Streisand Music Videos

Like “Live Aid,” and USA for Africa (connected to the star-studded anthem-hit “We Are the World”), “Hands Across America” was a country-wide mega-event to raise money to fight hunger and homelessness. The gimmick was that people across America would join hands from one coast to the other on May 25, 1986. Participants were encouraged to donate $10 to join the line, although they were still permitted to hold hands without donating.

First, a single by the group “Voices of America” (EMI/America Records) was simulcast March 28, 1986. It was also released to record stores. The song was written by arc Blatte, John Carney and Larry Gottlieb.

A music video premiered on MTV April 19, 1986, and then was shown on national television April 21.

Many celebrities had cameos in the video, lip-synching to the song. Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Kathleen Turner, Robin Williams, and C-3PO made appearances. Barbra lip-synched, looking gorgeous in a white turtleneck.