60 years ago, Ben E King wrote the beautiful ballad ‘Stand By Me’. Right now, in the middle of a crisis for the live music industry, Whispering Bob Harris is asking all of us to stand by those working in music’s grassroots who need our support. Harris has assembled a huge list of musicians from both sides of the Atlantic, including the likes of Rosanne Cash, Keb’ Mo’, Richard Thompson, Sam Outlaw, Darius Rucker, Martyn Joseph, Elles Bailey, Robert Vincent and many more. The resulting cover of the King classic is simply glorious.
Harris explains: “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 grass roots music community that we love so much.”
The funds raised will go towards Help Musicians, which has been supporting musicians in need for 99 years. Go to the #StandByMe Go Fund Me web page here to support this great cause. ‘Stand By Me’ is Bob Harris’s favourite song of all time; help him celebrate 50 years as a broadcaster by supporting his appeal now.
Oh, how lovely! Of course! Whispering Bob, long may he continue <3