Fresh Air Roots of R&B: 'Stand By Me'
6 snips
Aug 29, 2025 
Ben E. King, the soulful legend behind "Stand by Me," reflects on his transformative career, sharing insights from his early days with The Drifters to the song's enduring legacy. Jerry Wexler, the man who coined 'rhythm and blues,' discusses his influential role at Atlantic Records and collaborations with icons like Aretha Franklin. They delve into the songwriting secrets behind classics and the emotional depth of R&B, highlighting how these legendary artists shaped American music history.
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Harlem Street Singing Beginnings
- Ben E. King learned street singing after moving to Harlem at age 11 and joined doo-wop groups there.
- He described rehearsing in his father's restaurant and getting introduced to group performance early on.
Becoming The New Drifters
- The Five Crowns were asked to become a new version of the Drifters after opening at the Apollo with Ray Charles.
- Ben E. King recalled getting uniforms and being booed on the road because fans expected the original group.
How He Became Lead Singer
- Ben E. King became lead singer when he sang his own song There Goes My Baby in the studio after another singer couldn't find its feel.
- Jerry Wexler urged him to take the mic and he stayed lead thereafter.