BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris has always been a great friend to us here at AUK and so we’re delighted he’s currently celebrating the impressive milestone of 50 years in broadcasting this year by announcing a new charity single of his favourite song ‘Stand By Me’, with proceeds going to the UK organisation Help Musicians which has been around even longer than Bob has and provided vital support to thousands of music creators during the pandemic.
The musicians chosen reflect Bob’s own career in music, from rock legends to new and established americana artists, including Beth Nielsen Chapman, Elles Bailey, Laura Cantrell, Mary Gauthier, Richard Thompson, Robert Vincent and Sam Outlaw. Available from October 27th, 60 years to the day since Ben E King’s original was recorded, all funds are being raised via the #StandByMe Go Fund Me page which is now live here.
Bob Harris said of the project: “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the UK music scene. The artists who rely on live performances for their income have been particularly hard hit. For the past six years Under The Apple Tree has been a fantastic platform for emerging artists and now, in this time of difficulty, we want to raise funds to help the diverse and dedicated grassroots music community that we love so much.”
James Ainscough, CEO Help Musicians continued: “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.”
You can pre-order the single here.
#STANDBYME (2020) ARTISTS (in alphabetical order)
· Anna Corcoran
· Beth Nielsen Chapman
· Callaghan
· Darius Rucker
· Demi Marriner
· Elles Bailey
· Gregor Philp
· Jamie Lawson
· Jimmie Allen
· John Oates
· Judie Tzuke
· Judith Owen
· Kiki Dee
· Laura Cantrell
· Laura Oakes
· Leo Sayer
· Mary Gauthier
· McCrary Sisters
· Mica Paris
· Mollie Marriott
· P.P. Arnold
· Paul Rodgers
· Peter Frampton
· Richard Thompson
· Rick Wakeman
· Robbie Cavanagh
· Robert Vincent
· Sam Outlaw
· Sam Palladio
· Steve Cradock
· The Shires
· Twinnie
· Ward Thomas
· Wildwood Kin
