What is the history behind the song Stand By Me by Ben E King?

Friday, March 17, 2023

"Stand By Me" is a classic soul song written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. The song was released as a single in 1961, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song's origins can be traced back to an old gospel hymn called "Lord Stand by Me," which was sung in African American churches in the early 20th century. The melody and some of the lyrics of "Stand By Me" were borrowed from this hymn, but King and his co-writers added their own verses and modernized the song's sound.

King was inspired to write the song after hearing a group of students singing the hymn at a dormitory at his alma mater, St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He began working on the song with Leiber and Stoller, who were well-known songwriters at the time, and together they created a timeless classic.

"Stand By Me" has since become one of the most beloved and frequently covered songs of all time, with hundreds of different versions recorded by artists from all genres. The song has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, and it continues to be a favourite of music fans all over the world.