About the song
“Stand By Me” is a song written by Ben E. King and Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was first recorded by King in 1961 and released as a single by Atco Records. The song became a major hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has since become one of the most popular and covered songs of all time.
Background and writing.
King, Leiber, and Stoller were inspired to write “Stand By Me” after hearing the song “The Drifters” by The Drifters. They were struck by the song’s simple but powerful message of love and support, and they wanted to write a song that would capture that same feeling. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the feeling of being loved and supported by someone you care about.
Critical reception and commercial success.
“Stand By Me” was a critical and commercial success. The song was praised by critics for its beautiful melody and King’s soulful vocals. The song was also a major hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s success helped to cement King’s status as one of the most popular soul singers of the 1960s.
Legacy and impact.
“Stand By Me” is considered to be one of Ben E. King’s signature songs. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including John Lennon, Otis Redding, and Florence + The Machine. The song continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, and its message of love, support, and friendship remains as relevant as ever.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was written in 1961.
- It was inspired by the song “The Drifters” by The Drifters.
- The song was a major hit, reaching number four in the United States.
- It has been covered by many artists over the years.
- “Stand By Me” is considered to be one of Ben E. King’s signature songs.
“Stand By Me” is a beautiful and timeless ballad that tells a story of love, support, and friendship. It is a classic song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song’s music video features King performing the song in a variety of locations, including a church, a forest, and a city street.
- The song has been used in many films and television shows, including “The Stand By Me”, “The Shawshank Redemption”, and “Friends”.
- “Stand By Me” is a popular choice for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions.