We'll stand by you, Ben E.

[Mendalla]

R&B great Ben E. King has passed away at 76. He's likely best known for writing and singing this song:

Which was originally a hit for him in 1961 and came back around again in 1986 when it provided the title for the film Stand By Me, one of the best films ever made based on a Stephen King story. It peaked at number 4 in 1961 and number 9 in 1986. In all, the song has been on the Billboard charts nine times including King's two versions and various covers (per the BBC's obit).

But he wrote and performed many more great songs, both on his own and with The Drifters.

"Save the Last Dance For Me" was not a King composition but The Drifters' version is the one that most people know.

A Drifters' hit co-written by King.

 

[Mendalla]

Another song made famous by King, though it was written by Jerry Leiber (who worked on a lot of King and Drifters' songs) and legendary producer Phil Spector.

 

[Carolla]

thanks Mendalla ... a little trip in the glorious past

 

[You just never know]

What a fine voice he had. RIP Ben.

 

[Luce NDs]

Did you know that "ben" in Hebrew is a young pit, and "E" is like "chi" or what marks de spot in Greek ... where one finds internal pyre ...? Sort of a pseudo form Eris 'n heat of imaginary form ... really quite cool or kohl and subversive ... as Cleo Patra's underground waters ... ma'Yim? Some say Yin as redaction of Lord Jim ... as your focus s Aimes ... to search out targets of different castes ... di shelve ell'd as thought?

 

[Waterfall]

I loved his voice and will continue to do so. Rest in peace!

 

[Pinga]

Great Saturday morning music and memories.

thanks!

 

[Mendalla]

Nice tribute to Ben E. King at the Billboard Music Awards last night with a lovely cover of "Stand by Me" by Imagine Dragons.

 

[Waterfall]

Nice tribute, was that his relatives in the audience?

 

[Carolla]