Bob Harris OBE and Under the Apple Tree have released ‘Stand by Me’ (2020) by Whispering Bob’s Allstars, raising money for Charity Help Musicians UK.
Ben E King’s classic ‘Stand by Me’ was re-recorded for this special release, which also celebrates the song’s 60th anniversary and Bob Harris’ 50th year in broadcasting.
The single features a star-studded line-up including Mark Knopfler, Paul Rodgers, Duane Eddy, Rosanne Cash, PP Arnold, Peter Frampton, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Oates, Keb Mo, The Shires and Ward Thomas, plus many more.
Bob Harris OBE said:
“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”.
All funds from the charity single will help to support Help Musicians UK, who provide vital support to thousands of music creators.
Help Musicians is an independent charity, providing help, support and opportunities to empower musicians aged 18+ at any stage of their career or retirement, from times of great need to times of opportunity, providing a lifetime of support when it is needed most.
Help Musicians aims to make a meaningful difference to the lives of professional musicians and is passionate about creating a world where musicians can thrive.
James Ainscough, CEO of Help Musicians, said:
“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 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”.
‘Stand by Me (2020)’ by Whispering Bob’s Allstars is available now on Under the Apple Tree Records, via Absolute Label Services.
To find out more, please visit the fundraising page for ‘Stand by Me’ (2020).
