Ben E. King - Stand by me | The Story Behind The Song | Top 2000 a gogo

Ben E. King (1938 - 2015) tells us about the start of his career with The Drifters and the inspiration for 'Stand by me'. A short documentary by Top 2000 a gogo from 2006 (Dutch Public Television).

[@DaveHalpernShortSale]

"The more you lose the more you become better" That is gold.

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

I grew up playing in bands in the 60's, and it was exactly that way. We used to call it Battle Of The Bands. All of us grew so much musically in those days.

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

I think Jesus may have taught this....

[@rickshearer]

He seems to be a down to earth, honest and humble guy, Ben E. King. It took such a man to write and perform a classic which will never be forgotten. 🎸🎤

[@nora22000]

John Lennon only does pop. Shame on him if he tried to do this one.

[@rickshearer]

@@nora22000 ?

[@brownin329]

He was. He passed away in 2015.

[@j.c7719]

@@nora22000 He made rock music and yes he did and did a great job too.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

With a voice like that, how could you not imagine being a lead singer?

[@maggiethecat1538]

Heartfelt emotion in those vocals..

[@jawadad802]

that man was a treasure : "Imagine having written a top hit about your greatest love for it only to be rejected by the friends you cherrish the most and then being able to admit it never had sounded as good as when they sang it " ... a humble man. So sorry to hear this song held regrets for him....

[@trevorwarner6081]

It is because of this song that cause Ben e King to leave the drifters.

[@gabe_s_videos]

This really is one of the greatest songs ever, and one of my personal favorites.

[@eire3294]

Your exactly right, this song can relate to so many things...one of the best ever...

[@gabe_s_videos]

@@eire3294 Isn't it amazing how the most universal songs are the simplest?

[@joep7584]

Dude this song made you famous! I dont know any of the names of anyone in the Drifters but I know who Ben E King is!!!

[@JESUSDIAZ-fo9be]

Good statment

[@hotspot131638837]

@@JESUSDIAZ-fo9be L statement

[@buddyrodriguez5111]

Before the great voice of Ben E. King, there was first the late great Clyde McPhatter! Both of these gentlemen and the other later lead singers were all great!

[@edwardhayes6111]

And Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore, and Charley Thomas

[@atothetop3779]

Charlie mf Thomas

[@MezMezMez1]

His personality and humility really comes across in the way he sings and smiles. What a lovely man. RIP

[@danielsarn3823]

I always think of River Phoenix when I hear this song. So sad and so horrible, he was my idol as a kid. Such a beautiful, bittersweet song. Mr King is such a sweet and humble man.

[@d3xmeister]

This has to be in everybody’s at least top 3 songs of all times.

[@lucasoheyze4597]

Don't be stupid

[@JD-gx3ms]

Nope

[@robdaggersfan]

When I was 16 years of age I bought a vinyl LP called 'The Drifters Greatest Hits'. I bought the record because of the magnificent lead voice of Ben E. King on 'There Goes My Baby', 'Save the Last Dance For Me', 'This Magic Moment', 'Dance With Me' and 'I Count The Tears'. This man still gives me goosebumps. How the manager of the Drifters could let Ben E. King go amazes me. Then I heard 'Stand By Me' by Ben as a solo artist. More goosebumps and a determination to find a girl who would Stand By Me (and she has for 51 years). Stand By Me is my favourite Soul Ballad of all time. I am so grateful that I heard all these great songs by Ben E King and the Drifters in the early 60's.

[@gabrielbeach5426]

I couldn't even imagine another version of this, to be better... the emotions expressed at the recording was real! Not having the Drifters and being newly wedded, brought out the right feelings to accomplish what is "to me" a perfect song.

[@je23508]

The late Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire) did an upbeat version of the song in the 80s...I thought it was not half bad.

[@jackieelliott7865]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqcaH6qaJprj68

[@trevorwarner6081]

@@je23508 Mohammed Ali has a version of this song.

[@thedappercook]

John Lennon has a good version too

[@kowalskivideos6476]

I do like Florence and the machines version too but this one is the superior version in every way

[@starastronomer]

A thousand years from now Stand By Me will still be playing.

[@misstigermilk]

What a good person he is, so loyal and good-hearted.

[@stevencochrane115]

This song is a classic and will remain so, forever. The World owes Mr. King a big thank you.

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

Did you know... this song would become a world wide classic...

[@oddballsok]

3:17 sublime example of a moment in life that your world crumbles,you feel backstabbed, could lose and did loose faith in the world and people in general...but now, decades later, you laugh about it.

[@jaycoleman6552]

*lose* ,not loose.

[@Jabberstax]

I've loved this song since I was 6 years old.

[@c.calliecoleman1531]

It's good to know this song was written, by Ben E. King with his wife in mind, and not just written by someone else, just for him to sing and act the part. The love was genuine and could be felt. It's like when I found out La, La, La, was written for one of Delfonics daughter, made me love that song even more. I hope Ben E. King know how his song Stand by me, renewed love back, to many couples. I once had a mighty handsome boyfriend who looked like Ben E.King, that I loved a great deal. And this song always remind me of him, though I feel a little sadness, too, because he's in heaven, now, where he should be feeling the real Love. ✌❤🎵🙏🌹

[@jcee6886]

One of the greatest songs of all time

[@Dirtydeff]

In my opinion one of the best songs of all time. So many great versions but the original is still the standard

[@alevine1951]

"Good lord, does this man realize he is an absolute LEGEND?!" < What I was about to write until I read the description and realized he passed in 2015....DAMMMIT!! Once upon a time, I saw him perform with the Drifters in a Murray the K show at the Brooklyn Fox. Afterwards, across the street w my friends at an Orange Julius or Nedicks or similar, we were talking around a table when I glanced up at the counter and there stood a man taking his turn placing an order wearing a suit with a satin stripe down the side. "Look!" I whispered excitedly to my friends. "That's Ben E. King!"

[@tatayaya]

What a voice!

[@TrueGritProductions]

So many jewels thrown in the trash by "the experts" rediscovered and made it big

[@maryk6192]

👍

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

What a beautiful presence

[@lanceconklin6000]

What a humble man. O e of the greatest songs ever.

[@bluevalley82]

I went to goodwill and heard this song. Then I opened KZbin right away. Love it

[@leelaturanga5461]

Ben E is a musical God. And I’m chuckling at the chap in the white jacket pulling focus with his fly dance moves 😂

[@lawrencecarr4973]

Lol

[@TheFlyDutchman1]

Was looking for someone to comment this

[@briannorman952]

Absolutely a beautiful song. Classic.

[@jens8014]

This record should be in every jukebox

[@maryyoung1602]

It is in every complete jukebox.

[@filmer25]

4:52 Another blessing in disguise.

[@carlminorsr2634]

Still got that big smile.😁

[@cornpit77]

Great to hear the artist talk about his song and what a nice and humble guy he appeared. First time I heard this song was in the movie Stand By Me, which I found an amazing movie and this song also had an impact on me. It meant a step outside of the music genres I used to listen to.

[@doreenbierens]

One of the best movie soundtracks ever

[@pondpro]

My 8,12,13 and 14 year old kids can sing this with me. That's how you know it's Legendary...

[@KrnSniper01]

One of the songs that instantly make me happy when I listen to

[@Paul_C]

@TOP2000 I hope you will continue with this series, at least now there is a place where you can see the history of of a song. Congratulations.

[@Top2000agogo]

Thank you, we will keep it up!

[@VVGRestoration]

One of the best songs ever written, and one of the best singers.

[@thepowerstation2702]

Ben E. King May Your Soul Rest in Peace Always 🙏 ✌️ ♥ Levent 🦁

[@DerekDominoes]

RIP Ben E. King.

[@lexaunculpt]

Thank you for this amazing song. One of the greatest.

[@AlexanderGarcia-og9cr]

Such a great and heartwarming tale by a legend. Every song is special and there is always a good story behind writing and recording it. I love this series. I wrote more than 400 songs but sadly im in a 3rd world country (Philippines) where art and artists are not valued that much. I hope someday that i could get my stories soon..

[@timokas67]

why dont you put something up here on YT, so people can hear

[@StevenTorrey]

The Dancers in the background are from Dick Clark's American Bandstand (1961) where Ben E. King performed this. I wonder how many know they have been immortalized by the performance of a classic. And I wonder how many are alive. Would be interesting to track them down and hear of their stories.

[@smalltownusa3124]

How many couples made this 'their song'? Don't you just love that smooth voice?

[@DJAUDIO1]

Smart man. Every human knows this song.

[@Primo978]

Thank you for this great poetry Rest in paradise king!

[@bubbaluvv]

all time favorite song

[@reuireuiop0]

Mmmm, cool man, Mr King. When I age, I wonna age like Ben E King Rest Quiet, good man

[@MOSHAEMUSIC]

Love this song. Just learned it on the guitar recently and did a KZbin video and dedicated it to my wife. Very fitting that he wrote it for his. Thank you Ben. Much love

[@dnataliesmith2209]

THOSE BACKGROUND DANCERS GOT ME HERE DYING!!!!!

[@hennyverheij5969]

Another wonderfull and timeliess song...

[@TdT2211]

This song is a classic!

[@adambarkley4918]

one of the greatest and most classic songs - definitive of it’s time and place. RIP Ben E King.

[@wangobeast634]

Dude everytime i play this song memkries from my good child hood come in my mind making me cry knowing that wont be able to live those good old days and i just cry because i feel like i got not way to show or tell my childhood

[@aaronjaben7913]

I feel it too

[@JCrow-kz4nw]

WANGO BEAST Well put. From the heart. I agree.

[@Tom.Livanos]

Light and love to wherever you are.

[@christianblack9426]

Wow, what a great interview. Such a regular, normal, humble guy, who wrote one of the most famous, greatest songs of all time!

[@violandimille4959]

Genius song... never get tired of it

[@plainolded5030]

Thank God it "didn't gel the way he thought it would"! What a man, what a song.

[@esiesesi3570]

What a humble, kind and lovely man he was....

[@davel3895]

What a story. What class Ben had. RIP.

[@renatacantore-gross8842]

That was so touching !

[@davidram9511]

National treasure

[@fruitofthespiritgalatians5856]

I love that song today!!!! Now, I love it even more!!

[@sallisboa4569]

🌹🙏.. gave me an Autograph Picture in a Elevator..a True Superstar and an Gentleman..

[@Laluan]

Wat een fijne man zeg...

[@mariatimmins8846]

This is my all time favourite song, i love the movie stand by me too, both just take me back to my childhood. .x

[@lemarrthomas3314]

I love the creative process. It's magic.

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

The Drifters lost out when they let this man walk. They never did a song anywhere near as great as this one after his departure.

[@Surannhealz]

Simple music works. Complex music is good from time to time. But timeless music is simple.

[@JCrow-kz4nw]

Great interview!

[@johnnytoobad2979]

Never knew he was a west Indian caribean. His accent is strong like maybe Virgin islands or Bahamas.

[@jaycoleman6552]

It's spelled *Caribbean* .

[@johnnytoobad2979]

@@jaycoleman6552 omg !!! I left out a b...I'm the most ignorant man in America.lol just messing...nice catch

[@brownin329]

He was born in Henderson, North Carolina. His people were probably Gullah, if anything.

[@johnnytoobad2979]

@@brownin329 Thank you for the correction.. 100% correct. Absolutely sound like Low country GEECHIE GULLAH. Hence Bahamas

[@lolahernandez6871]

Our wedding song. 🥰🥰🥰

[@ellalena1873]

What a genuinely believable guy.

[@adrianekelly2966]

Please check out the British Airways video of this song done so beautifully by the Kingdom Choir. I've watched and shared it often, and I imagine Ben smiling warmly as they honor him and all those who take this to heart and live it.

[@harlowblackadder356]

The kids dancing in the background...they would never know it's a slow dance song now....

[@camilalook4168]

And they are all white!!!

[@harlowblackadder356]

@@camilalook4168 LMAOOOOOOOO

[@camilalook4168]

@@harlowblackadder356 forgot the year setting.. I'm Dutch-Caribbean and never experienced segregation or discrimination on this level.... until I moved to Holland early seventies..now, that was a shock ...with my Caribbean looks..background, being rejected in some white clubs and discos..

[@nubianncahill3570]

Harlow Blackadder now?

[@transporterIII]

"Every Breath You Take" and "Missing You" are lesser sequels to this masterpiece

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

Amazing!

[@markoscar9634]

This is great 👌

[@thomasarmour1938]

My all time favorite song

[@onewaycrook5880]

Epic!

[@TempeSoldier123]

RIP Mr. King....

[@iamLexxKelsey]

Wow that's amazing an sad 😔

[@imcavdb5465]

It woul've been nice if I had somebody who'd stand by me.

[@didyasaysomethin2me]

5:20 So at some point they not only performed this song, but performed it better than anybody since that time. Does anybody know if there exists anywhere any tape of that performance? That would truly be music to my ears.

[@hashtag415]

Please play this song at my funeral.

[@SteelyBlue2013]

April 2020- Oh yeah...hope and love*~

[@laiiamrasa4990]

Still "supernatural" is his best.👌🔥❤

[@Amahla]

Aw Ben I love you

[@sivedan]

It's amazing how many of the most timeless pieces of music are composed very quickly ( same happened with Live to Tell by Madonna ), and always come from deep pain and emotions, that just shows you, you don't need super fancy technology and a massive budget to create gold, the real gold comes from the human mind.....

[@lucasoheyze4597]

Comparing this masterpiece to some Madonna piece of shit pop fluff 🤦

[@neilbrie8972]

What a great and decent guy, I amaze that he still regret not having perform this song with " his band/ friend", even if this song was an international success.

[@user-wo6ge5lz3m]

I know Ben E King and this song but I don’t know the drifters. Man what a kind man is this that he went back to the group while they stabbed him and he even offered them a new song. Mr King didn’t need anyone, he’s a legend!

[@MVEProducties]

Flashback to the movie Stand By Me too

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

The bass line is really catchy

[@ProjectDystopia]

Such a humble man, he wanted to The Drifters to sing it.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@ProjectDystopia Because of the sound of the four male voices singing together. The band! Ben E. King told how he got into singing professionally - starting from the bands performing on the street corners in Harlem. /It hurts hard now to learn how very badly they, and other black artists, were paid at that time. The Drifters were signed to Atlantic Records (Ahmet Ertegun?). You can tell from his voice that Ben loved those Drifters boys, loved recording and performing with them. Painful to make that stand about the group's payments - and be told he could leave if he didn't like it. The message was very clear: 'We don't think you're worth paying any more. We don't need you - you're replaceable - you need us. We're not going to tolerate any protests from our artists' etc etc

[@lialaie2214]

Great song! Pity the dancers surrounding him couldn't get with it lol

[@chipuluchilumba3319]

must have beeen dancing to a different song..

[@tlharris40]

Great story.....only thing I would add is the song that inspired it was indeed Stand By Me Father but the lead singer was Johnnie Taylor not Sam Cooke

[@brownin329]

The version he heard was Sam Cooke. Watch the video. Also the song was written by Sam Cooke.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

What music are the people in the video, dancing to.

[@jameson6930]

Danke

[@jd7089]

Them white dancers in the background..🤣🤣

[@zee_lolaj7382]

OMGGGG!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lizasilomar8545]

Gettin’ down, baby!

[@rukktech]

my first tought as well

[@davidritchie5683]

He did not comment that he showed the song to Leiber and Stoller . King and one of them went to lunch and when they came back that signature beat had been added.

[@jcee6886]

The kids behind him are dancing to a different song. 😂