Family Releases Statement About the Passing of Ben E. King

Music Legend Ben E. King – in Memoriam

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fans and fellow artists the world over are mourning the death of music legend Ben E. King, who passed away on Thursday, 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

from -Judy Tint (Ben E. King’s attorney), on behalf of the King family

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