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05/2015
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R&B and soul singer Ben E King, best known for the classic song Stand By Me, has died at the age of 76.

King started his career in the late 1950s with The Drifters, singing on hits including ''There Goes My Baby'' and ''Save The Last Dance For Me''.

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.

The song has charted nine times on the US Billboard 100 over the years - King's version twice and seven times with covers by artists like John Lennon and Spyder Turner.

It was also sampled for Sean Kingston's 2007 number one single ''Beautiful Girls''. In 1999, the BMI announced that the song, written by King with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was the fourth most-played track of the 20th Century on US radio and TV.

Earlier this year, the US Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry, declaring that "it was King's incandescent vocal that made it a classic". King's other hits included ''Spanish Harlem'', ''Amor, Don't Play That Song (You Lied)'' and ''Supernatural Thing - Part I.''

RIP Wow didn't know till now. What a legend.

Dang, we're losing all the legendary greats.

I was wondering why they were playing Drifters songs on the radio this morning. They're not someone I usually hear.

RIP

JabarR74 said:

The doves fly over the harbour.

one of the most unique voices has claimed his place amongst the other musical stars in heaven.

'stand by me' ^^^a great movie. Mr Ben E King's song 'stand by me' schooled a lot of the younger generation to the beautiful sounds of soul music thanks to him

these nest to are real classics. just listen to Mr King's voice when he was the lead singer for the drifters.

my mom loved these songs.

there goes my baby is so beautifully done. just listen to the vocal quality of king's voice.

thank you Mr Ben E King for entertaining my heart and soul during your space and time on this earth. i will continue to enjoy your music as you view us hear on earth from your music stage in heaven

my condolenses to family, friends, associates and fans of Mr. Freddie King

[Edited 5/1/15 11:15am]

Rest In Power.....

Thanks for the music Bro!

missfee said:

Dang, we're losing all the legendary greats.

I know!!! Percy Sledge and now Ben. R.I.P

JabarR74 said:

that's my favorite by him

No Sticky?

Here he is performing with Sean Kingston (who actually sampled Stand By Me for his hit, Beautiful Girls)

MickyDolenz said:

LOVE this album and "Music Trance" TOO!

Trully sad news. I really liked his music.

Wow he was only 76? Young.

I just got wind of his death last night.

He had some great songs. I like I Who Have

Nothing one of his lesser known songs. AWB fans

can appreciate his project with the group Ben E. and Us.

RIP Ben E. King

[Edited 5/7/15 19:51pm]

1976 interview