Ben E. King

Ben E. King was born in Henderson, North Carolina and moved to Harlem as a child. He sang lead for The Drifters before launching a solo career.

His 1961 recording "Stand by Me" became one of the most performed and recorded songs of the twentieth century.

One of the most recognizable songs in American music was sung by a man born in a small North Carolina city.

• Stand by Me (1961)Listen
• Spanish Harlem (1960)Listen
• Save the Last Dance for Me, with The Drifters (1960)Listen

King's voice anchors a song that has outlived every trend since — a permanent piece of the American songbook.

• Wikipedia
• North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

This is an original Drake Magazine editorial profile built from verifiable public record. It is not an exclusive interview, and no quotes, awards or recordings have been invented.