He sang with the Drifters, but not the original Drifters. The original Drifters broke up and a group called The Five Crowns, with lead singer Ben E. King, took their name and moved up the charts with songs like “Save the Last Dance for Me.” King would leave the group and go on to a solo career that included his famous “Stand By Me”.
When I worked with the Alzheimer’s Association, King, who owned the rights, granted us permission to use his “Stand By Me” as our anthem. He did more than just give us a license to the song. He appeared at events on our behalf to sing it live and never turned away from an autograph seeker or an extended hand or a willing conversation.
He was, by all observation, as kind, as generous and as gracious as he was talented. You will be missed and you will be remembered Ben E.
image of Ben E. King, Creative Commons Copyright by Leahtwosaints, with permission….
uploaded 5/1/15 dr.e
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.