The ‘Tickets @ 2′ song of the day is “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. King recorded the song shortly after leaving The Drifters in 1960. It’s based on a 1955 Gospel song of the same name by The Staple Singers. Ben E. King took the song to legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who gave it a more contemporary feel. Ben E. King wanted The Drifters to record it, but the groups manager rejected it.

Dionne Warwick sang backup as part of a trio known as The Gospelaires. Soon after, songwriter Burt Bacharach helped Dionne launch a solo career.

A cover by John Lennon hit # 20 in the US in 1975.

When we play it between two and three we’ll take caller #10 to win a 4-Pack of tickets to the 65th Annual Hot Rod Homecoming by calling 1-800-232-KRTH.(5784). I’ll be there Saturday the 23rd from 11 am to 1 pm, look for the K-EARTH-101 booth.