Twenty years ago I wrote of another promising moment from my youth: “We did experience hope in 1968: hope and ambition and amazing joy. But to millions of us, Bobby Kennedy’s assassination felt like the resounding chord that ended Sgt. Pepper’s: a note of stunning finality. For me, at least, I hope the memory of that trauma and all the others of 1968 will now begin to fade away, so that our dream to make a better world may one again become vivid.”
With Barack Obama’s election to the White House, it finally has.
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Superb. Thanks for bringing this stunning achievement to our attention.
Posted by Tom McAfee on Mon 8 Dec 2008 at 01:34 PM
What a beautiful way for mankind to express himself. I have watched "stand by me" many times over and each time it still gives me a good feeling inside. We the world should put down our weapons and pick up musical instruments, we will be so much better for it. what an awesome way to bring us together, regardless of race. I'm Touched.....Les Collinson, Canada
Posted by Les Collinson on Fri 26 Dec 2008 at 03:31 AM
This song had me tears, at 5-30am, there are music instruments here that are no longer played as the musician has Parkinsons disease, nothing touches the soul; like music.
Rae
Posted by Rae on Mon 5 Jan 2009 at 02:56 PM
This video touched my soul....I have watched and listened and danced to it over and over.
It is a song of unity that is expressed with such passion.
Posted by carole myers on Wed 7 Jan 2009 at 07:23 PM
that video, stand by me,, I want to purchase and pass it on to my friends, and family, everyone should hear that song, and see the people singing it. I was especially flabbergasted at clarence bekker, from amsterdam, and wonder, with that amazing voice has he recorded elsewhere. what a treat, it was, and when I am in a bad mood, or something horrible is happening, to me, to the world, to anyone, all I need to do, is listen to that miraculous sound. namaste, andrea
Posted by andrea gunderson on Sun 18 Jan 2009 at 02:10 PM
roger is my brother, and when i was told about the video being shown at the lincoln center in washington, i was very emotional. my brother died in las vegas a few years ago,we had no idea that he would be a part of such a historical event, and we as his siblins are humbled.
Posted by mildred ridley dent on Mon 26 Jan 2009 at 09:30 PM
This video is so GREAT ! I listen it every day, many times every day. Thanks for this.
Manon Poirier, Quebec, Canada
Posted by Manon P on Sat 31 Jan 2009 at 05:50 PM
Amazing.
Posted by Ernie Nazario on Tue 3 Feb 2009 at 09:33 PM
My Uncle Roger was a very good entertainer. It bought tears to my eyes when I found out that they showed the "Stand By Me" video at the Lincoln center in Washington. I and my grandson traveled all the way from Tallahassee Florida to Washington for the historical Inauguration. It was so wonderful meeting all the different people form around the world during the inauguration. I have been working since 2007 trying to get people to register to vote. we were able to get over 500 people to register. Please view our Video that made a change for people to stand by each other and win the historical election http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-lYDpZsqls
Posted by Ruby Harris on Wed 4 Feb 2009 at 09:48 AM
Absolutely moving! Where may I purchase this music video? I'd love to play and watch on a complete system (other than computer).
Posted by O. C. MEEKS on Sun 8 Feb 2009 at 01:10 AM
Clarence Bekker is wonderful if he ever records an album i will be first in line to buy it. What an awesome job all of them did to make this a powerful song.
Posted by danielle n on Fri 13 Feb 2009 at 04:35 PM
This is a true treasure a beautiful musical journey. Your article is also terrific except for the misconception that this great work had anything to do with the events of November.
One should always be careful what one wishes for....we got it
Posted by Mick on Wed 25 Mar 2009 at 12:46 AM
This was a excellent piece my hat off to Mark and all the musicians this made the hair stand up and gave me goose bumps. Beautiful is all I can say, I know my calling was in the music field but missed it. I appreciate alot of hard work, and dedication. Very nicely done
Posted by Dave Valentine on Thu 2 Apr 2009 at 04:32 PM
The following link will direct you to the Playing for change store where you can put in an order for video and music CD. Its a preorder, Hope this helped you who were inspired as much as I was
http://store.playingforchange.com/
Posted by Dave Valentine on Thu 2 Apr 2009 at 04:40 PM
Does Clarence Bekker have a CD / Website. I can't believe the impression he left. My God can man sing.
Jmorg37@hotmail.com
Posted by jjwilliams on Thu 9 Apr 2009 at 12:46 PM
I am very sorry to learn that Roger Ridley passed away. This song is beautiful and it surpasses politics, and I think it was meant to do just that.
Clarence Bekker is fantastic and congratulations to all who partcipated in the making of this video. It brings me to tears every time I play it.
Ellis Mills
Posted by Ellis Mills on Mon 13 Apr 2009 at 02:15 PM
I unwittingly saw Roger Ridley in a production of MADhatten in Las Vegas in '97. Was a good show, but didn't realize how he would later cross my path. What an amazing and powerful voice and I was very disappointed to learn of his passing after seeing the "Stand By Me" video for Playing With Change. And people say there's not a God. Sheesh!
Posted by BC on Sat 18 Apr 2009 at 02:32 AM
I HAVE FOUR RAGGAE SONG FROM AN ALBUM I PRODUCED THAT WOULD WONDERFUL FOR CLARENCE TO SING.
PLEASE CALL 702-376-1255
LOOKING FORWARD HEARING FROM YOU.
Posted by JODI G. ZWERNER on Tue 21 Apr 2009 at 12:05 AM
Powerful and absolutely out of the world. Clarence Bekker is amazing and his timing is so right on. What TALENT! Just loved it and get goosebumps everytime I play it. Keep it coming Clarence Bekker !!!
Posted by virginia on Tue 21 Apr 2009 at 02:59 PM
This is amazing and just the feat of getting it made will bring a tear to your eye. You can pre-order the CD/DVD on Amazon.com. Coolest thing I've ever seen and been moved by.
Posted by Samiz on Thu 23 Apr 2009 at 05:13 PM
This is a better quality and larger recording of the song:
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
Posted by jeremy on Fri 24 Apr 2009 at 05:10 AM
FYI...this CD/DVD went on sale at Starbucks today. This is the perfect example of the feelings music can bring out in people. How could anyone not love their fellow man after viewing this!?
Posted by chris on Tue 28 Apr 2009 at 02:34 PM
when is Clarence Bekker going to record. He has the most soulful and wonderful voice I have ever heard. If he has recorded please tell me where I can find the recording. The words and music of "Stand By Me" left me with a feeling of wonder and hope. Thank you, thank you for this powerful recording.
Posted by mari Kuhnley on Mon 4 May 2009 at 12:02 PM
Clarence Bekker HAS been recording since the early '90. His real name is C.B. Milton.
Here is a Youtube link to his old music...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCR3SbdJ7ic&feature=related
Posted by Das on Mon 4 May 2009 at 06:47 PM