Watch Ashley McBryde and Abby Anderson’s Powerful, Impromptu ‘Stand By Me’ Duet
Ashley McBryde and Abby Anderson brought their swagger to an impromptu duet on the classic song "Stand By Me" during a recent radio station concert. The powerhouse collaboration took place at a recent show in Akron, Ohio, in late September.
According to the YouTuber who uploaded the above video, McBryde and Anderson's performance was sold out, and their duet was unrehearsed; reportedly, they selected the song on the spot. McBryde launched the song, taking lead on guitar, as the audience clapped along; Anderson, meanwhile, joined in with rich harmonies on the chorus before leading a moving delivery of the second verse. The artists entertained the audience with some improv banter as they played a musical bridge as well.
"Stand By Me," originally by Ben E. King released in the early 1960s, was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Garth Brooks and Mickey Gilley have both covered the song; Gilley even saw some chart success with his cover: In 1980, his version of "Stand By Me" peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart and at No. 22 on the Hot 100.
McBryde and Anderson's radio station show was a brief detour from McBryde's headlining Girl Going Nowhere Tour and Anderson's roll with Brett Eldredge on his The Long Way Tour. On Instagram, Anderson gushed about getting to perform with McBryde: "This woman inspired me like I never knew I could be inspired and it was an honor to share the stage with her. Her artistry, humility and pure love for country music moved me to tears. I feel real lucky to be in a business where I’m surrounded by people and artists who make me want to be better at my craft."
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