2020 marks 60 years since the recording of Ben E. King’s seminal single ‘Stand By Me.’ It is Whispering Bob Harris’ favourite song of all time.

Coincidentally, 2020 also marks 50 years since Bob began his own seminal broadcasting career.

With this outstanding coincidence in mind, we thought it gives the perfect opportunity to bring the music community together to record an extremely special version of the song to raise much needed funds for musicians all over the country. 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 will feature some of the finest musicians on earth, all contributing their parts from isolation in locations across the world to make one incredible project.

With income streams so badly affected by Covid-19, we are hoping this recording will generate sufficient revenue to benefit our charity partner Help Musicians – a charity that does magnificent work in helping musicians survive in times of difficulty. In these unprecedented times for the music industry, their work is more important than ever.

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

James Ainscough, CEO Help Musicians: “We’re delighted that Bob Harris OBE, a Help Musicians ambassador for many years, has instigated this wonderful project. Music has sustained so many of us during lockdown, yet tens of thousands of musicians have had their income wiped out. It is through fundraisers such as this that the Help Musicians team can continue to provide the broad range of support that is needed now more than ever.  Thanks to those generously donating, Help Musicians has been able to offer financial hardship support, creative development opportunities and a vital mental health service which reaches the entire music community during this difficult time. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Bob and the team for their continued support, and to everyone who donates to this unique single.”

The single will be released on the 60th anniversary of the day the original was first recorded by Ben E. King on October 27th.

If you can, a donation will be greatly appreciated. If you’re not in a position to be able to donate just now, sharing this GoFundMe will hugely help to raise awareness as well.
Donate here!

Full list of confirmed musicians (so far):
Peter Frampton
Paul Rodgers
Rick Wakeman
John Oates
Jimmie Allen
Richard Thompson
Kiki Dee
P.P. Arnold
Leo Sayer
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Mica Paris
Laura Cantrell
Judie Tzuke
Steve Craddock
Mary Gauthier
Jamie Lawson
Wildwood Kin
The Shires
Mollie Marriott
Sam Palladio
McCrary Sisters
Ward Thomas
Robert Vincent
Judith Owen
Gregor Philp
Sam Outlaw
Twinnie
Laura Oakes
Elles Bailey
Callaghan
Robbie Cavanagh
Demi Marriner
Anna Corcoran
Caleb Elliott
Robbie Taylor
Gabriella Swallow
Georgina Leach
Jeremy Stacey
Scott Warman
Amy Chalmers