Photo:
R&B legend, Ben E King, has died of natural causes on the 30th April, his publicist has confirmed.
King started his career in the late 1950s as a member of the doo-wop band, The Drifters. He most notably performed lead vocals on Save The Last Dance For Me, and There Goes My Baby. After a contract dispute, King left the group and started a solo career, with career highlight Stand By Me hitting the top five in the US, in 1961. 'Stand By Me' charted in the US nine times, with King's version charting twice and seven times through cover versions, including one by John Lennon.
Below: Watch Ben E. King's Stand By Me below:
King hadn't publically declared that he was sufferring with illness in recent years, as he completed a UK tour in 2013 and also performed shows in the US last year.
On Facebook, fellow singer Gary US Bonds wrote about the news stating "With an extremely heavy heart, I must say goodbye to one of the sweetest, gentlest and gifted souls that I have had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend for more than 50 years - Mr. Ben E. King. Speaking for myself, my family & my Roadhouse Rockers family, I can tell you that Ben E. will be missed more than words can say. Our sincere condolences go out to Betty and the entire family. Thank you Ben E. for your friendship and the wonderful legacy you leave behind."
Speaking to the Guardian in 2013, King said of his biggest hit Stand By Me "I still perform it in all my shows. I'll do it as long as I'm breathing. I'm so proud it has stood the test of time."
