R&B legend Ben E. King, best known for the timeless hit "Stand By Me," died Thursday at the age of 76.
Born Benjamin Earl Nelson in 1938, King made a name for himself as lead singer of the Drifters, the doo-wop group remembered for songs like "There Goes My Baby," "Save The Last Dance For Me," and "This Magic Moment." Their catchy melodies catapulted the Brill Building movement of the early 60s, where rhythm, blues, and gospel music caught on to mainstream radio.
King quit the group at the height of their commercial success after being refused a salary increase. It was as a solo artist that King made left his indelible mark.
"Stand By Me" was a top 10 hit in the United States in 1961 and again reached the charts with its inclusion in the 1986 film of the same name. The soulful tune resurrected King's career.
"The song's success lay in the way [Jerry] Leiber and [Mike] Stoller took chances, though, borrowing from symphonic scores, and we had a brilliant string arranger," King said in a 2013 interview with The Guardian.
He released solo albums and collaborations well into his 60s and 70s, completing his final album, Heart & Soul, in 2010. None, however, left had the impact of "Stand By Me."
King earned 12 top-10 hits between 1959 to 1986 and was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Hall of Fame.
Fans and friends took to social media following the sad news of King's death. Fellow blues singer Gary U.S. Bonds wrote on Facebook that King was "one of the sweetest, gentles and gifted souls that I have had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend for more than 50 years."
Songwriters and actors also shared their sentiment on Twitter.
So sad to hear that Ben E King has passed away. More than almost anyone, he fired and inspired my love of music. #StandByMe #ThereGoesMyBaby
— Bob Harris (@WhisperingBob) May 1, 2015
Rest in peace, legendary Ben E. King. #StandbyMe — Anthony Hamilton (@HamiltonAnthony) May 1, 2015
You know you are good when John Lennon covers your song. Ben E. King was a wonderful and immensely talented man. — Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) May 1, 2015
RIP Ben E. King. I'm playing & singing #StandByMe at the piano this morning in your honor. One of the great songs. Your voice will play on. — Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) May 1, 2015
We'll be adding an acoustic version of #StandByMe to the weekend setlist in memory of #BenEKing #Legend
— Dawn Young-McDaniel (@justdawn_) May 1, 2015
King is survived by his wife Betty, who he married in 1964.
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