About The Song
Stand By Me is a rhythm and blues song written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. It was originally released in 1961 by The Drifters as a single from their album Stand by Me. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
Stand By Me is a classic song that has been covered by many artists over the years, including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows. The song is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential songs of all time.
The Drifters
The Drifters are an American rhythm and blues vocal group that was founded in 1955. The group has had many different lineups over the years, but they are best known for their classic lineup of Ben E. King, Clyde McPhatter, Hank Ballard, and Johnny Moore. The Drifters have had over 40 hit singles, including “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “Under the Boardwalk.” They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
Ben E. King
Ben E. King was an American singer-songwriter who was best known for his lead vocals with The Drifters. He was born in Henderson, North Carolina, in 1938. King began singing in gospel choirs as a child, and he joined The Drifters in 1958. He left the group in 1960 to pursue a solo career. King’s biggest solo hit was “Stand By Me,” which was released in 1961. He also had hits with “Spanish Harlem,” “Soul Finger,” and “Uptown.” King died in 2013 at the age of 76.
Conclusion
Stand By Me is a timeless classic that has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. It is a song about friendship, love, and support, and its message of hope and resilience is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The Drifters and Ben E. King are both legends of American music, and Stand By Me is one of their greatest achievements.
Additional Information
- Stand By Me was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
- The song has been used in over 40 films and television shows, including “Dirty Dancing,” “Stand By Me,” and “Forrest Gump.”
- Stand By Me has been covered by many artists, including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin.