Keb’ Mo’ has released the new cover of Bill Withers classic “Lean On Me”. The cover is set to appear on the celebrated bluesman’s upcoming LP, Good To Be, due out January 21st, 2021 via Rounder Records.
As Keb’ Mo’, real name Kevin Moore, explained of the cover choice, “‘Lean On Me’ is probably one of the most famous songs about friendship. I wanted to record it to honor my friend, Bill Withers, who we sadly lost last year.”
Keb’ stays relatively true to the cadence of the original while adding delicate touches of organ and acoustic guitar to make it his own. He also takes on the tune in a notably lower register than Withers, a choice aided by an emotional guest contribution to the track. As Moore noted, “What makes this version special to me is the contribution from my lifelong friend, the Freedom Rider, Ernest ‘Rip’ Patton, who passed on this year. This was the last time I got to record his booming bass voice. I’m gonna miss calling on my brothers.”
Listen to Keb’ Mo’s version of “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers on the platform of your choice here or listen via the YouTube player below.
Keb’ Mo’ – “Lean On Me” (Bill Withers)
Good To Be was co-produced by Keb’ Mo’ alongside country music legend Vince Gill, who produced three of the album’s 13 tracks, and three-time Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge (B.B. King, Buddy Guy). Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth, and Old Crow Medicine Show all make guest appearances on the album. Good To Be is now available for pre-order here. Click below to read a full track listing for the album.
Keb’ Mo’ has a lengthy list of 2021–2022 tour dates on the books in support of the new release. See below for a full list of dates and head to his website for ticketing details.
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