Ben E. King Dies

King got his start in the late ’50s with Five Crowns before its members were asked to replace the original members of Drifters. He had a string of R&B hits with the Drifters, singing lead on songs including “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “This Magic Moment.”

A contract dispute led King to pursue a successful solo career, and he continued to record and perform for many years, receiving accolades in recent years from groups including the Songwriters Hall of Fame.