"Someone is Standing Outside" (2020)
Updated: Aug 24, 2021
“Someone is Standing Outside” 2020 Thelma Houston and Jimmy Webb – video and song release this week! Here is the backstory on this “call to kindness”:
Longtime friends Jimmy Webb and Thelma Houston got to talking during the beginning of the pandemic about how many people were lonely and in distress. "Thelma emailed me when the pandemic started and suggested we re-release 'Someone is Standing Outside.' Shortly after we started talking about it, George Floyd was killed and the protests started. We all felt alone in our quarantine, battered by misunderstandings and fear and injustice. I thought again about the song, and updated the lyrics to reflect where we are."
Jimmy wanted a choir to sing with Thelma. He was familiar with the talented Ontario's Enter A Cappella Choir from Sir William Mulock Secondary School. They were all sheltering in place and on school break but generously said YES to the project. We found safe studios for Thelma in LA and Jimmy on Long Island. The students recorded from their homes. Video was recorded on iPhones and computers and edited by Choir director Chris Uchida. Veteran Webb producer Fred Mollin put it all together in Nashville. Almost everyone involved donated their time and talents to make this happen from the musicians to the editors, to the project manager, graphic artists and technical advisor to the publicists. We want this message heard.
And here it is, this call to kindness – "Someone is Standing Outside" the 2020version - sung by R&B Grammy winner, Thelma Houston and accompanied by composer Jimmy Webb on piano. The song will be officially released on Wednesday, August 19 but our friends can stream it now by clicking below. Tomorrow we will premiere the video.
This is such a beautiful and meaningful project. The story behind “Someone is Standing Outside” makes the song even more special, especially its message of kindness, compassion, and standing together during difficult times. It is wonderful to see talented artists and students coming together to spread hope and remind people that nobody should feel alone. Music truly has the power to bring people closer. On a different note, thoughtful planning also makes everyday journeys easier, and knowing details like how long is the flight from Chicago to Atlanta can help travelers prepare their trips with confidence. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story!
The title "Someone Is Standing Outside" creates such an intriguing atmosphere. I enjoy discovering creative music and storytelling. When I want a fun distraction, I sometimes explore Friday Games.
Home Ventilation Systems refreshing to see businesses and adventure destinations remain active and welcoming even during holiday seasons. Many people assume that travel-related places slow down completely during vacations, but keeping activities available gives visitors more opportunities to explore and enjoy their free time
The part about the Ontario students recording their parts from home on iPhones really stuck with me. I found costcodle while reading more about the project, and it made me think about how much of that early pandemic creativity came from teenagers.
https://sansinscription.com was open on my laptop while I read about the students recording their parts from home on iPhones, and that detail really stuck with me. It's easy to forget how much of that early pandemic creativity came from teenagers figuring out the technical side on their own, not from professional studios. The choice to keep going after George Floyd's death and rework the lyrics feels like the part of the story that gives the song its weight.