Singer Ben E. King, best known for his classic hit "Stand By Me," has died.
The North Carolina-born R&B legend died Thursday, April 30 of natural causes, his agent told the Telegraph. He was 76.
King rose to fame in the 1950s. As a member of the Drifters, King co-wrote and sang lead on "There Goes My Baby." He later broke away and started his solo act. King quickly climbed the charts with "Stand By Me," which was later used in a film of the same name starring River Phoenix in 1986.
"Stand By Me," which has been covered a number of times, was chosen one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. (Recently, Tracy Chapman performed a cover of "Stand By Me" in a rare appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman)
Fellow singer Gary U.S. Bonds wrote a tribute to King on Facebook late Thursday: "With an extremely heavy heart, I must say goodbye to one of the sweetest, gentlest and gifted souls that I have had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend for more than 50 years – Mr. Ben E. King."
King is survived by his wife Betty, whom he married in 1964.
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