Who's behind the notes? Discover Ben E. King: The Soulful Voice Behind "Stand by Me"
Ben E. King was a prominent figure in the world of music, and "Stand by Me" is one of his most famous songs. Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
Ben E. King's Birth Name: He was born as Benjamin Earl Nelson on September 28, 1938, in Henderson, North Carolina, USA. He later adopted the stage name Ben E. King.
Early Career with The Drifters: King gained fame as the lead singer of the R&B group The Drifters in the late 1950s. Some of their notable songs include "There Goes My Baby" and "Save the Last Dance for Me."
"Stand by Me" Song: "Stand by Me" was released as a single in 1961. It became an instant classic and one of the most enduring songs in the history of popular music.
Co-Writers: The song was co-written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. Leiber and Stoller were famous songwriters and producers known for their work with many other legendary artists.
Musical Influence: "Stand by Me" is known for its beautiful and memorable melody. The song has influenced countless musicians and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Movie Soundtrack: The song gained renewed popularity in the 1980s when it was featured in the soundtrack of the movie "Stand by Me" (1986), directed by Rob Reiner.
Chart Success: "Stand by Me" reached the number 4 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when it was originally released and has since charted several times in various decades.
Music Hall of Fame: Ben E. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Drifters in 1988.
Solo Career: After leaving The Drifters, King enjoyed a successful solo career and released several hit songs, including "Spanish Harlem" and "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)."
Legacy: Ben E. King's soulful and emotive voice continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and "Stand by Me" remains a timeless classic, often used in various forms of media.
These facts showcase the enduring legacy of Ben E. King and the timeless appeal of his iconic song, "Stand by Me."