[Archive 2015-05-03] Stand by me: Music legend Ben E King dies at 76

Historical archive — originally published 2015-05-03. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Ben E King, the soul singer recognised for memorable track "Stand by Me", died on Thursday at the age of 76.

King was best known for being a part of The Drifters in the 1950s who had hits such as "Save the Last Dance for Me", and "There Goes my Baby". Later on when he left the band and embarked on a solo career, he took on the name "Ben E King" and brought out notable tracks "Spanish Harlem" and "Supernatural Thing — Part One". In 1961 he released the song "Stand by Me". It was later the title track for the 1986 film Stand by Me directed by Rob Reiner.

Survived by his wife Betty, along with three children and six grandchildren, King, originally known as Benjamin Earl Nelson, started in a doo-wop band, The Five Crowns, who eventually became The Drifters.

According to BBC News, the tracks "Stand by Me", "Spanish Harlem", and "There Goes my Baby" are on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of 500 songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

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