Who's behind the notes? Discover Ben E. King: The Soulful Voice Behind "Stand by Me"
Ben E. King, a legendary American soul and R&B singer, is best known for his iconic song "Stand by Me." Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
Early Career: Ben E. King was born Benjamin Earl Nelson on September 28, 1938, in Henderson, North Carolina. He started his music career as a member of The Five Crowns, a doo-wop group.
The Drifters: King joined The Drifters in 1958, replacing the previous lead singer, Clyde McPhatter. His first recording with The Drifters was "There Goes My Baby," which marked a shift in the group's sound with the use of strings and a Latin rhythm.
Stand by Me: One of King's most enduring contributions to music is the song "Stand by Me." Co-written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller, the song was inspired by the gospel hymn "Lord Stand by Me." It was released as a single in 1961 and became a massive hit.
Cultural Impact: "Stand by Me" has had a lasting impact on popular culture. In addition to its success on the charts, the song has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials. It gained renewed popularity when the film of the same name, directed by Rob Reiner, was released in 1986.
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: In 1999, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Stand by Me" at number 122 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless appeal.
Solo Career: After leaving The Drifters, Ben E. King pursued a successful solo career. Apart from "Stand by Me," he had other hits such as "Spanish Harlem" and "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)."
Songwriting Credits: Ben E. King was not only a talented singer but also a skilled songwriter. In addition to "Stand by Me," he co-wrote other notable songs, including "I (Who Have Nothing)" and "Young Boy Blues."
Recognition and Honors: Ben E. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Drifters in 1988. In 2015, he posthumously received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Towering Performance Award for his classic recording of "Stand by Me."
Passing: Ben E. King passed away on April 30, 2015, at the age of 76. Despite his departure, his music, particularly "Stand by Me," continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.