Died On This Date (April 30, 2015) Ben E. King/ R&B Legend
themusicsover Ben E. King
September 28, 1938 – April 30, 2015
Ben E. King was an American R&B singer whose signature song, “Stand My Me,” is one of the few records to hit the Top 10 in two separate decades – the first being upon release in 1961, the second in 1986 when it was used as the theme song for the very popular film of the same name. In 1958, King was a member of a Harlem doo wop group known as the Five Crowns when the manager of the Drifters recruited them to replace recently fired members of the Drifters. With the Drifters, King scored several hits over the next two years. That list includes “This Magic Moment,” “Save The Last Dance For Me,” and “There Goes My Baby.” He left the group for a solo career in 1960 and went on to release some of the biggest hits of the era including, “Spanish Harlem,” “There Goes My Baby,” and of course, “Stand By Me.” Those three songs are considered to be vital parts of the foundation that shaped rock and roll. Like many R&B acts during the mid ’60s, King’s brand of music was pushed aside by the British Invasion. Even though he continued to record and tour, he wouldn’t hit the charts again until the re-release of “Stand By Me,” 20 years later. His career enjoyed even another bump when hip hop artists began sampling his songs during the ’90s and beyond. He continued to tour into his 70s. Ben E. King was 76 when he passed away on April 30, 2015. Cause of death was not immediately released
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.
What You Should Own
Johnny Kemp was a Bahamian R&B singer who, during the 1980s, helped lay the foundation of what would be called new jack swing. Kemp launched his career at the age of 13, singing in local nightclubs. In 1979, he moved to New York City where he sang with the band, Kinky Fox. In 1986 he released his first album which contained his first hit, “Just Another Lover.” What followed was a string of R&B and pop hits including, “Just Got Paid,” “Dancin’ With Myself,” and “Birthday Suit.” Johnny Kemp was 55 when he died on April 16, 2015. Cause and circumstances surroundings his death were immediately unclear.
Percy Sledge was a beloved American R&B singer whose recording of “When A Man Loves A Woman” went on to become one of popular music most enduring ballads. Born in Leighton, Alabama, Sledge earned his keep working in the fields and later as a hospital orderly while singing in area clubs on weekends. A former patient introduced him to a producer friend, leading to his first recording contract. What followed was a string of R&B hits that included “Warm and Tender Love,” “Take Time To Know Her,” “It Tears Me Up,” and of course, “When A Man Loves A Woman,” which was not only a hit upon its original release in 1966, but again in 1983 thanks to its placement in the film, The Big Chill. Sledge continued recording and performing well into the 2000s, and was ultimately inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Percy Sledge was 73 when he passed away on April 14, 2015. Cause of death was not immediately released
