Born Benjamin Earl Nelson in North Carolina, R&B soul singer Ben E. King moved to New York as a boy and first found success for the classic song Stand By Me. King died on Thursday, April 30th at the age of 76.
It is being reported that he died of natural causes.
King started his career in the late 1950s with The Drifters, singing hits including There Goes My Baby and Save The Last Dance For Me.
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After going solo, he hit the US top five with “Stand By Me” in 1961. It returned to the charts in the 1980s, including a three-week spell at number one in the UK following its use in the film of the same name and a TV advert.
King’s other hits included Spanish Harlem, Amor, Don’t Play That Song (You Lied) and Supernatural Thing – Part I.
But he is remembered most for “Stand By Me,” inspired by a gospel song, which he recorded on his own. Buoyed by King’s elegant baritone, the tune was a top 10 hit in the U.S. in 1961 and…
‘Stand By Me’ Soul Singer, Ben E. King, Dies At 76 was originally published on blackdoctor.org
