Frampton, Wakeman, Rodgers Lead All-Star Version of ‘Stand By Me’

Share This:

A special all-star edition of the Ben E. King classic “Stand By Me” has been released for the song’s 60th anniversary. Peter Frampton, Rick Wakeman, Paul Rodgers, and Mark Knopfler are among the many classic rock legends that participated in the single, with proceeds going to the U.K. charity Help Musicians. Watch the video below.

The effort was organized by U.K. music host “Whispering Bob” Harris. 2020 also marks 50 years since he began his broadcasting career.

From the recording’s GoFundMe page: The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated musicians’ sources of income, and with no prospect of gigs beginning to take place again any time soon, we wanted to help musicians everywhere stay afloat.

This very special recording of “Stand By Me” features some of the finest musicians on earth, all contributing their parts from isolation in locations across the world to make one incredible project.

Besides Frampton, Wakeman, Rodgers, and Knopfler, artists include Rosanne Cash, Duane Eddy, Leo Sayer, Keb’ Mo’, Richard Thompson, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Oates, Darius Rucker, Marc Cohn, and dozens of others.

Watch the video, which premiered on Oct. 12

In the Aug. 18 announcement, Rodgers said, “’Whispering Bob’ gave Free one of our first breaks on [the] TV show he hosted, The Old Grey Whistle Test. For the past 50 years he has constantly supported music and musicians both experienced and up and coming.”

Watch Darius Rucker record part of his vocal for the collaboration

For nearly 100 years, the independent charity Help Musicians has provided a broad spectrum of help, support and opportunities to empower musicians aged 18+, at any stage of their career or retirement.

The single was released by Under the Apple Tree Recordings on Oct. 27, the 60th anniversary of the day the original was first recorded by King. The mp3 can be purchased here. #StandByMe2020

Listen to King’s original