Ben E. King, whose song “Stand By Me” assured others that there is always someone to stand with when you’re in trouble, has died. He was 76.
King’s death was announced on Facebook by his friend, musician Gary U.S. Bonds.
“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,” Bonds wrote. “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.”
King’s publicist also confirmed the sad news to the Daily Mail, confirming that he died of natural causes on Thursday.
The singer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 as a member of The Drifters. He rose to fame in the late 1950s as the group’s third lead singer, singing “There Goes My Baby,” “Save The Last Dance For Me” and “This Magic Moment.”
He left the group to begin a solo career, which was highlighted by his best-selling single “Stand By Me.” The song has been recorded by others countless times and was even a hit again in the mid 1970s for John Lennon. King’s recording even topped the U.K. charts after the release of Stand By Me with Morgan Freeman.
As ETCanada notes, other solo hits included “Spanish Harlem,” “Amor” and “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied).”
“Spanish Harlem” and “Stand By Me” are both in the Grammy Hall of Fame.