Historical Figure
Ben E. King
1938–2015
American singer (1938–2015)
Talk to Ben E. King
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Benjamin Earl King was an American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence as one of the principal lead singers of the R&B vocal group the Drifters, singing the lead vocals on three of their biggest hit singles: "There Goes My Baby", "This Magic Moment", and "Save the Last Dance for Me".
Timeline
The story of Ben E. King, told in moments.
Born Benjamin Earl Nelson in Henderson, North Carolina. His family moved to Harlem when he was nine. Started singing doo-wop on street corners as a teenager.
Sang lead on the Drifters' "Save the Last Dance for Me." It went to number one. He quit the group the same year over a contract dispute.
Recorded "Stand by Me" in a single session. He'd written the melody in his head on the way to the studio. It reached number four. Twenty-five years later, a movie named after it sent the song back to number one in the UK.
Died at 76 in Hackensack, New Jersey. "Stand by Me" was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and placed on the RIAA's Songs of the Century list.
More from the Modern
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Ben E. King's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.