Band

Ben E. King

Mapped through Classic pop, Pop, R&B influences; 19 albums in the Staimusic archive.

Ben E. King
Biography

Ben E. King: history and sound

Benjamin Earl King (born September 28, 1938), known as Ben E. King, is an American soul and R&B singer. Ben E. King is a truly remarkable music artist! His career is one to be celebrated and envied. An incredible singer, songwriter and producer, he created popular hits such as Stand by Me, Spanish Harlem, What Is Soul and Supernatural Thing. Many consider him an icon within the industry, with a distinctive voice that wasches over the decades with classic tunes like these. Ben E. King has become somewhat of a timeless legend in the music world!
Ben E. King - The Soulful Genius of the Music Industry
Born Benjamin Earl King, Ben E. King rose to fame in the 1960s as a soulful singer, songwriter, and musician. Hailing from North Carolina, King had his sights set on music since his early childhood. From the doo-wop sounds of his early years to the soulful tunes in his later career, King’s music is timeless and revered to this day. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of Ben E. King, his best songs, music genre, famous concerts, and a critic of his work.
Ben E. King started his musical journey as a member of The Drifters, a popular R&B group in the 1950s. He was the lead singer of their hit singles This Magic Moment and Save the Last Dance for Me. By the early 60s, King left the group to pursue a solo career. Stand by Me, is one of the most famous tracks from his discography. King wrote the song with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and it was released in 1961. The song is known for its simple, yet powerful, melody and lyrics that express the importance of friendship, love, and support in our lives. It became an instant classic and has been covered by several artists and featured in numerous movies and TV shows.
Ben E. King's music was heavily influenced by the R&B and soul music genres that were popular in the 1960s. However, King's unique voice and style helped him stand out from the rest of the artists of his era. He typically sang about love and relationships, but with a deeper and more profound essence than most conventional love songs. His hits like Spanish Harlem, Don't Play That Song (You Lied), and Supernatural Thing are testimony to his unparalleled singing and songwriting capabilities.
The 1970s marked a period of transition for King as he experimented with new sounds. He started recording music that incorporated elements of funk and disco, such as his famous song Music Trance. Though his music was not as commercially successful as before, his voice remained a powerful force in the music industry.
His iconic performance at the Save the Last Dance for Me concert in 1990, in honor of his late friend, was a career-highlight, bringing together renowned artists like The Four Tops, The Drifters, and The Platters.
A critical analysis of his work reveals the effortless grace with which he conveyed his songs. King's music has a lasting influence on modern pop, rock, and soul music of today, with some of the most notable popular covers by artists like John Lennon, John Legend, and U2. He remains, without a doubt, a pillar in the world of music.
Ben E. King's music has stood the test of time and still manages to capture the hearts of music lovers globally. His music genre, which was influenced by the R&B and soul music of the 60s, still reverberates today, marking him as a legend in the music industry. His best songs are still played at weddings, in movies, and on the radio, and his sound and style still inspire artists worldwide. King's contribution to music lives on, and his remarkable vocal abilities and memorable songwriting will continue to be praised for many years to come.
Ben E. King's music has stood the test of time and still manages to capture the hearts of music lovers globally. His music genre, which was influenced by the R&B and soul music of the 60s, still reverberates today, marking him as a legend in the music industry. His best songs are still played at weddings, in movies, and on the radio, and his sound and style still inspire artists worldwide. King's contribution to music lives on, and his remarkable vocal abilities and memorable songwriting will continue to be praised for many years to come.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Young Boy Blues - Mono
Ben E. King Young Boy Blues - Mono
Perfidia
Ben E. King Perfidia
Music Trance
Ben E. King Music Trance
Stand By Me (arr. Z. Reaves For String Quartet)
Ben E. King Stand By Me (arr. Z. Reaves For String Quartet)
Stand By Me - 2012 Remaster
Ben E. King Stand By Me - 2012 Remaster
How Can I Forget
Ben E. King How Can I Forget
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

Music

DISCOGRAPHY OF BEN E. KING