Legendary ‘Stand By Me’ Singer, Ben E. King, Dies at 76

The legendary singer behind the hit song "Stand By Me," Ben E. King, has died at the age of 76, his publicist confirmed with several media outlets on Thursday. The singer, whose real name was Benjamin Earl Nelson, died of natural causes.

King first roses to fame in the 1950s when he was a member of the Drifters. During that time, he produced hits that include "There Goes my baby and "Save the Last Dance for Me." King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the Drifters. In 1960, King pursued a solo career after a contract dispute.

In the 1960s and 70s, King released several hits that were on the Billboard Top 40 but none of his songs were as popular as "Stand By Me," which was released in 1961.

The Recording Industry Association of America voted "Stand By Me" as one of the Songs of the Century. The song has transcended time. In 1986, it was used in a film that starred River Phoenix.

R&B singer and songwriter Gary U.S. Bonds wrote a tribute via Facebook.

Aside from his work in music, King was an active member in the Stand By Me Foundation.

King was born on Sept 28, 1938 in Henderson, North Carolina. At the age of nine, he moved to Harlem, New York where he later got involved with the doo wop scene.