"Stand by Me" Singer Ben E. King Passes Away at 76

Bad news on the music front surfaced today as singer Ben E. King – the voice behind feel-good anthem “Stand by Me” – passed today in New Jersey. Having come to prominence during his tenure with The Drifters in the 1950s, King also produced hits such as “There Goes My Baby” and “Save the Last Dance For Me” during his lengthy career. At 76 years of age, the North Carolina native passed near his Teaneck, New Jersey home, after a heart ailment proved too hard to overcome. “Stand by Me” is one of the most beloved songs in the American canon, standing as the fourth most-played song on U.S. radio and TV of the 20th century. While the music community at large mourns this loss, take a few moments to reflect on his memorable song, which is playable below.