Fresh Air

Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'

29 Aug 2025

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All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Soul singer Ben E. King began his career in the ‘50s with The Drifters but it was the '61 hit "Stand by Me" that sealed his musical legacy. He spoke to Fresh Air in 1988. We also listen back to a 1991 interview with lyricist Jerry Leiber and composer Mike Stoller, who wrote and produced music for King. Plus, we'll revisit Terry Gross' 1993 interview with Jerry Wexler, the hitmaker who coined the term "rhythm and blues."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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Fresh Air

Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from Fresh Air

Best Of: Arsenio Hall / Jeff Ross

St. Vincent

Inside a mobile OB/GYN clinic

Best Of: John Lithgow / Sondheim’s tumultuous life

Julio Torres spins immigrant stress into satire

John Lithgow

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