The only single to be issued from John Lennon’s 1975 album Rock ‘N’ Roll, ‘Stand By Me’ was a cover version of Ben E King’s 1961 classic.
When the song was taped during the Rock ‘N’ Roll sessions, it wasn’t the first time Lennon had performed it in the studio. The Beatles had played it during the Let It Be recording sessions in January 1969, one of many golden oldies performed at the time.
Three versions of ‘Stand By Me’ were played in Los Angeles’ Record Plant West during the March 1974 recording later bootlegged as A Toot And A Snore In ’74. The uninspired jam featuring Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Jesse Ed Davis, Bobby Keys, and Harry Nilsson.
Lennon finally managed to record a successful version in October 1974, during the final sessions for Rock ‘N’ Roll. Using the core of musicians that appeared on Walls And Bridges earlier that year, he delivered a sharply focused reading of the song.
‘Stand By Me’ was remixed when it was issued as a single, with an added string overdub. It was released on 10 March 1975 in the US, where it became a top 20 hit, but fared less well in the UK after its release on 18 April.
The single was Lennon’s final hit before his five-year retreat from the music industry. ‘Stand By Me’ featured a non-album track, ‘Move Over Ms L’, as its b-side.
Lennon performed ‘Stand By Me’, along with ‘Slippin’ And Slidin” and ‘Imagine’, on 18 April 1975 for the Salute To Lew Grade television show. It was his last scheduled public performance.
Hey Joe! I just want to tell you that this site is great. You have done a wonderful job on this site. I thank you so much for this wonderful gift you have given to us all!
This song is great! I personally like it better than the original. There’s a good vocal track on this one. Real good song!
Yes, John’s vocal performance is indeed spinetingingly inspirational. And what a fantastic slide guitar solo by Jesse Ed Davis on this very fine cover of Stand By Me. Excellent site, I agree, for all Beatles fans who visit; this is my first browse here, but I’ll return and shall be spreading the word. Peace, Love and Light.
I swear whenever I hear Paul’s “When the Night” I think it is John’s version or “Stand by Me.” Their vocal performances are so similar in both.
Check out “Let Me Roll It” on McCartney’s “Band on the Run”.
Is that McCartney doing Lennon? Or is it Lennon?
I really like John’s performance in this cover… But can anyone tell me what the effects he’s using on his voice are? It sounds like some sort of distorted ADT but I can’t quite tell.
He just double tracked the vocal – lots of reverb and maybe a bit of distortion – he used to double track his vocals alot – he didn’t like his own voice much – but personally I think this a fantastic vocal performance its up there with the best for me – I mean like Aretha, Dusty and Elvis just my personal opinion
When Lennon wanted to he could rock the house!
palm muting rhythm guitar. Dual lead guitar at instrumental.
John Lennons version was way better than the original. His great singing and rhythm guitar work transform this song. It of course took on added significance after his tragic murder.
DI’d I hear him say Hello Julia ?
Yeah! That was his hello to Julian who was back in England.
No. John said “Hello, Julian”.
Anyone know why JL’s version of Stand By Me at the Lew Grade tribute concert in 1975 wasn’t included in the tv version? And if it’s ever been shown?
John is singing with a great feeling; could melt a cold heart ?.
This is not the version that was released on the album
John lennon was and is a musical genius
The luv he exuded was a countless treasure.
And everyone who is somewhat dilution,
I say never ever give in, never give up.
May John Lennon rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
I penned
‘When a journey completes, DESTINY BEGINS ‘
It’s the luv and actions of john that gives me thought
I don’t understand moderation.
But my feelings of john cannot and will never be modified or undergo moderation
Shalom