‘Stand By Me’ singer Ben E. King Memorialized In Englewood’s Community Baptist Church

Ben E King memorialized in Englewood NJ Church

More than 600 people filled Englewood’s Community Baptist Church in northern New Jersey to pay final respects and celebrate the life of singer Ben E. King.

King, who was best known for his hit, “Stand By Me,” died April 30 of natural causes in his hometown of Teaneck. He was 76.

Don Gardner, the vocalist-drummer who had hits with Dee Dee Ford in the 1960s, called King a “sweetheart.”

King was the lead singer of the Drifters and a solo star whose baritone produced pop and rhythm ‘n blues classics as “There Goes My Baby” and “Spanish Harlem.” King has been covered by acts from several genres.

“So Much Loved” was recorded by Dusty Springfield in 1969.^[24] “I (Who Have Nothing)” was performed by Shirley Bassey in 1963 and also by Tom Jones in 1970, as well as a 1979 recording by Sylvester. “Till I Can’t Get It Anymore” was revisited by peer Ray Charles in 1970 and “Spanish Harlem” was sung by Aretha Franklin in 1971. “Stand by Me” was covered by Otis Redding, John Lennon and Mickey Gilley. King also inspired several rock bands: Siouxsie and the Bansheesrecorded “Supernatural Thing” in 1981 and Led Zeppelin did a cover version of “Groovin'”, more known under the title of “We’re Gonna Groove”.

He was interred in Hackensack Cemetery

This article contains material from WIKIPEDIA.COM

Read more on THENEWSTRIBUNE.COM