Sutherland Reveals 'Stand by Me' Title May Have Been Inspired by On-Set Guitar Session with River Phoenix

Sutherland recalls Phoenix's dedication and curiosity during the making of the iconic 1986 film.

Kiefer Sutherland, in a recent appearance on 'The Tonight Show', shared a story about River Phoenix and the making of the iconic 1986 film 'Stand by Me'.
While on set, Sutherland was playing the song 'Stand by Me' on his guitar, which caught the attention of Phoenix and the film's director, Rob Reiner.
Sutherland taught the song to Phoenix, who was learning to play the guitar at the time and had expressed his love for the melody of 'Stand by Me'.
Reiner, who had overheard the conversation and expressed his fondness for the song, later used it in the film and changed the film's title to 'Stand by Me'.
Sutherland also reminisced about Phoenix's curiosity and dedication on set, highlighting his desire to learn and improve.