• Ben E. King is an American soul singer, and former member of the The Drifters. After leaving the group in 1960, he embarked on a solo career with his first hit single, "Spanish Harlem."

  His next song has become his signature: "Stand By Me." The song hit #1 in both the United States and UK, and is both a Grammy Hall of Fame winner and one of the RIAA's "Songs of the Century." It was also featured in the film of the same name directed by Rob Reiner in 1986.

  King's next hit was the dramatic "I (Who Have Nothing)," which has since been covered by several artists, most notably Jordin Sparks, who won the American Idol competition in 2007.

  King continues to perform, but also remains active with the Stand By Me Foundation, a charity he established that provides educational funds for underprivileged youths.

• 1. Full name: Benjamin Earl Nelson
  2. Born: September 28, 1938
  3. Hometown: Harlem, New York City
  4. Record Label: Atco Records
  5. Biggest hit: "Stand By Me"
  6. Founder of Stand By Me Foundation

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