# Ben E. King

> American singer (1938–2015)

**Wikidata**: [Q356140](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q356140)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_E._King)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ben-e-king

## Summary
Ben E. King was an American singer and songwriter known for his distinctive voice and his role as the lead singer of The Drifters before pursuing a successful solo career, particularly with the iconic 1961 hit "Stand by Me."

## Biography
- Born: September 28, 1938
- Died: April 30, 2015
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Soul and R&B music, particularly "Stand by Me"
- Employer(s): Atlantic Records, Atco Records, The Drifters
- Field(s): Music (singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, recording artist, musician)
- Birth name: Benjamin Earl Nelson
- Aliases: Ben King, Ben E King, Benjamin Earl King, Benjamin Earl Nelson
- Work period: 1958-2015

## Contributions
- As the lead singer of The Drifters (1953-1958): Helped shape the sound of early R&B and doo-wop music
- Solo career beginning 1958: Released numerous soul and R&B recordings that influenced the genre
- "Stand by Me" (1961): One of the most enduring songs in popular music history, later covered by numerous artists and featured in films
- "Spanish Harlem" (1961): Another solo hit that demonstrated his vocal range and emotional depth
- Continued musical output: Released music consistently until his death in 2015, maintaining relevance across decades
- Integration of soul, rhythm and blues, and blues elements in his recordings

## FAQs
**What was Ben E. King's most famous song?**
Ben E. King is most famous for "Stand by Me," released in 1961, which has become one of the most recognizable songs in popular music history and has been covered by numerous artists worldwide.

**Was Ben E. King involved in any music groups?**
Yes, Ben E. King was the lead singer of The Drifters from 1953 to 1958 before beginning his successful solo career.

**What record labels was Ben E. King associated with?**
Ben E. King was primarily associated with Atlantic Records and its subsidiary Atco Records throughout his career.

**What genres did Ben E. King work in?**
Ben E. King worked primarily in soul music, rhythm and blues, and blues genres throughout his career.

**What was Ben E. King's birth name?**
Ben E. King was born Benjamin Earl Nelson before adopting his stage name.

## Why They Matter
Ben E. King matters as one of the foundational figures in soul music, whose smooth, emotive vocals helped define the genre in its formative years. As the lead singer of The Drifters, he contributed to creating the distinctive sound that influenced countless vocal groups that followed. His solo career, particularly the timeless "Stand by Me," demonstrated his ability to transcend musical trends and create enduring art that continues to resonate with new generations. King's work broke racial barriers in popular music, bringing African American musical traditions to mainstream audiences while maintaining authenticity in his expression. Without his contributions, the landscape of soul and R&B music would be significantly different, with many of the genre's distinctive vocal and emotional qualities lacking the purity and power that King introduced.

## Notable For
- Lead singer of The Drifters during their most influential period
- Creator of the iconic song "Stand by Me" (1961), one of the most enduring songs in popular music history
- Pioneering figure in the soul music genre during its formative years
- Distinctive vocal style that influenced countless R&B and soul vocalists
- Successful career spanning from the 1950s through the 2010s
- Works that have been covered by hundreds of artists across multiple genres
- Collaboration with Atlantic Records, one of the most influential record labels in American music history

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Ben E. King was born Benjamin Earl Nelson on September 28, 1938, in the United States. His career in music began when he joined The Drifters in 1953, serving as their lead singer until 1958. During this period, King helped shape the sound of early R&B and doo-wop music, contributing to hits that would become foundational to these genres. His distinctive voice and emotive delivery quickly set him apart in the competitive landscape of vocal groups of the era. King's work with The Drifters was particularly significant as it coincided with the rise of rhythm and blues as a distinct genre, positioning him at the forefront of this musical movement.

### Transition to Solo Career
In 1958, Ben E. King began his solo career while still associated with Atlantic Records and its subsidiary Atco Records. This transition marked a new phase in his musical journey, allowing him greater creative control and the opportunity to explore his unique vocal style more fully. The shift from group to solo artist enabled King to showcase his individual artistry, resulting in a body of work that would come to define his legacy in popular music. Atlantic Records, founded in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegün and Herb Abramson, provided the ideal environment for King's solo endeavors, with the label's focus on rhythm and blues music aligning perfectly with King's musical strengths.

### Major Musical Contributions
As a solo artist, Ben E. King released numerous soul and R&B recordings that would influence the genre for decades to come. His 1961 release of "Stand by Me" has become one of the most enduring songs in popular music history, demonstrating his ability to create emotionally resonant work that transcends time and genre boundaries. Another significant contribution, "Spanish Harlem" (1961), further showcased King's vocal range and emotional depth. These songs, along with many others in his discography, have been covered by hundreds of artists across multiple genres, cementing his influence on popular music worldwide. King's ability to integrate elements of blues music into his soul and R&B recordings further enriched his sound and broadened his appeal.

### Musical Style and Influence
Ben E. King's musical style is characterized by his smooth, soulful vocals that blend elements of R&B and soul music. His ability to convey emotion through his voice made him one of the most distinctive vocalists of his era. King's influence extends beyond his own recordings, as his style and approach to soul music have been cited as inspirations by countless artists across multiple genres. His work in the soul music genre helped define its characteristic qualities, including the emotional delivery and vocal techniques that would become hallmarks of the style. The distinctive nature of his voice set him apart in an era of talented vocalists, making his recordings instantly recognizable and memorable.

### Longevity and Career Span
One of the remarkable aspects of Ben E. King's career was its incredible longevity, spanning from his beginnings with The Drifters in 1953 through his death in 2015. This extended career allowed him to witness and participate in numerous transformations in popular music while maintaining relevance across decades. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while staying true to his core sound demonstrated his exceptional talent and understanding of music as both an art form and a craft. King's career continued even after the peak of his commercial success, with ongoing performances and recordings showing his commitment to his craft throughout his life.

### Death and Legacy
Ben E. King passed away on April 30, 2015, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to influence artists and audiences worldwide. His contributions to soul and R&B music have ensured his place among the genre's most important figures. The enduring popularity of songs like "Stand by Me" demonstrates the timelessness of his work and its ability to resonate with new generations of listeners. King's legacy extends beyond his recordings, as he helped break racial barriers in popular music and brought African American musical traditions to mainstream audiences while maintaining authenticity in his expression. His influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern popular music.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/king-ben-e-1938-2015/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Integrated Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. [Ben E. King dies at 76; singer-songwriter behind classic ‘Stand By Me’. Los Angeles Times. 2015](https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-ben-e-king-20150502-story.html)
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. Find a Grave
8. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
9. BlackPast.org
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. MusicBrainz
12. SNAC
13. Internet Broadway Database
14. Discogs
15. Nederlandse Top 40
16. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. BBC Things
19. ISWC Network