Morgan Howell donates hand painted SuperSizeArt of Ben E. King's original vinyl sleeve

10 November 2020 - Press release

AUCTIONED VIA eBAY WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO HELP MUSICIANS  

(AUCTION ENDS 18 NOVEMBER) 

 

 

As part of the ongoing fund-raising efforts of #StandByMe (2020), acclaimed artist Morgan Howell (AKA @SuperSizeArt) has donated a hand-painted SuperSizeArt piece of Ben E. King's original vinyl sleeve, to be auctioned via eBay (HERE), with all proceeds going to Help Musicians. The auction will end on 18^th November.  

StandByMe (2020) is orchestrated by legendary broadcaster, Bob Harris OBE, not only is it his favourite song, but it's Bob's original 45 rpm vinyl copy, signed by Ben E. King himself, that Morgan has painstakingly recreated in supersize form.  

Bob: "This has been my favourite record since the moment I first heard it and now, sixty years on, we have recorded a new fundraising version to benefit Help Musicians. It is such a beautiful caring song. I love Ben E. King's voice and the orchestral break sounds to me like the most glorious piece of classical music I have ever heard and it is truly inspiring to see my original, signed 45 rpm single transformed into this magnificent work of art, created with love by my friend Morgan Howell." 

Morgan Howell: "When Bob called me to talk about his #standbyme2020 initiative I knew what was coming and said yes before he even got the words out. It breaks my heart to think about our live music scene right now, and especially those at the grass roots of this Great British world-conquering industry. And it's very close to home with my two sons, my neighbours and many close friends who have seen their livelihoods zeroed.  

Listen, this is just a small gesture but this great song's message still rings true over 60 years. Who wouldn't want a portrait of Bob's beautiful 'London' 45, dedicated to him by Ben E. King himself, knowing that it will directly help musicians during this devastating period in our history?" 

Morgan Howell is a British artist, best known for his giant (SuperSize) 3D facsimiles of classic 7" singles. Morgan's hand-painted works take into account every crease, every tear, every imperfection – producing a one-off, truly unique artwork, almost identical to the owner's original 45, but blown up, supersize and three-dimensional, with the spindle in the centre, as if the record is ready to play. This completely original approach has resulted in Howell attracting a cult following amongst art collectors and musicians alike – with paintings commissioned by Neil Diamond, Jude Law, Edgar Wright, Lord Lloyd-Webber and Ian Brown, and major music labels selecting the artist's work for display in their headquarters. 

#StandByMe (2020) is a star-studded new charity single raising funds for Help Musicians, the 99-year-old charity that continues to provide vital support to thousands of music creators during this unprecedented time. Out now via Under The Apple Tree Records, in partnership with Absolute Label Services, the single hit the Top 50 Official singles chart on release and at time of writing has raised more than £20, 000. Visit the Go Fund Me page here. 

A huge array of artists came together under the banner 'Whispering Bob's Allstars' to perform the song remotely, including: Mark Knopfler, Paul Rodgers, Duane Eddy, Rosanne Cash, PP Arnold, Peter Frampton, Rick Wakeman, Richard Thompson, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Oates, Keb Mo, The Shires and Ward Thomas plus many more. 

Help Musicians is an independent charity with an extraordinary history. For nearly 100 years, it has provided a broad spectrum of help, support and opportunities to empower musicians aged 18+, at any stage of their career or retirement, from times of great need to times of opportunity, providing a lifetime of support when it is needed most.  Help Musicians aims to make a meaningful difference to the lives of professional musicians and is passionate about creating a world where musicians thrive.  

#StandByMe (2020) by Whispering Bob's All Stars is out now! Donate HERE.  

To bid for the StandByMe (2020) SuperSizeArt go HERE - Auction ends 18^th November.