The music community has suffered a great loss with the passing of R&B legend, Ben E. King. King passed away on Thursday in N.J. He was 76.
Known early on in his career as Benjamin Earl Nelson, King became popular in the late 50’s with the doo-wop group The Drifters. He recorded thirteen songs with the group before going solo in 1960. It was in 1960 that Ben E. King was born. His solo career brought along three of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s five hundred songs that shaped rock n roll, including his most popular hit “Stand by me”. He would continue to move and inspire people for decades, performing into his late 70’s.
As we see the final credits roll on this beautiful life I have to imagine “Stand By Me” playing in the background. A song that has been covered countless times but never to be duplicated – just like King. There will never be a talent quite like his, a sound as soulful as the voice of Ben E. King. He will be missed.
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