BBC documentary about the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Horrified by the images of hunger and suffering, Geldof felt compelled to take action. He reached out to Midge Ure, a Scottish musician, to collaborate on a song that would not just raise awareness about the famine, but also raise money to provide aid to those in need.

The lyrics of 'Do They Know It's Christmas' were written by Geldof, with contributions from Ure. The song was initially recorded in a single day, with various artists from the British music scene coming together under the name Band Aid. The lineup included popular musicians such as Bono, George Michael, Boy George, and Sting, among others.

The song quickly became a global phenomenon, topping the charts in several countries and selling millions of copies worldwide. Its success led to the creation of the Live Aid concert, a dual-venue benefit concert held on July 13, 1985. The event featured performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, and Madonna, and aimed to raise even more funds for famine relief.

Over the years, 'Do They Know It's Christmas' has become a holiday staple, played on radios and in department stores across the world during the festive season. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and make a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, 'Do They Know It's Christmas' was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. This iconic song not only raised awareness about the famine in Ethiopia but also inspired people to contribute to the cause. Its success paved the way for further charitable efforts in the music industry and continues to be a symbol of hope and compassion during the holiday season.

Sign Up