When Mark De-Lisser received the phone call asking him to create an arrangement of Ben E King’s classic hit Stand by Me for the Royal Wedding, his initial reaction was disbelief.

Newham Recorder: Mark De-Lisser Picture: Adam ProsserMark De-Lisser Picture: Adam Prosser (Image: Adam Prosser)

“Well, why? Why me?” he asked.

Shocked, he began to list the names of other people he thought would be better suited for the task.

“No, no, no, we want to go with you,” Mark was told.

Given an initial set of instructions, the choral director, arranger and vocal coach from Stratford began working to create the arrangement for the couple.

“I absolutely wanted to get it right,” he said.

Ultimately, it took 12 versions for “Stand by Me” to be just right.

Around version six or seven, Mark said he requested a meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

He described his time with them as wonderful because he said they were simply two people who wanted to get married and plan their wedding together.

He said the couple knew that they wanted Stand by Me played and offered him several suggestions.

“They wanted the audience to feel something,” Mark said.

He said that Meghan had one specific request – she wanted to be able to sing along to the music.

Mark was happy to oblige. “I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “I am incredibly grateful that they trusted me to deliver this.”

The song has been remembered as a standout moment from the wedding. Viewers immediately took notice and began sharing positive reactions on social media.

Mark said he never anticipated this big of a response to the song. He said he has received tens of thousands of positive social media posts, texts, emails and messages from people.

He described a Bible passage that says if a person has a gift, he should use that gift, and it will place him before kings and queens.

“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”

His gift of music quite literally placed him before royalty. He said: “It was an absolute dream come true.”