10 Years Without Ben E. King: The Immortal Voice of 'Stand by Me'
Ten years since his passing.
Ben E. King, born Benjamin Earl Nelson (Henderson, North Carolina, September 28, 1938 – Hackensack, New Jersey, April 30, 2015), was an American soul and pop singer.
Especially famous in the 1960s, he was the performer of the best-known version of “Stand by Me” (which he co-wrote with producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller), a hit in the United States in 1961 and again in 1986, and in the UK in 1987.
After moving to Harlem as a child, his artistic journey began in the late 1950s.
In 1958, he formed a doo-wop group called The Five Crowns.
Later that year, The Drifters replaced several of their members with King's group, who had occasionally worked with them.
King co-wrote the first hit for the new lineup, “There Goes My Baby” (1959).
He was the lead singer—under his given name—for hits like “Save the Last Dance for Me” (written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman), “Dance With Me,” “This Magic Moment,” “I Count the Tears,” and “Lonely Winds.”
Ben E. King only recorded ten songs with The Drifters, including “Temptation.”
After leaving The Drifters, King had his first solo hit with “Spanish Harlem” (1960), written by Phil Spector with Leiber and Stoller.
This was followed by “Stand by Me” (1961), which was originally written for The Drifters, though they never recorded it.
The songwriting credits went to King and Elmo Glick, a pseudonym for Leiber and Stoller.
“Stand by Me” holds the 25th spot on the list of the 365 Songs of the Century, compiled in 2001 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts.
He passed away in Hackensack, New Jersey, on April 30, 2015, seven years ago at the age of 76.
The Day Elvis Walked in London
Tommy Steele's Confession.
On April 22, 2008, veteran British rock star Tommy Steele admitted that he took Elvis Presley on a secret tour of London in 1958.
For over 50 years, Presley fans believed that the only time he set foot in the UK was during a layover at Prestwick Airport in March 1960.
But theater producer Bill Kenwright revealed Steele’s secret on BBC Radio 2.
In a note sent to the Daily Mail, Steele said he had “sworn never to reveal it publicly” and was “sorry” the news had leaked.
“It was an event shared by two young men who shared the same love for their music and the same thrill of achieving something unimaginable.
I swore never to publicly reveal what happened, and I regret that it found a way to surface.
I just hope he can forgive me.”
Remembering Roy Orbison
The Voice That Conquered the World.
Today, we celebrate Roy Orbison, one of music’s most influential artists, whose legacy lives on through his songs.
With a unique, deep, and emotionally rich voice, Orbison became one of the most beloved legends of rock and ballad music, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
From his iconic “Oh, Pretty Woman”, still one of his most popular songs, to the heartbreaking “Crying”, every Roy Orbison track not only tells a story but conveys pure, sincere emotion.
His ability to blend rock, ballad, and blues made him a unique artist, capable of connecting with any listener.
Throughout his career, Orbison achieved not just radio success, but also the respect and admiration of artists across generations.
His influence is evident in the work of greats like Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty, who had the honor of collaborating with him in the Traveling Wilburys project.
His music remains a refuge of nostalgia and emotion, and his legacy will never fade.
Today, his voice is a reminder of the beauty that can be found in songs full of feeling and passion.
Frank Sinatra
Remembering the Legend.
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of one of music’s most iconic voices: Frank Sinatra, the man who became synonymous with elegance, style, and—of course—great music!
Known as “The Voice,” Sinatra captivated the world for over five decades with his unmistakable tone, incredible vocal ability, and his gift for conveying deep emotion through every note.
From the 1940s to his final performance in 1989, he left an unforgettable mark on popular music, jazz, and film.
A historic career
Sinatra began his career singing with big band orchestras, but it was in the 1950s that he rose to the top as a solo artist.
With classics like “My Way,” “New York, New York,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “Strangers in the Night,” he conquered entire generations, transcended borders, and became a global icon.
Sinatra wasn’t just an extraordinary singer—he was also a talented actor, winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in From Here to Eternity (1953), a film that cemented his status in Hollywood.
A legacy that lives on
Though he passed away in 1998, Sinatra’s legacy endures. His songs still echo around the world, his records remain bestsellers, and his style continues to inspire artists of every generation.
His influence on music, film, and popular culture is undeniable. He is an eternal legend.
Unforgettable quotes
“There’s nothing like the voice of a singer who puts his soul into what he sings.”
And there’s no doubt that Frank Sinatra put his soul into every performance, every stage, every song.
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