Ben E. King
Ben E. King Ben E. King, 2006 Background information Birth name Benjamin Earl Nelson Also known as Ben E. King Born (1938-09-28) September 28, 1938 (age 76) Henderson, North Carolina Origin Harlem, New York Genres Soul, R&B, pop, doo-wop Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, record producer Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards Years active 1958–present Labels Atco Records Atlantic Records Associated acts The Drifters The Five Crowns Website www.beneking.info Benjamin Earl King (born September 28, 1938), known as Ben E. King, is an American soul and R&B singer. He is perhaps best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me"—a US Top 10 hit in both 1961 and later in 1986 (when it was used as the theme to the film of the same name), a number one hit in the UK in 1987, and #25 on the RIAA's list of Songs of the Century—and as one of the principal lead singers of the R&B vocal group the Drifters.