Legendary soul and R&B singer/songwriter Ben E. King passed away yesterday on April 30, 2015 at the age of 76. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite recordings in his honor.

1. “Spanish Harlem”(1960)
King moved to Harlem, NYC when he was 9 years old.

2. “This Magic Moment” (1960)
King with The Drifters, singing the lead.

3 “I (Who Have Nothing)” (1963)
This song is based on an Italian song called “Uno Dei Tanti” (“One of Many”).  Although King was the first to record it, many others followed: Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Liza Minnelli, Neil Diamond, Donna Osmond, Gladys Knight and more!

4. “Stand by Me” (1961)
One of my favorite songs of all-time (first song I learned on the Double Bass!) and the song people most associate with King. He wrote it along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

5. “Save the Last Dance for Me”(1960) Another one of my favorites of Ben E. King with The Drifters.