Major cities are a breeding ground for otherworldly talent. But every now and then, a jaw-dropping performance completely breaks the mold, stunning passersby and internet fans alike!
That was certainly the case when vocal group Acapella Soul surprised New York’s Central Park with a spellbinding rendition of Ben E. King’s career-defining single, “Stand By Me,” in a viral video that’s since amassed more than 27 million views. Music Man readers can watch the magic unfold in the video below and prepare to be dazzled by this majestically bold performance!
Transforming the ’60s pop hit into a doo-wop cover, this phenomenal rendition is pinned down by a single instrumentalist—a double bassist—joined by four incredible backing singers and a lead star boasting an absolutely surreal voice.
From the get-go, the vibes are immaculate; the group of middle-aged men is the epitome of all-natural, home-grown talent as they perform without mics or a recorded backing track, letting their music reverberate majestically within the grandiose stone architecture of Central Park.
Pitch perfect harmonies lay the groundwork for the lead singer to weave his verses, his rich tones and pristine delivery capturing his evidently lifelong love for the song at hand. The unnamed star exudes unimaginable confidence as he belts King’s classic lyrics, clapping and grooving along to the beat and enchanting New York’s swathes of park wanderers.
It’s the ultimate ‘stumble upon’ moment as the group’s voices erupt unexpectedly, drawing countless visitors and city-dwellers together in a performance serving pure awe and musical magic.
Don’t miss the lead vocalist’s mind-boggling high notes and R&B-infused ad libs as this acoustic rendition plays out, sprinkling soulful glitz over the track to craft one of the most flawless “Stand By Me” covers we’ve ever come across here at The Music Man. We dare say, it verges upon outshining Ben E. King’s original!
As if the clip couldn’t get any better, the group’s chemistry is absolutely spellbinding, the lead vocalist interacting with his backing singers and reacting to their majestic harmonies before handing them the spotlight for a doo-wop break of their own.
Fans can’t get enough of this group’s raw and instinctive talent, with top commenters on this viral YouTube clip commenting, “This is the kind of street performance I like to see. You can clearly tell it’s raw and unedited because you can hear other people in the background,” and “No mics. No filters. No autotune. Just… VOICES.”
But for some viewers, it’s not the vocalists who steal the show, but the bassist; more specifically, the bassist’s instrument itself. As one fan wrote, “Man, that bass is so old and weathered. If only it talked. All the stories it could tell.”
This isn’t the only Acapella Soul cover that’s been taking YouTube by storm. Fifteen years ago, the group stunned Washington Square Park with a rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” which has since racked up more than 19 million views! Curious readers can check it out in the video above…