The song “Lean on Me” was written and recorded by Bill Withers, an American singer, and songwriter. It’s one of those songs which speaks about what friends are truly for. The song pulls at people’s heartstrings for its heartfelt and meaningful lyrics.
It’s one of those beautiful songs that will remind you of the people who were there for you when you hit rock bottom. Those trusted fellas who would never turn their backs on you are probably the reason why this song was made.
For all these and many more reasons, we would like to thank Withers for giving birth to this wonderful song.
To give justice to this song, it should be sung from the heart.
That’s what Christopher Duffley did exactly. This exceptionally talented young man has become an inspiration and a source of strength, especially to those who have the same condition as his.
Duffley is blind and autistic.
According to his website, he was a premature baby and only weighed 1 pound and 12 ounces when he was born. Because of that, he was rendered blind due to Retinopathy of Prematurity.
This brave kid, however, is not a mere picture of some helpless disabled person. He stands high and strong and with his voice, he’s able to touch people’s lives, particularly those who can relate to his condition. He amazes people with his live performances and he aims to share God’s love through his talent.
Singing with The Tenors.
In this video, Christopher performed at the Canucks Autism Network’s 2nd Annual Reveal Gala.
The event took place in Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia back in 2017. It’s a huge event that celebrates the remarkable and beautiful autistic people in the world.
A night to remember for Duffley not only because he is autistic himself, but because he’s joined by a talented group of musicians, The Tenors.
He’s the man of the show, before he starts singing, he told the audience,
βYβall can put your hands together if you want. While you look at those images of Italy there.β
Canucks Autism Network is making a difference in these people’s lives.
According to their website,
“Canucks Autism Network (CAN) was founded in 2008 by Vancouver Canucks Co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini, whose son has autism. CAN is dedicated to providing programs to individuals with autism and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.”
The Tenors’ support was a huge leap and also a success in their mission as a network that undertakes the smallest as well as the biggest efforts in effectively teaching people with autism about self-love.
You’ll be amazed by Christopher’s talent.
He started to belt out the first few lines of the song and it didn’t take long before the audience joined him by clapping rhythmically to the song.
He was calm and composed, you can definitely feel that the young man was singing from his heart. He even invited the crowd to sing along with him and right after that, he took off with his powerful vocals.
It’s a heartfelt song that everyone can absolutely relate to.
Fraser joined in, then it suddenly became a spectacular show.
His warm and calm voice was perfect for this song that talks about friendship, love, care, and trust. Soon, the rest of The Tenors jumped in, and the audience was then up for an immaculate performance from this group of talented gentlemen.
Withers would’ve been so proud to see them perform for a cause.
Sadly, at the age of 81, Withers passed away in Los Angeles on March 30, 2020, due to heart complications. Though he is no longer with us, we’re sure that he’s applauding The Tenors, especially Christopher.
Although he’s surrounded by three talented men, his impeccable character made him shine the brightest that night.
He will definitely go a long way and we are all excited to see it.
Watch Christopher and The Tenors’ heartwarming rendition of “Lean on Me” in the video below.
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