Our hearts go out to the family and friends of iconic soul singer, Ben E. King, who died yesterday at age 76 due to natural causes.
King was born in North Carolina and raised in Harlem, where he was hired to become the lead singer of The Drifters. Through his new career with the group, he produced hits like “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “There Goes My Baby,” which ultimately led to King’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Although The Drifters has attained much musical success, by 1960 King decided to start his solo career with his hit “Stand By Me.” The hit was such a success that it became the fourth most played song in the 20th century and has been used by celebs ranging from John Lennon, Muhammad Ali and Spyder Turner.
R.I.P. to Ben E. King and listen to “Stand By Me” below.
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