Ben E. King Quotes (Images)

Benjamin Earl King is an American soul and R&B singer. He is 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, 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. He co-wrote and sang lead on the first Atlantic hit by the new version of the Drifters, "There Goes My Baby". He also sang lead on a succession of hits by the team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, including "Save the Last Dance for Me", "This Magic Moment", and "I Count the Tears". King only recorded thirteen songs with the Drifters—two backing other lead singers and eleven lead vocal performances—including a non-single called "Temptation". Currently, King is active in his charitable foundation, the Stand By Me Foundation. King performed "Stand By Me" during a televised tribute to late comedian George Carlin, as he was one of Carlin's favorite artists.