Ben E. King

Ben E. King is an American musician and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s with his hit songs "Stand By Me" and "Spanish Harlem". With his smooth, soulful voice, King became an important figure in the R&B and pop music scenes and continued to release music well into the 1980s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Drifters and is remembered as one of the most influential artists of his time.

About Ben E. King

Benjamin Earl Nelson, later known as Ben E. King, was born on September 28, 1938, in Henderson, North Carolina. King's love for music began during childhood when he sang in his church choir and learned to play the guitar. He formed his first music group, The Four B's, while in high school and later joined another doo-wop group, The Five Crowns.

In 1958, King caught the attention of George Treadwell, the manager of The Drifters, while performing with The Five Crowns at the Apollo Theater. Treadwell was impressed with Nelson's vocal abilities and recruited him to replace the current lead singer. With King as their new frontman, The Drifters achieved commercial success and released hits like "There Goes My Baby" and "Save The Last Dance For Me".

While still a member of The Drifters, King began his solo career in 1960, adopting the stage name Ben E. King to reflect his newfound independence. Over the next few years, King released several hit singles, including "Spanish Harlem" and "Stand By Me", which became one of the most cherished and enduring songs of all time. The song was co-written by King and featured an iconic bassline that was later sampled in countless other songs.

With the emergence of the British Invasion in the mid-1960s, King's popularity waned somewhat, but he continued to record and release music. He scored his second and final top 5 hit with "Supernatural Thing" in 1975 and continued to release minor hits throughout the 1980s. In 1986, the film "Stand By Me" reignited interest in King's music, and the song of the same name returned to the charts, reaching the top 10 in several countries.

Ben E. King's contributions to music were recognized in 1988 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Drifters. Although King's solo career was not recognized by the Hall of Fame, his impact on pop and R&B music is undeniable. King passed away on April 30, 2015, but his music continues to be cherished by fans and musicians alike.

King's smooth and soulful voice was a defining characteristic of his music, and his ability to convey emotion through his singing was unmatched. He also demonstrated a talent for songwriting, co-writing "Stand By Me" and other hits. King was a gifted performer and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music world.

King's legacy has also extended to future generations of musicians who have been influenced by his work. Artists like John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Otis Redding have covered his songs, and his music has been sampled by hip-hop artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.

While King is best known for his early hits like "Stand By Me", his contributions to music extended well beyond those songs. He was a versatile performer who could captivate audiences with his ballads as well as his more upbeat tracks. King's legacy is a testament to his talent and enduring popularity.

Wrapping Up

Ben E. King was a talented musician and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music world. His smooth, soulful voice and ability to convey emotion through his singing captivated audiences and made him one of the most iconic artists of his time. King's music has continued to be celebrated and cherished by fans and musicians alike, cementing his status as an important figure in the history of pop and R&B music.