Ben E. King

Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson in September 28, 1938 in Henderson, North Carolina) is an American soul and pop singer. He is best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me", a top ten hit in both 1961 and 1986.

Related Topics:
September 28 - 1938 - Henderson, North Carolina - American - Soul - Pop - Singer - Stand by Me

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In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with the Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with the Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of the Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other Drifters hits.

Related Topics:
Doo wop - The Five Crowns - The Drifters - Doc Pomus - Mort Shuman

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In 1960 he left the group after failing to obtain a raise in salary and increase in his share of royalties. He adopted the stage name Ben E. King and performed solo. His first hit as a solo performer was "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Related Topics:
Spanish Harlem - Jerry Leiber - Mike Stoller - Songs of the Century - Recording Industry Association of America - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll - Grammy Hall of Fame Award

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King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me," which became popular after serving as the theme music of the movie of the same name.

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