Ben E. King | Greatest Hits | Audio CD

USED-VERY GOOD

Product Information

• UPC: 7619929380020
• Product Type: Audio CD
• Genre: Rock/Soul/R&B
• Language: English
• Format: CD, Compilation
• Track Count: 12
• Release Date: 1999
• Publisher: Selected Sound Carrier AG
• Catalog Number: 3445.2139-2
• Total Duration: 32:00 minutes
• License: Licensed by Prestige Records Ltd., London, England

Overview

"Greatest Hits" showcases the extraordinary vocal talent of legendary soul singer Ben E. King, delivering a comprehensive collection of his most beloved classics. From the timeless "Stand By Me" to the rhythmic "Spanish Harlem," this compilation highlights King's remarkable ability to blend R&B, soul, and pop sensibilities. Each track demonstrates his warm, distinctive baritone voice that helped define the sound of early 1960s soul music. This carefully curated selection features twelve signature songs that established Ben E. King as one of the most influential vocalists of his generation, with hits that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages across decades.

Product Features

• Format: Compilation CD featuring 12 classic tracks
• Content: All major hit singles from Ben E. King's solo career
• Musical Style: Classic soul, R&B, and early rock influences
• Vocal Performance: Showcases King's signature warm baritone delivery
• Sound Quality: Professional remastering of original recordings
• Historic Value: Collection of songs that helped shape American popular music
• Release Information: Published in 1999 by Selected Sound Carrier AG

Interesting Facts

The Story Behind "Stand By Me"

"Stand By Me," perhaps Ben E. King's most recognized song, has a fascinating history. King co-wrote the track with legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller after leaving The Drifters in 1960. The song was initially offered to The Drifters, who passed on recording it. King recorded it as a solo artist, and it became a Top 10 hit in 1961. The song experienced a massive resurgence in 1986 when it was featured in the Rob Reiner film of the same name, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100—25 years after its original release. "Stand By Me" has been recorded by over 400 artists, making it one of the most covered songs in popular music history, and BMI has named it the fourth most-played track of the 20th century.

From The Drifters to Solo Stardom

Before his successful solo career, Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson) was the lead vocalist for the legendary group The Drifters from 1958 to 1960. He sang lead on classics like "There Goes My Baby" and "Save The Last Dance For Me." After contractual disputes with the group's management, King launched his solo career, quickly establishing himself as a major star in his own right. His smooth vocal style and sophisticated approach to rhythm and blues helped bridge the gap between the doo-wop era and the more polished soul sound that would dominate the 1960s.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Many songs in this collection have become cultural touchstones. "Spanish Harlem," co-written by Phil Spector and Jerry Leiber, helped popularize Latin influences in American pop music. "Save The Last Dance For Me" tells the poignant story of a man who, despite watching his lover dance with others, knows she'll be going home with him—a song made more moving by the fact that lyricist Doc Pomus, who used crutches due to polio, wrote it on his wedding day as he watched his bride dance with guests. King's influence extends beyond his hits; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and his vocal style has influenced generations of singers across soul, R&B, and rock genres.

Track Listing

1. STAND BY ME (3:02)
2. DON'T PLAY THAT SONG (2:24)
3. AMOR (2:28)
4. YOUNG BOY BLUES (2:19)
5. GOODNIGHT MY LOVE (2:57)
6. SPANISH HARLEM (2:22)
7. HOW CAN I FORGET (3:16)
8. IT'S ALL OVER (3:03)
9. I (WHO HAVE NOTHING) (2:48)
10. SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (2:37)
11. I COUNT THE TEARS (2:13)
12. THIS MAGIC MOMENT (2:25)

Publishers

Published by Selected Sound Carrier AG, Switzerland, 1999. Licensed by Prestige Records Ltd., London, England. Distributed by SSC Selected Sound Carrier AG, Riedstrasse 1, 6343 Rotkreuz, Switzerland.

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

#BenEKing #GreatestHits #StandByMe #SpanishHarlem #60sSoul #RhythmAndBlues #ClassicRB #SoulLegends #SaveTheLastDanceForMe #VintageVocals