Date of Birth: September 28, 1938
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: April 30, 2015
Biography
Ben E. King, born Benjamin Earl Nelson, was an iconic American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. He was born on September 28, 1938, in Henderson, North Carolina, and raised in Harlem, New York. King is best known for his classic hit “Stand by Me,” which remains a timeless anthem of love and loyalty. Before embarking on a solo career, he was a member of the Drifters, contributing to hits like “There Goes My Baby” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” His smooth voice and emotive delivery made him a beloved figure in the music industry. Throughout his career, King released numerous albums and singles, influencing generations of musicians. He passed away on April 30, 2015, but his musical legacy continues to resonate with fans around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Ben E. King
1. Ben E. King’s song “Stand by Me” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
2. He originally started his career with the doo-wop group the Five Crowns before joining the Drifters.
3. “Stand by Me” has been covered by over 400 artists, making it one of the most performed songs of the 20th century.
4. King co-wrote “There Goes My Baby,” which was one of the first R&B songs to feature strings.
5. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Drifters in 1988.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ben E. King
1. “I don’t think about the styles. I write whatever comes out and I use whatever kind of instrumentation works for those songs.”
2. “Music is my life, it’s my soul, it’s my gift to the world.”
3. “The sound of music is like the breath of life.”
4. “I think the best thing I can do is be myself.”
5. “The greatest songs are timeless and speak to the human condition.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ben E. King achieved a net worth estimated to be around $30 million.
Children
Ben E. King had three children: a daughter named Terris Cannon and two sons named Benjamin Jr. and Brett.
Relevant Links
1. [Ben E. King – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_E._King
3. [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – The Drifters](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/drifters
4. [Grammy Hall of Fame – Stand by Me](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/hall-of-fame
5. [Ben E. King Obituary – The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/01/ben-e-king
