Synopsis

Ben E. King performs "Stand By Me" before a live audience, turning the song into a direct expression of warmth and solidarity. During the performance, actors River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton join him onstage, linking the singer with the young stars of the 1986 film *Stand by Me*. Scenes from the movie are intercut throughout, connecting King's timeless soul recording with the story of friendship, courage, and growing up that helped give the song renewed cultural meaning.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was made in 1986 to promote the film *Stand by Me*, which used King's 1961 recording prominently on its soundtrack.

• Atlantic Records financed the video after the movie's success helped bring the song back to radio and into the charts, 25 years after its original release.

• River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton appear alongside King, creating a direct visual connection between the performer and the film's central friendship.

• The video combines newly filmed performance footage with clips from the movie rather than presenting a separate narrative.

• The film's popularity gave "Stand By Me" a second major commercial life. After first reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, it returned to the chart in 1986 and peaked at No. 9.

• King originally described the song as a love song, but its use in the movie helped reinforce its broader association with friendship and loyalty.

• The song was added to the National Recording Registry in 2014, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.