2020 marks 60 years since the recording of Ben E. King's seminal single 'Stand By Me.' It is Whispering Bob Harris' favourite song of all time.

Coincidentally, 2020 also marks 50 years since Bob began his own seminal broadcasting career. 

With this outstanding coincidence in mind, we thought it gives the perfect opportunity to bring the music community together to record an extremely special version of the song to raise much needed funds for musicians all over the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has decimated musicians' sources of income, and with no prospect of gigs beginning to take place again any time soon, we wanted to help musicians everywhere stay afloat.

This very special recording of Stand By Me will feature some of the finest musicians on earth, all contributing their parts from isolation in locations across the world to make one incredible project.

The musicians chosen to be a part of this incredible project reflect Bob's own career in music, from rock legends to new and emerging country artists, Bob has hand-picked every artist to take part in this special 50th anniversary recording. Artists confirmed so far include Mark Knopfler, Darius Rucker, Duane Eddy, Paul Rodgers, Sam Palladio, PP Arnold, Jimmie Allen, Peter Frampton, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Beth Nielsen Chapman, The Shires and Ward Thomas (full list below).
Keep checking this page as new artists will be added throughout the campaign.

Paul Rodgers: “Whispering Bob gave ‘Free’ one of our first breaks on a TV show he hosted called The Old Grey Whistle Test. For the past 50 years he has constantly supported music and musicians both experienced and up and coming. I am absolutely happy to lend my voice to this iconic hit song and to help Bob support  ‘Help Musicians’ a UK Charity.”

With income streams so badly affected by Covid-19, we are hoping this recording will generate sufficient revenue to benefit our charity partner Help Musicians - a charity that does magnificent work in helping musicians survive in times of difficulty. In these unprecedented times for the music industry, their work is more important than ever.

Help Musicians is an independent charity with an extraordinary history. For nearly 100 years, it has provided a broad spectrum of help, support and opportunities to empower musicians aged 18+, at any stage of their career or retirement.

James Ainscough, CEO Help Musicians: “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.”

The single will be released on the 60th anniversary of the day the original was first recorded by Ben E. King on October 27th.

If you can, a donation will be greatly appreciated. If you're not in a position to be able to donate just now, sharing this GoFundMe will hugely help to raise awareness as well.

Thank you so much for being a part of something special.

Bob & team UTAT x

Full list of confirmed musicians (so far)
Vocalists:
Darius Rucker | Peter Frampton | Rosanne Cash | Sam Palladio | Judie Tzuke | Richard Thompson | Jamie Lawson | John Oates
Jimmie Allen | Catherine McGrath | Beth Nielsen Chapman | Keb’ Mo’ | Kiki Dee | Ward Thomas | The Shires | Marc Cohn
Leo Sayer | PP Arnold | Wildwood Kin | Thea Gilmore | Elles Bailey | Robert Vincent | Sam Outlaw | Twinnie | Laura Oakes
Judith Owen | Callaghan | Mollie Marriott | Mandy Barnett | Dan Bettridge | Laura Cantrell | Martyn Joseph | Kimmie Rhodes
Demi Marriner | Robbie Cavanagh | Eric Brace | Siobhan Maher Kennedy

Electric Guitar:
Mark Knopfler | Duane Eddy | Richard Thompson | Peter Frampton | Steve Cradock | Gabriel Rhodes | Gregor Philp

Acoustic Guitar:
Keb’ Mo’ | Jamie Lawson | Nigel Stonier | Gregor Philp

Piano:
Rick Wakeman | Anna Corcoran

Bass:
Leland Sklar | Scott Warman

Drums:
Jeremy Stacey | Pedro Segundo

Strings:
Amy Chalmers | Georgina Leach | Caleb Elliott | Gabriella Swallow

Pedal Steel:
CJ Hillman

Hammond:
Nigel Stonier

Triangle:
Bob Harris