Ken Kragen, ‘We Are the World’ and ‘Hands Across America’ Organizer, Dies at 85
Ken Kragen, whose entertainment career included numerous accolades including organizing USA for Africa’s “We Are the World” and “Hands Across America,” has died. He was 85.
Kragen’s death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by a family spokesperson who said he died in his home in Los Angeles yesterday (December 14) of natural causes.
Kragen’s decades-long career included being the manager for a number of high-profile musicians including Kenny Rogers, the Bee-Gees, Lionel Richie, Olivia Newton-John and others.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Kragen was one of the driving forces in recruiting the diverse roster that made up USA for Africa’s “We Are the World” after being contacted by Harry Belafonte. Following the success of “We Are the World,” Kragen went on to help organize “Hands Across America,” which helped raise money for hunger and homeless initiatives.
Notable Celebrity Deaths in 2021
