I’m not sure Ben E. King knew that he’d ignite a movement when he recorded Stand By Me in 1962. He didn’t know it would be a hit by the Drifters and so many more or be part of a movie. But his death, juxtaposed against the great need in Nepal, reminded me of this fantastic version of the song by Playing for Change, a project that aims to unite the world by music. Musicians all over the world were recorded doing the song, and the result was a beautiful, global version that lent new meaning to “stand by me.”
If you don’t know this version, I’m glad to introduce you. The link is at the end of this post. If you do know it, here’s a chance to be moved once again and remind ourselves that we live in a global village and bear responsibility for each other.
Grandpa Elliott’s voice gives me chills and so does that of Clarence Bekker in the Netherlands. Roberto Luti’s poignant guitar adds so much to the recording and I loved the balcony setting in the Congo for one of the drummers. This video, the song and all of the musicians are just magic.
And when they sing about mountains crumbling to the sea, I couldn’t help but think about Nepal and how we really are our brother’s keeper. We must stand by each other.
If you are looking for a way to help Nepal, here are a few. The easiest is to text “Nepal” to 864233 to donate $10 to Unicef. Or if you prefer, text “GIVE NEPAL” to 80088 to make a $10 donation through Global Giving.
If you’d like to donate a different way, here are high-rated charities that are helping the Nepalese people.
I hope you will help Nepal as a tribute to Ben E. King, and as you do, listen to these beautiful musicians reinforce the message that we are our brother’s keepers. Thank you.
This is a beautiful post, Carol. I’m going to listen to this version later, as the song is really powerful and has a heavy impact on me. If I start crying this early in the day it might not be good! Thanks for sharing and the important reminders of how we’re all united – beyond what we often think about or remember.
Excellent resources for helping and a beautiful video. Playing for Change is such a fabulous organization. My heart breaks at what’s happened in Nepal yet rejoices at the outpouring of help.
We definitely are our brothers keepers! My heart goes out to our sisters and brother in Nepal. This music is so powerful. Thank you for sharing your heart and words.
It is so sad to hear when such things happen in the world – it really reminds us that “there but the grace of God go I.” I appreciate the information for easy access to make donations.
I loved this song which I never heard played in such a moving way before. Not only brought back memories of the good old days but also touched a chord I never knew I had in me.
There are so many events and issues happening all over the world that need attention. Hopefully more people will pitch in and help in any way they can. Even if one does not have much money there are always other ways to help.
Thanks for sharing this Carol. A beautiful version. And tragic news about Nepal. Hard to take in just how it would feel to lose everything material you have, including the roof over your head. Hoping the aid gets to those who need it before it’s too late.
[…] 17 toward the Los Gatos hills, thinking about my mother. It was the day of my post on Nepal, THIS one, and I was thinking about how we would have talked about what was going on there and what she would […]
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I LOVE that version of the song. I hope the people of Nepal can rebuild soon!
They need a whole lot of help….
So sad when these things happen, and always so unexpected. Praying for all those in Nepal.
Yes, heartbreaking.
I love the original version and LOVE the movie.
I’ve never heard this beautiful, emotional version. So sad.
I’m so glad you watched it, Nancy.
This is a beautiful post, Carol. I’m going to listen to this version later, as the song is really powerful and has a heavy impact on me. If I start crying this early in the day it might not be good! Thanks for sharing and the important reminders of how we’re all united – beyond what we often think about or remember.
I hope you’ll hear it, it is so good. Blessings, Andrea.
Hi Carol,
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing how to help those in Nepal 🙂
My heart goes out to the people in Nepal. Lovely Post and I will certainly be donating to the rebuilding of Nepal.
That’s great, Mina, thank you!
Excellent resources for helping and a beautiful video. Playing for Change is such a fabulous organization. My heart breaks at what’s happened in Nepal yet rejoices at the outpouring of help.
The need is great.
This video and the efforts made by all these talented and caring people are a model for all of us to follow. Thank you for the links to HELP.
😉 Cheryl….
We definitely are our brothers keepers! My heart goes out to our sisters and brother in Nepal. This music is so powerful. Thank you for sharing your heart and words.
It is so hard to fathom, isn’t it?
It is truly sad to see mother nature reign this kind of hell on countries that are the last on earth equipped to handle this kind of devastation.
Yes, so true. And it is an opportunity for us to step up and help.
It is devastating. I love your tie in and thanks for the links.
Wow they have such an amazing sound. I’ve always loved that song! I’d love to offer support to Nepal.
This is a beautiful post. It’s heartbreaking to watch the news these days.
It is so sad to hear when such things happen in the world – it really reminds us that “there but the grace of God go I.” I appreciate the information for easy access to make donations.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I appreciate the information about this!
Great causes Carol! Truly heartbreaking. I will share this right now and be sure I donate too.
i love that song. What an awful environmental disaster. I hope the people get the help they need to recover and rebuild.
I hope Nepal is able to rebuild and that people are able to survive and perservere.
Thanks for compiling these ways to help.
I love how you juxtaposed these two big things.
I love the song Stand by Me. It has been a great song for me throughout my life.
Love how you put this together, Carol. I think Ben E. King would proud to hear that his classic song inspired people to give to help those in Nepal.
My heart goes out to the people of Nepal. Sad when mother nature hits so hard.
I loved this song which I never heard played in such a moving way before. Not only brought back memories of the good old days but also touched a chord I never knew I had in me.
There are so many events and issues happening all over the world that need attention. Hopefully more people will pitch in and help in any way they can. Even if one does not have much money there are always other ways to help.
My heart and donations go out to the people of Nepal.
I cannot remember when I have been more touched. This seriously had me bawling my eyes out. Absolutely beautiful sharing everywhere!
Thanks for sharing this Carol. A beautiful version. And tragic news about Nepal. Hard to take in just how it would feel to lose everything material you have, including the roof over your head. Hoping the aid gets to those who need it before it’s too late.