Who's behind the notes? Discover Ben E. King: The Soulful Voice Behind "Stand by Me"
"Stand by Me" is a classic song by Ben E. King. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the artist:
Songwriter Collaboration: "Stand by Me" was written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. It's worth noting that this songwriting team was responsible for many other hit songs during the 1950s and 1960s.
Release Year: The song was released in 1961 as a single and later appeared on Ben E. King's album, also titled "Don't Play That Song!"
Influence on Other Artists: "Stand by Me" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including John Lennon, who recorded a popular version of the song in 1975. Lennon's version is notable for its emotional rendition.
Movie Soundtrack: The song gained renewed popularity after it was used as the title track for the 1986 coming-of-age film "Stand by Me," directed by Rob Reiner. This film helped introduce the song to a new generation of listeners.
Rolling Stone Ranking: In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Stand by Me" at number 121 on their list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
Cultural Impact: The song's timeless message of support and solidarity has made it a popular choice for weddings, graduations, and other significant life events. It continues to resonate with people of all ages.
Legacy: Ben E. King's rendition of "Stand by Me" remains his signature song and one of the most enduring and beloved songs in the history of popular music.
Legal Battles: Ben E. King had to go through legal battles to receive royalties for the song in the 1980s, which highlights some of the challenges that artists faced in the music industry at the time.
"Stand by Me" is a timeless classic that has left a lasting impact on the world of music and continues to be cherished by music enthusiasts and fans of all ages.