(September 28, 1938 – April 30, 2015)
Benjamin Earl King, known as Ben E. King, was an American soul and R&B singer. He was perhaps best known as the singer and co-composer of “Stand by Me”—a US Top 10 hit in both 1961 and later in 1986 (when it was used as the theme to the film of the same name), a number one hit in the UK in 1987, and #25 on the RIAA’s list of Songs of the Century—and as one of the principal lead singers of the R&B vocal group the Drifters.
King was active in his charitable foundation, the Stand By Me Foundation which is active in providing education to deserving youths. He was a resident of Teaneck, New Jersey, from the late 1960s.
King performed “Stand By Me” during a televised tribute to late comedian George Carlin, as he was one of Carlin’s favorite artists.
On November 11, 2010, he performed “Stand By Me” on the Latin Grammys with Prince Royce.
King toured the United Kingdom in 2013 and played concerts in the United States as late as 2014, despite reported health problems.
King died on April 30, 2015, at the age of 76. His agent said he suffered from “coronary problems” at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty.
