I just learned this morning that
beloved Ben E. King of the Drifters passed away yesterday at the age of 76.
Everyone knows that his megahit “Stand
By Me” was popular when it was released in 1961, and many may also recall that
it enjoyed a huge success once again when it was featured in the movie of the
same name in 1986.
Ben was born Benjamin Earl Nelson
on September 28, 1938 in Henderson, North Carolina. When the original members
of the Drifters were fired by the manager in 1958, Ben’s group the Five Crowns
took over the name and the legacy. Their first big hit was 1959’s “There Goes
My Baby,” led and co-written by Ben. A string of other notable songs followed,
including “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “This Magic Moment,” and “Spanish
Harlem.” “Stand By Me,” co-written by Ben, was voted one of the most notable
songs of the 20th century.
In 1960, Ben left the Drifters and
took on the name “Ben E. King,” in preparation for his solo career. He
proceeded to put out magical songs, the most memorable of which is probably “Supernatural
Thing,” which many didn’t have a clue was done by Ben E.
I know I am saddened by this loss,
as are many others.
Benjamin Earl King [1938 – 2015]
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