Single Art Courtesy of Big Machine Records
NASHVILLE, TN (October 26, 2020) – Big Machine Records announced today that it has added legendary broadcaster Bob Harris OBE to its incredible roster of artists for the special release of “#StandByMe (2020)”. The star-studded new charity single is raising funds for Help Musicians, the 99-year-old charity that continues to provide vital support to thousands of music creators during this unprecedented time. “#StandByMe (2020)” drops October 27, sixty years after Ben E. King’s release of the iconic song. Big Machine Records will distribute the song in the US, Canada and Mexico while Under The Apple Tree Records in partnership with Absolute Label Services will distribute the song elsewhere. All funds are being raised via the #StandByMe Go Fund Me page which is now live. See here.
Harris, who is celebrating 50 years of broadcasting, arranged for several artists to come together and perform the song remotely under the banner ‘Whispering Bob’s All-Stars’, 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, Ward Thomas and Darius Rucker plus many more.
The video was launched exclusively with Rolling Stone (see here) and is now available to watch everywhere.
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the UK music scene,” said Bob Harris OBE. “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.”
“Bob Harris OBE is a living legend and a connector from the glorious past of British Pop & Rock’n Roll to all modern day music,” said BMLG President, CEO and Founder Scott Borchetta. “His passion for music is endless and comes shining through in this incredible salute to his favorite song recorded with some of the greatest musicians in the world. And all for a brilliant cause.”
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, 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 in the lives of professional musicians and is passionate about creating a world where musicians thrive.
“We’re delighted that Bob Harris OBE, a Help Musicians ambassador for many years, has instigated this wonderful project,” said Help Musicians CEO James Ainscough. “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.”
“#StandByMe (2020)” by Whispering Bob’s All-Stars will be available October 27 on Under The Apple Tree Records, via Absolute Label Services and distributed via Big Machine Records in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The #StandByMe (2020) Go Fund Me page is now live HERE.