Kane Brown Honors Hard-Working Farmers on CMT Celebrates Our Heroes

Kane Brown brought the CMT Celebrates Our Heroes special to a close on Wednesday night (June 3) with a delicate performance of “Stand By Me.”

Brown was one of the many performers during the virtual event that serves as a tribute to the front line workers of the COVID-19 pandemic that fall into the categories of healthcare, education, food industry, military, American ingenuity, infrastructure and first responders. Preceding his performance, the “Homesick” singer gave a shout out to delivery drivers and front line employees working tirelessly during the pandemic. Perched on a stool in front of a white backdrop, Brown delivered a soulful rendition of the Ben E. King hit that took on a hopeful meaning.

Brown’s voice shone on such lyrics as “If the sky that we look upon / Well should tumble and fall / And the mountains should crumble to the sea / I won’t cry, I won’t cry / No I won’t she’d a tear / Just as long as you stand, stand by me,” giving each lyric its moment, driving home the song’s message while his shadow dancing in the background.   

Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt and Kelsea Ballerini were among the many other performers during that show that also featured appearances by Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and more who delivered speeches in honor of the front line workers.  

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes was presented in place of the yearly CMT Artists of the Year event in Nashville that recognizes the artists who made the biggest impact in the genre during the year.