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Mon 8th Sep 2008
	01:15	An Unexpected Light
	01:30	Villages on the Frontline
	01:55	3 Minutes To Save The World
	02:00	Facing Forward
	02:30	Staying Alive

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Mad for Music

Christopher

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Mad for Music - Chris

Christopher's piece of music is Stand By Me by Ben E. King. “I sing to live, and our group stands by me.”

Christopher's Story
Born with partial sight, in 1997 Christopher had a severe attack of glaucoma, which left him blind and unable to continue his career as a piano tuner.

He spiralled into severe depression and was temporarily hospitalised, unable to access feelings of joy or sadness. ‘I can’t cry; I can’t shed a tear.’

Chris rediscovered the Ben E.King song when he joined Sing Your Heart Out, a choir for people with experience of mental health problems. He believes singing is a ‘miracle’ that is helping him out of his depression.

For him, the song is about the restorative power of love during times of darkness, ‘when the night has come and the day is done’.

Chris - Stand by Me

The Music
Ben E. King is said to have been moved to tears while recording Stand by Me in 1961. Its Top Ten success was repeated in 1986 when the film of the same name, starring River Phoenix, was released.

It is reckoned to be the fourth most-performed song of the 20th century, with about 7 million performances. Its message is that that we all need to support just as we all need to be supported.

Ben E. King has taken that message seriously: his Stand By Me Foundation now raises funds for disadvantaged young people.

Last Updated ( Monday, 28 January 2008 )

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