Stand By Me: Soul singer Ben E King dies aged 76

Soul and R&B singer Ben E King, famous for his 1960s hit Stand By Me, has died aged 76, according to his agent.

The soul singer first found fame with The Drifters, before scoring a huge hit with what became his signature song.

Fellow singer Gary US Bonds paid tribute on Facebook, saying: “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.

“Speaking for myself, my family & my Roadhouse Rockers family, I can tell you that Ben E will be missed more than words can say.

“Our sincere condolences go out to Betty and the entire family. Thank you Ben E for your friendship and the wonderful legacy you leave behind.”

Born Benjamin Earl Nelson in North Carolina, he moved to New York as a child and got involved in the burgeoning doo wop scene.

He scored hits including Save The Last Dance For Me and There Goes My Baby with The Drifters, before quitting the group in 1960 to go solo.

His first two singles, Spanish Harlem and Stand By Me, were huge hits, but Stand By Me only topped the UK charts in 1987 after it featured in an advert for Levi’s jeans.

PA