Ben E. King One of the classics of soul music Date of Birth: 28.09.1938 Country: USA

1. Ben E. King: The Soulful Crooner
2. The Drifters Years (1958-1960)
3. Solo Success and "Stand By Me" (1961-1980s)
4. Legacy and Impact

Ben E. King: The Soulful Crooner

Ben E. King emerged as one of the defining voices of soul music in the late 1950s and early 1960s, crafting a sound that captivated audiences and transcended racial boundaries.

The Drifters Years (1958-1960)

Born in Harlem, King initially sang with the semi-professional group The Five Crowns. In 1958, he was recruited by producer George Treadwell to join the renowned vocal ensemble The Drifters. As the group's frontman, King's rich baritone brought R&B to prominence among white listeners. He famously replaced the troubled lead singer on the legendary recording of "There Goes My Baby," launching The Drifters into superstardom.

King's voice graced a string of Drifters hits in 1959, including "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and the chart-topping "Save the Last Dance for Me." However, tensions over pay disputes pushed King to leave the group and embark on a solo career.

Solo Success and "Stand By Me" (1961-1980s)

As a solo artist, King collaborated with the acclaimed songwriting duo Leiber and Stoller. His first single, "Spanish Harlem" (featuring Phil Spector's lush orchestration), became a hit in 1961. That same year, he released his signature anthem, "Stand By Me." This timeless ballad of friendship surged into the US top 10 twice and ascended to the top of the UK Singles Chart after the release of the eponymous 1987 film.

King continued to record prolifically throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the disco-era hit "Supernatural Thing, Part I."

Legacy and Impact

Ben E. King's iconic hits, particularly "There Goes My Baby," "Spanish Harlem," and "Stand By Me," have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and listed among Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." His contributions to pop music have left an indelible mark, with artists from John Lennon to Sean Kingston covering his songs.

Ben E. King's soulful voice and timeless melodies have cemented his status as one of the most beloved and influential figures in American music history.