Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson on September 28, 1938, in Henderson, North Carolina) is an American singer-songwriter known for his work in the rhythm and blues, soul, and pop genres. He is best known for his 1961 hit "Stand by Me" and his 1960 song "Spanish Harlem." King grew up in Harlem and began his musical career in the 1950s, singing with doo-wop groups The Five Crowns and The Drifters. He went on to record several hits with The Drifters, including "There Goes My Baby" and "Save the Last Dance for Me," before leaving the group in 1960. He then embarked on a solo career with the help of producer Jerry Leiber and songwriter Mike Stoller, recording "Spanish Harlem" and "Stand by Me." King continued to record and tour throughout his career, collaborating with numerous artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones, and U2. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Ben E. King - Stand by me Extract :