"Lean on Me" - Franklin, Kirk
Promotional Release
U2 Related Content:
- "Lean on Me" (Video Version) - Kirk Franklin (Bono guests on Lyrics) (05:10)
- "Lean on Me" (Album Version) - Kirk Franklin (Bono guests on Lyrics) (05:56)
- "Lean on Me" (Radio Edit) - Kirk Franklin (03:39)
Background Information
In advance of his album The Nu Nation Project, Kirk Franklin released “Lean on Me” to radio. The song featured R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Crystal Lewis among others on vocals. The recording was done in the summer of 1998 and Bono recorded his vocals in Ireland, while most of the album and this song, was recorded elsewhere.
The more common promotional single features two versions of the title track. The first mix is labelled the “Video Version” and is 05:10 in length. The second track is labelled the “Album Version” and is 05:56 in length. Although labeled the “Album Version” this second track is not taken from the album. The version featured on the album is 05:08 in length. Instead it is the “Video Version” which is most similar to the actual version on the album, but there are slight differences in the mix between the two.
A less common promotional single was a CDR sent to radio in the UK, with an edited version of the track. Coming in at 03:39 in length, this edit maintains the start and end of the track, but edits out the first couple of verses, and the first chorus. Bono’s portion of the song is complete even in this shortened form.
The song “Lean on Me“ was released as a commercial single as well. The song went on to be nominated for a Grammy Award at the 1999 ceremony. The song was performed live at the Award ceremony, and Bono guested on stage with the collective.
Liner Notes
Lean on Me: (Both Versions)
Written by Kirk Franklin. Co-Produced by Dan Shea. Vocals co-produced by Kevin Bond for Bonded Music. Recorded at Andora Studios, Burbank, CA; Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Wallyworld Studios, San Rafael, CA; by Dave Rideau, Bobby Fernandez, David Gleeson, and Dan Shea. Assisted by Luis Quine and Paul Westheimer. Recorded at Dallas Sound Lab, Dallas, TX; Enterprise Studios, Burbank, CA; by “Bassy” Bob Brockman, Kevin Bond, and Chris Bell. Assisted by James Murray and Phil Green. Recorded at Chicago Trax, Chicago, IL. Assistant engineer: Anthony Kilhosser. Recorded at Westland Studios, Dublin, Ireland. Mixed at Barking Doctor Studios, Mt. Kisco, NY by Mick Guzauski. Assisted by Tom Bender. Production coordinated by Lexy Shroyer. Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York, NY by Tom Coins. Lead Vocals: R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, Bono, Tamela Mann, and Dalon Collins. Background Vocals: The Family. Additional background vocals: Nu Nation. Piano: Kirk Franklin. Piano, keyboards and Rhythm Programming: Dan Shea. Organ: Jerome Harmon. Guitar: Michael Landau. Bass: Nathan East. Drums: Ricky Lawson. Percussion: Len Barrett. Strings arranged & conducted by: Bill Ross.