Benjamin Earl "Ben" King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson; September 28, 1938 – April 30, 2015) was an American soul and R&B singer. He was best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me". The song became a US Top 10 hit in both 1961 and later in 1986 (when it was used as the theme to the movie of the same name).
King was born in Henderson, North Carolina and grew up in Harlem, New York City from age nine. He later lived in Teaneck, New Jersey. He was married to Betty from 1964 until his death. He had three children.
King died from coronary heart disease on April 30, 2015 in Hackensack, New Jersey, aged 76.
↑ "Ben E King: R&B legend dies at 76". BBC. May 1, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
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