Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'

This episode of Fresh Air, hosted by David Bianculli, features a series of archival interviews focusing on R&B, rockabilly, and rock and roll legends. The episode begins with Terry Gross's 1988 interview with Ben E. King, where they discuss his early career singing on the streets of Harlem, his transition from bass singer to lead singer with The Drifters, and the story behind his hit songs like "There Goes My Baby," "Save the Last Dance for Me," and "Stand By Me." The episode continues with Terry Gross's 1991 interview with songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, exploring their collaboration and the creation of iconic songs like "Hound Dog" and their innovative use of strings in rock and roll. Finally, the episode concludes with Terry Gross's 1993 interview with record producer Jerry Wexler, discussing his work with Aretha Franklin, the Muscle Shoals sound, and the story behind The Drifters' "Under the Boardwalk."

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction to Ben E. King

Part 2: The Drifters Era

Part 3: Solo Career and Songwriting

Part 4: Leiber and Stoller - Songwriting Duo

Part 5: Jerry Wexler - Record Producer

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Fresh Air

Part 1: Introduction to Ben E. King

Introduction to Ben E. King and His Early Career

Early Musical Influences and The Five Crowns

Transition to The Drifters and "There Goes My Baby"

Part 2: The Drifters Era

The Crowns Become The Drifters: A Story of Opportunity and Challenges

King's Rise to Lead Singer and the Success of "Save the Last Dance for Me"

Choreography and Stage Presence with The Drifters

Part 3: Solo Career and Songwriting

Launching a Solo Career and the Story Behind "Spanish Harlem"

The Transition from The Drifters to Solo Success with "Spanish Harlem"

The Dramatic Impact of "I Who Have Nothing"

The Origin and Emotional Connection to "I Who Have Nothing" and "Stand By Me"

Conclusion of Ben E. King Interview and Introduction to Upcoming Segments

Part 4: Leiber and Stoller - Songwriting Duo

Introduction to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller

Big Mama Thornton and the Genesis of "Hound Dog"

Writing "Hound Dog" and Elvis Presley's Interpretation

The Novelty of Dark Dramas

Pioneering Strings and Latin Rhythms in Rock and Roll

The Impact of the Bayonne Rhythm and Conclusion of Leiber and Stoller Interview

Part 5: Jerry Wexler - Record Producer

Introduction to Jerry Wexler

Jerry Wexler's Impactful Recordings and Vision for Aretha Franklin

Muscle Shoals and the Recording of "I Never Loved a Man"

Completing "Do Right Woman" and Aretha's Transformation of "Respect"

Early Recording Conditions and the Story Behind "Under the Boardwalk"

Overcoming Tragedy and Promoting "Under the Boardwalk"

Bringing Wilson Pickett to Memphis and the Southern Sound

Conclusion of Jerry Wexler Interview

Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'

Fresh Air

Part 1: Introduction to Ben E. King

00:00Introduction to Ben E. King and His Early Career

Introduction to Ben E. King and His Early Career

02:25Early Musical Influences and The Five Crowns

Early Musical Influences and The Five Crowns

04:14Transition to The Drifters and "There Goes My Baby"

Transition to The Drifters and "There Goes My Baby"

Part 2: The Drifters Era

05:25The Crowns Become The Drifters: A Story of Opportunity and Challenges

The Crowns Become The Drifters: A Story of Opportunity and Challenges

07:31King's Rise to Lead Singer and the Success of "Save the Last Dance for Me"

King's Rise to Lead Singer and the Success of "Save the Last Dance for Me"

09:11Choreography and Stage Presence with The Drifters

Choreography and Stage Presence with The Drifters

Part 3: Solo Career and Songwriting

11:38Launching a Solo Career and the Story Behind "Spanish Harlem"

Launching a Solo Career and the Story Behind "Spanish Harlem"

14:26The Transition from The Drifters to Solo Success with "Spanish Harlem"

The Transition from The Drifters to Solo Success with "Spanish Harlem"

15:47The Dramatic Impact of "I Who Have Nothing"

The Dramatic Impact of "I Who Have Nothing"

18:04The Origin and Emotional Connection to "I Who Have Nothing" and "Stand By Me"

The Origin and Emotional Connection to "I Who Have Nothing" and "Stand By Me"

20:28Conclusion of Ben E. King Interview and Introduction to Upcoming Segments

Conclusion of Ben E. King Interview and Introduction to Upcoming Segments

Part 4: Leiber and Stoller - Songwriting Duo

22:38Introduction to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller

Introduction to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller

26:02Big Mama Thornton and the Genesis of "Hound Dog"

Big Mama Thornton and the Genesis of "Hound Dog"

27:50Writing "Hound Dog" and Elvis Presley's Interpretation

Writing "Hound Dog" and Elvis Presley's Interpretation

29:45The Novelty of Dark Dramas

The Novelty of Dark Dramas

30:27Pioneering Strings and Latin Rhythms in Rock and Roll

Pioneering Strings and Latin Rhythms in Rock and Roll

33:37The Impact of the Bayonne Rhythm and Conclusion of Leiber and Stoller Interview

The Impact of the Bayonne Rhythm and Conclusion of Leiber and Stoller Interview

Part 5: Jerry Wexler - Record Producer

35:01Introduction to Jerry Wexler

Introduction to Jerry Wexler

36:59Jerry Wexler's Impactful Recordings and Vision for Aretha Franklin

Jerry Wexler's Impactful Recordings and Vision for Aretha Franklin

39:06Muscle Shoals and the Recording of "I Never Loved a Man"

Muscle Shoals and the Recording of "I Never Loved a Man"

41:22Completing "Do Right Woman" and Aretha's Transformation of "Respect"

Completing "Do Right Woman" and Aretha's Transformation of "Respect"

43:00Early Recording Conditions and the Story Behind "Under the Boardwalk"

Early Recording Conditions and the Story Behind "Under the Boardwalk"

45:38Overcoming Tragedy and Promoting "Under the Boardwalk"

Overcoming Tragedy and Promoting "Under the Boardwalk"

47:36Bringing Wilson Pickett to Memphis and the Southern Sound

Bringing Wilson Pickett to Memphis and the Southern Sound

48:51Conclusion of Jerry Wexler Interview

Conclusion of Jerry Wexler Interview