Fans and fellow artists the world over are mourning
the death of music legend Ben E. King, who passed away on April 30, 2015 at age
76, after a brief illness. A singer, songwriter, mentor and philanthropist, he
personified artistic excellence, humility and warmth. In the words of the late
Ahmet Ertegun, “Ben E. King is one of the greatest singers in the history of
rock and roll and rhythm and blues. His style and the tempo of his voice have a
magic all their own.”
“Ben E.
King is one of the greatest singers in the history of rock and roll and rhythm
and blues. His style and the tempo of his voice have a magic all their own.”
As a solo
artist and as lead singer for The Drifters, Ben E. King created some of the
most memorable recordings in popular music: “There Goes My Baby”, “Dance With
Me,” “This Magic Moment”, “Save The Last Dance For Me,” “Spanish Harlem,” “I
Who Have Nothing,” and the iconic, international anthem “Stand By Me” (which
King co-wrote). “Stand By Me” has been covered by countless artists; in March
2015, King’s recording was selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in
the National Recording Registry.
He was a
member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and winner of a Rhythm & Blues
Foundation Pioneer Award and The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Towering Performance
Award. He continued writing, recording, and performing to sold-out crowds,
until shortly before his death.
Offstage,
Ben E. King was a devoted family man who donated his time and energy to
numerous charitable causes. He was universally known as a true gentleman;
respected and beloved by all who knew or worked with him. He will be deeply
missed by family, friends, and fans worldwide.
Services
will be held at:
Community
Baptist Church
224 1st
Street
Englewood,
New Jersey 07631
(201)
568-6369
Memorial /
Wake - Wednesday, May 6, 6 – 9 PM
Funeral
Service / Burial - Thursday, May 7, 10 AM
In lieu of
flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Stand By Me
Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choosing. The Stand By Me Foundation
(PO Box 462, Teaneck, NJ 07666) is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Mr.
King in 1998, providing scholarships to deserving students and support to civic
associations engaged in improving their communities.
Tributes
and condolences can also be sent to benekingtributes@gmail.com
-Judy Tint
(Ben E. King’s attorney), on behalf of the King family
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