Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 28, 1938 in Henderson, NC

Death

:

April 30, 2015 in Hackensack, NJ

 

Ben E. King was a renowned American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and composer. He was born on September 28, 1938, in Henderson, North Carolina, as Benjamin Earl Nelson. He grew up in Harlem, New York, where he began his musical journey. King's love for music started at a young age, and he was influenced by gospel music. He joined a doo-wop group called The Five Crowns in 1958, which later became The Drifters. King became the lead singer of the group, and his smooth and soulful voice became the signature sound of The Drifters. King's first hit with The Drifters was "There Goes My Baby" in 1959, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was a game-changer for The Drifters, as it was the first time a black vocal group had used strings in their music. The song's success paved the way for other hits such as "Save the Last Dance for Me," "This Magic Moment," and "Up on the Roof." In 1960, King left The Drifters to pursue a solo career. He changed his name to Ben E. King and signed with Atco Records. His first solo hit was "Spanish Harlem," which reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was a tribute to the Latino community in New York City and showcased King's ability to blend different musical styles. King's biggest hit as a solo artist was "Stand by Me," which he co-wrote with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song was released in 1961 and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Stand by Me" has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists, including John Lennon, Otis Redding, and Tracy Chapman. King continued to release hits throughout the 1960s, including "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)," "I (Who Have Nothing)," and "Supernatural Thing." He also collaborated with other artists, such as The Drifters, The Coasters, and The Staple Singers. In addition to his successful career as a singer, King was also a talented composer. He wrote many of his own songs, including "Spanish Harlem," "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)," and "I (Who Have Nothing)." He also wrote songs for other artists, such as "Young Boy Blues" for Dion and "It's All Over" for The Impressions. King's music was known for its soulful and emotional quality. He had a unique ability to convey deep emotions through his music, and his songs often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and perseverance. His music was also influenced by his faith, and he often incorporated gospel elements into his songs. King's impact on the music industry was significant, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. His music has inspired countless artists and has become a part of the cultural fabric of America. Sadly, King passed away on April 30, 2015, at the age of 76. However, his music continues to live on and inspire new generations of musicians. His legacy as a composer and performer will always be remembered as a testament to the power of music to touch the soul and bring people together.

More....