Who Did It Better? - The Soul Stirrers vs. Ben E. King

Today we put one of the most popular R&B songs ever recorded up against the record that inspired it and two noteworthy covers.
Stand by Me Father by The Soul Stirrers is first followed by Ben E. King's original recording of Stand by Me then covers by Otis Redding and Tracy Chapman. Listen to them all, then share your thoughts in the comments section.
*****
"Stand by Me" is a song originally performed by American singer-songwriter Ben E. King and written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. According to King, the title is derived from, and was inspired by, a spiritual written by Sam Cooke and J. W. Alexander called "Stand by Me Father," recorded by the Soul Stirrers with Johnnie Taylor singing lead. The third line of the second verse of the former work derives from Psalm 46:2c/3c.
There have been over 400 recorded versions of the song, performed by many artists. It was featured on the soundtrack of the 1986 film Stand by Me, and a corresponding music video, featuring King along with actors River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton, was released to promote the film. In 2012 it was estimated that the song's royalties had topped $22.8 million (£17 million), making it the sixth highest-earning song as of its era. 50% of the royalties were paid to King. In 2015 King's original version was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant", just under five weeks before his death.
#####
Reelblack's mission is to educate, elevate, entertain, enlighten, and empower through Black film. If there is content shared on this platform that you feel infringes on your intellectual property, please email me at [e-mail] and [e-mail] with details and it will be promptly removed.

[@lenabrown3930]

This song gives Me goose bumps well done SOUL STIRRERS 🙏🙏

[@megaoldskool76]

I agree!

[@kathycavitt3089]

Soul Stirrers is Heart Searching about Who You going to depend on! Jesus Christ is the only one!! Man Will stir you wrong if he’s not a Man of God and do What God said in The Ten Commandments!!

[@thejinxone]

Ben E. King. The Soul Stirrers version has its own greatness.

[@lillianpatterson751]

Truly Johnnie Taylor and Stirrers! You see they are speaking of a powerful spirit of God! The other artists are speaking and singing about a love to stand by them!

[@kathycavitt3089]

Exactly right!!

[@judyjones2578]

Sounds like Sam Cooke is singing with the Soul Stirrers.

[@patriciamapp4843]

$e

[@1goldbaby]

​@@judyjones2578it was Sam Cook not Johnny taylor

[@antonioantonio447]

The soul stirrers I never heard their version until now I love it and give it to them

[@rahgaborx7809]

Otis makes me wanna dance, Tracy makes me cry, Soul Stirrers takes me to church and Ben King takes me there to my 1st love...they all sing like Gods and Goddesses.

[@luethaderpinckney7218]

Exactly the truth lol😀😀😀

[@Riogi]

I love all versions and cannot name a winner because there are no losers here. Sam Cooke's influence was present all the way throughout the song and that was an added treat.

[@ElDeeDaGeneral]

That wasn't Sam Cooke!!... Johnny Taylor replaced Sam when he left the Group in 1954.. JT remained with the Stirrers until 1957 and went back to Secular music, and didn't get a hit until 1968, with " Who's making Love to Yo Old Lady"???

[@simmiewilliams5970]

Ben E. King owns this, but love the other version as well......I love my people ✊🏿❤️

[@mcarthurcox1022]

Sam cooke and the soul stirrers, has my vote

[@spfsincerely1341]

McArthur Cox Johnny Taylor was actually the lead vocalist on this song.

[@AnthonyBaskerville-d5v]

The first song Stand by me father Was Johnnie Taylor and the Soul Stirrers not Sam Cook…. Sam Cooke Produced it

[@spfsincerely1341]

SANG JOHNNY!!! Most definitely The Soul Stirrers ❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@spfsincerely1341]

RRY PHILL Fasho!

[@whitneyfiggs-stallings2300]

I love the Soul Stirrers, my mom favorite, but I must go with B. Kings version

[@deborahjohnson2736]

Ben E. King... hands down.

[@louiseprimrose678]

No matter who sings it first whoever makes it their own is the best and as much as I love Johnnie Taylor and Sam Cooke and Otis Redding is the man I gotta go with Ben E. King because he made it his.

[@erastuserazade9785]

Soul Stirrers are champion performers . Otis Redding does excellent rendition . These two performances show deep emotion and inimitable incomparable quality .

[@maurice8607]

Definetly the Soul Stirrers.

[@pamelalovings4711]

2019'💕Ben .E King version👍Love them Oldies!!🎶🎶 Thanks for Sharing!!👍

[@evonza4858]

All of our brothers and sister did their thing once again, each one got a piece of that musical action 🥰❤️🖤💚#power to the people 🥰❤️🖤💚

[@dasmilingoddess]

Well, I was going to say Ben King....never heard Otis Redding's version until now. You KNOW Ole Otis had to put dat Stank on it. I never heard Tracy Chapman's version until now...I love her whole mood on any song 😍 Love the Soul Stirrers harmony

[@patsybrown6224]

Ben king

[@amw2hoop]

This comment tickled me... as I've never heard Ben E. King's version either so too to "put that stank on it" perfectly describes it.

[@keithharris9685]

Sam Cook taught all these people how to sing. He is the first. Black, soul, blues, funk, pop, artist took and learn from Sam Cook

[@mgconlan]

Sam Cookewas great, all right, but what about Louis Jordan? Or Roy Brown? Elvis Presley's second record, "Good Rocking Tonight," is a Roy Brown cover.

[@keithharris9685]

@@mgconlan they learned from Sam Cook.

[@1goldbaby]

Before Mr. Cook there was a man before him that he patterned his voice from read the history of the soul stirrers Sam Cook joined them when he was 19 years old.! That man was already in the original group the soul stirrers.!

[@krystalharris1259]

Ben e. King's version reminds Me of that song "its the time and the season for loving 🎶"

[@basheermuhammad7757]

This is a hard one...Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirers v Ben E. King. Two different levels of mastery.

[@Thefruitshowstheroot]

Sam Cooke wasn't even on here.

[@godsson9100]

@@Thefruitshowstheroot its johnny taylor and the soul stirrers .. its the original and it was also produce and co-wrote by sam cooke

[@Thefruitshowstheroot]

God's son ...my point is that it ain't Sam Cooke singing it...period

[@henriettaparks586]

THATS JOHNNIE TAYLOR!!! ON LEAD!!!! YES!!!

[@clifchoc1486]

It is Otis Redding or am I tripping?

[@Bro7ar]

Sam cooke #1

[@j2323j]

Ben E King

[@rickystansbury9134]

All of these great songs were sung with great emotion, and soul. Soul something we have a great deal of. You hear our most sincerest emotions coming out, asking ABBA FATHER to stand by us. So, I refuse to vote one, over the other, even though I have a preference. So, it's a *"TIE"*

[@Riogi]

All praise to our ABBA, Ricky.

[@jacksprat2178]

It goes from gospel to rnb, to soul, to folk. Beautiful in all versions.

[@randolphwright6565]

I agree...can't compare them

[@angelawilliams479]

Exactly!

[@Meekismwisdom]

They all made it their own. Put their soul and sound in and on it . All of their emotions are pure. The soul stirrers very gospel, Ben E. is very upbeat and joyous, Tracy has a very soulful somber tone to hers.

[@bobbienabors7215]

I never heard anybody sing this song BUT Ben E King! Love him the best!

[@jbsuomi3830]

All versions different, but beautifully sung! Giving 4 thumbs up to them all!!

[@malcolmxparis7158]

Due respect to the other versions but the Ben E. King version has a certain "quality" thats why it has such longevity. Im willing to bet money everybody has a story about times when they heard it as a kid or an adult.

[@cartoonjoe]

Ben E. King. That's his song, period.

[@TheOnIyGod]

No, pop-culture made you feel that was his song. It's the song that most of us heard at some point in our life, not to mention the power of Hollywood movies. ✌🏾

[@nancybarker3198]

That incredible voice of Sam Cooke stands out along with the Soul Stirrers.

[@yvonnewitherspoon846]

Each has their own style of singing but The Soul Stirrers is gospel in sound and lyrics. I love them all 💯♥️💯

[@peggyhamilton7722]

I LOVE THE SOUL Stirrers Johnny Taylor ,Crume, Bobby Womack I'm not fond of Otis Redding the Lady sounds OK. I like BeN E. KING,,,,,,

[@bernicedarden5442]

Yes Lord Please Stand By Me Lord I Just Love The Soul Stirrers Music 🎶 They Are Gone But Never Will Be Forgotten There Music 🎶 Will Live On

[@gaylemorgan1550]

Ben E. king is still my favorite but I was surprised at how much I liked Tracey Chapman’s version.

[@lendrury2771]

Johnny Taylor absolutely killed this song With Sam's guidance and direction leading the way

[@arlenak5712]

I thought this was the great Sam Cooke for a moment. Yes great guidance !!!

[@mgconlan]

@@arlenak5712 So did I.

[@brendaizzard8936]

They all sang it Beautiful but I love hearing the soul stirred singing it best especially touch the hem of his garment.

[@kathycavitt3089]

Amen!

[@bigeman25]

Ben E.King wins. Otis did it as only he could and Tracy was smooth as silk. Thank the Soul Stirrers for their great song.

[@mikebsibb]

Johnnie Taylor and The Soul-Stirrers takes this one. Love both!

[@bigd6971]

Ben King had the best. But each had there on style. God bless Otis and Sam

[@cestro9196]

All great performers in their right, Ben E King shut it down on this one without a doubt, also I have a question...@reelblack, how is it possible that your videos have dislikes.....because not only is it awesome (the platform) to see this and hear it, it also informative for music enthusiast such as myself, to learn the original song of our favorites, but it is also GREAT music that's being put on here, I really can't wrap my mind around someone disliking any of the videos in this series.

[@souljazzrb]

I have to go with The Soul Stiirrers Johnnie Taylor singing lead, produced by Sam Cooke.

[@sunrah4469]

At first i thought that was Sam ...but you are right thats johnny taylor ...wow!

[@UniversalMind-10]

I knew that was The Reverend of the blues Johnnie Taylor also!

[@missbel8849]

You know what? I thought that sounded like the Preacher aka Johnnie Taylor!! Woww yeah, the Soul Stirrers version made me feel it on a spiritual level.

[@BluesInMySoul]

Johnnie Taylor makes me slide right off of my chair!

[@henriettaparks586]

THE SOUL STIRRERS!!! JOHNNIE TAYLOR ON LEAD!!! COME ON NOW!! YAW!! KNOW WHATS!!! UP !!!JT!! AND THE FELLAS!! EVERY DAY ALL DAY!!!! BEN E. KING!! GOOD!! OTIS!! WOW!! NO!! ON TRACY!!!#2020

[@quincyrobinson8139]

Soul stirrers

[@wisegal2105]

Sam Cook and them Stiiers did it! And my Otis!😊

[@deeannaruss923]

Definitely Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers! ❤️

[@oljacky2timez968]

I LOVE BEN E KING VERSION and THE SOUL STIRRERS!

[@1wish1000]

Ben E King hands down...

[@reesegoldess5740]

All four versions was great . I have to say Ben E King is the best.

[@PhatGirlLuvr68Comix]

All great versions.

[@missbel8849]

I am always here for the Soul Stirrers! Sam Cooke was bae back in the day😍😍 I like their version, Brother Otis’s version, and of course Ben E King’s classic rendition 🖤🖤

[@BluesInMySoul]

That isn't Sam singing with the Soul Stirrers. That is Johnnie Taylor

[@missbel8849]

BluesInMySoul i know I saw the comments after I commented that day. Either way I’m here for it.

[@lorannharris9034]

I love them all but Ben E Kings' version is haunting even without vocals. Otis brings the sexy..

[@em-jay5370]

Oh, Ben E King of course is the winner here in my book. The music alone makes you want to get up and move. This is a cut where you can dance alone!! Otis is begging. But Ben makes you want to jump up and just say "I GOT YOUR BACK BEN!" The Soul Stirrers is too gospel. Tracy Chapman great vocals but Ben E King is the King of this one. Keep them coming. This is the first I've ever heard this sung by the other artists. Thank you!!

[@TeddyStrongBear]

Whoa! The competition is tough, but I’d stick with Ben E. King’s legendary version! Cook and Chapman were super dope as well...

[@araj2064]

First Off! THANK YOU for this upload! I honestly hadn't heard the SOUL STIRRERS feat. Johnny Taylor version in 47yrs. This is a Heck of a Choice but Im going with my Heart and say J T and the Soul Stirrers by a Half Note!

[@lupethejerk]

Anybody wit sense know it’s Johnnie Taylor, then Ben. Thank you!😌

[@johnbrock6116]

Wow, all 4 amazing in their own way..... The most air played by far - Ben E. King and the most successful of the versions and the public knows very well. But all Superb...

[@1goldbaby]

So much soul from the singers back then the original soul singers!!

[@a.c.harris1898]

My FAV version will always be by BEN E. KING! Used to sing it to my newborn son back in the day, to lullaby him to sleep. It worked! He also loves this song, & version to this day.

[@basheermuhammad7757]

V Otis Redding V Tracey Chapman which is folk female version, which in fact a great version too. A+ for airbody.

[@rachaelnowlin1752]

Ben E. King is King! I mean the bass, violins, horns just helps define Kings version. The other artists were good but it belongs to the "King"!

[@joannjameson4955]

Ben E.King.

[@1jnova]

I’m mainly inspired buy these songs and every song I do must have meaning just like the old days.. you can relate to these songs..

[@karenheyward9590]

Wow !!!!!!!. I didn't know it was that Many versions of Stand by Me .All of them ,All of Them, Simply All of Them are Absolutely Outstanding Brilliantly sung the song. I love this song with All of the different versions, of Each Different singers. All of Them were Outstanding.!!!!!!!!. ALL have brilliantly sang the song . AMAZING TRULY AMAZING 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩..

[@saltydawg7078]

The Soul Stirrers

[@RubyMorton-jt1tx]

This gospel music back in the day it really touches the heart❤

[@ashleywills8761]

I still prefer Ben King's version cause I grew up listenin his version but everyone else has put their heart nd soul into the song especially Tracy Chapman's version

[@quentinwilliams6354]

In my humble opinion you can never lose with the Imperial Master of vocal excellence the late great Sam Cooke. Otis Redding did an ok job. The music to that last recording, Johnny Taylor had a song, Rome wasn't built in a day with the same music. I love music of that era. It shows that God gives gifts freely.

[@1jnova]

I love both of them

[@raystaar]

With artists of this caliber, asking people to decide who's better is almost a form of torture. The Ben E. King record was ground breaking. It ushered in a whole new era of lushly orchestrated popular records. The Soul Stirrers...well, they're the Soul Stirrers. Enough said. And Otis Redding's cover? As years go by, virtually everything he sang is revealed as more perfect than it was originally thought to be. Finally, as for Tracy Chapman, her stripped down version of the song shows it for what it is: a classic composition with the potential to shine in any musical setting.

[@jotat1046]

Sensational the singer Chapmann is still active, still enchanting in her concerts, so long life to her always. Brazil - Saint Paul.

[@getprettyfit1997]

Each version is great. The second one played is the one I am familiar with hearing in period movies. I like Otis Redding's version. Chapman's is good, too. This is simply a great song!

[@Sophisticated8]

I will have to go with Ben E king

[@cupcakes7015]

1.Johnny Taylor /SoulStirrers 2.Ben E.King 3.Otis Redding 4.Tracey Chapman 7/30/19

[@cupcakes7015]

Music Life 💯❤👏

[@mikwhsjs7972]

Ben, Sam, Otis,.

[@lillianwilliams5510]

All are special. so thumbs up for all. I wouldn't be able to make a fair choice, but each version has its own special meaning. I grew up with the BEN E. King VERSION. AS A baby Boomer, I have to THUMBS UP FOR BEN E.KING. I ACTUALLY HAD TO LISTEN 3 TIMES TO DISTINGUISH THE SINGERS EXCEPT FOR THE GOSPEL GROUP. I LOVE ALL VERSIONS. SOME HAVE PAIN, SOME HAVE LOVE SOME HAVE GOD.

[@stacyeclay]

They all did the song beautifully in their own unique sound - I like them all.

[@charleswilson9095]

Johnnie Taylor & The Soul Stirrers

[@windicold4682]

They are All superb with their own rendition

[@65motowngirl]

I will have to pick Ben E. King. 1961 was an especially important year in my life, and that song really stood out for me at that time. Honestly, it's not even my being sentimental. The others simply cannot compare. ( I love Tracy Champman when she's doing her own material)

[@BluesInMySoul]

It's so hard to choose! 1. Otis 2. Johnnie Taylor and Soul Stirrers 3. Ben E King 4. Tracy Chapman

[@superduperjoi6800]

The lyrics of Johnnie Taylors put more feeling of spiritual into it

[@proman1926]

The Soul Stirrers sang a gospel song. Much more powerful and deeper than Ben E Kings masterpiece.

[@sunrah4469]

SAM COOKE...STOP RIGHT THERE.

[@luethaderpinckney7218]

Exactly the king

[@noreneal7252]

That’s Johnny Taylor!!!

[@deseangibir4764]

Sam Cooke’s voice is next level.

[@missapril9889]

They both sound so good.

[@italiansister8069]

Soul stirrers and Tracy Chatman

[@sharonpurdy1908]

Not fair…asking us to vote🔥🔥🔥 They were ALL fire. Let me jam them for a while longer, then I may be able to make a decision. It’s 9/2021, and I’m still jamming these versions! Love it!

[@KtotheG]

Ben E. King's version might be the greatest "rock" song of all time... that song hit #1 in two different eras.. first in '66 or '67 whenever it was first released and then again in '86 when it was re-released for the movie.. so I gotta go with King's version. If earth ever had a planetary anthem, it would be "Stand By Me."

[@jbennett3794]

damn, I forgot about the re-release. I knew the words to that rehash like I know exactly how much weed is hidden upstairs. #rottenkids

[@MsMelyjean]

Soul Stirrers

[@michellesmith8912]

They all sound so good. My picks though- Otis Redding, The Soul Stirrers, Ben E. King and Tracy Chapman.

[@EddieisKrueger]

Ben E. King 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@donnab.333]

I like Ben King.

[@sunrae7680]

Hmmm. I love my people. So creative, emotional and each is unique. It would be a sin to try to pick a favorite. 💕💖🎼🎶🎵

[@tanji2936]

Which version is the best? It's hard for me to call because I think it's based on my mood. Lol, I love'em all but if I could only chose one...Ben E.King

[@broq9194]

Wow, such greatness!!! I honestly can't decide. This is great!!!

[@joshuaharris6934]

Man I luh dis channel..........

[@tinawilliamsilovemarvingsy3605]

I like all of singers they both do an excellent job.

[@sarahholly5088]

I love them all so much!!

[@jodeelovesu]

Sam Cooke vocals are everything

[@em-jay5370]

That is not Sam singing. That's Johnny Taylor.

[@BluesInMySoul]

They sure are. But so are Johnnie Taylor's ( the actual lead singer of the Soul Stirrers on Stand By Me).

[@sandramoore5769]

Thank God for everything 🙏 Agape Love, Protection Lord Jesus Yahweh.

[@juanap2230]

All are amazing all were and are great artist. Otis Redding voice was beautiful.

[@diane9247]

Got to be the Soul Stirrers (sorry, Otis!), but this is a superb lineup.

[@MrKgbronx12]

Ben E. King’s version is the one I know from the movie. Wow. Actually got me a little 🥲 teary

[@heathertea2704]

"Wellllllll Doggies!"as Jed Clampett would say.😝 ALL GREAT!!!👏👏👏 DEPENDING on my mood determines w h o I'm BLASTING. And THIS line-up WILL BE on REPEAT for a WHILE.😊

[@Cookefan59]

Heather T: Jed Clampett said “Wooo-Doggie”. Me thinks age is gettin to you. Better watch a few reruns. 😂

[@heathertea2704]

@@Cookefan59 I THINK you should google it.😁 My grandfather use to imitate Buddy Ebsen.✌

[@Cookefan59]

Heather T 😐 YOU ARE CORRECT. IM GETTING OLD!! 😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYWzn52mr8yXnZo

[@heathertea2704]

@@Cookefan59 NO problem👍

[@cloverlynthompson4782]

Ben E King of course!