Ben E King

Ben E King was an influential American singer and songwriter. Born in 1938, he initially gained fame as the lead singer of the vocal group The Drifters in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During his time with the group, King co-wrote and sang on their hits like "There Goes My Baby" and "Save the Last Dance for Me." He eventually embarked on a successful solo career in 1960 and became widely recognized for his soulful and melodic voice. King's most famous song, "Stand by Me," was released in 1961 and has since become a timeless classic, regularly covered by various artists. The song's popularity was further boosted when it was featured as the title track in a 1986 coming-of-age film. Throughout his career, King received numerous accolades, including induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. He continued to perform and record music until his passing in 2015, leaving a significant impact on the music industry.