News & Stories Arts & Life Roots of R&B: Singer Ben E. King Terry Gross August 29, 2025 / 9:15 am Ben E. King was the lead singer of The Drifters, and later went solo with such hits as "Stand By Me" and "Spanish Harlem." He died 2015. Originally broadcast in 1988. Why you can trust KUOW Recommended Stories Has Seattle's gig worker wage law delivered increased pay? December 22, 2025 Will fans give 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' the same pass they gave the first two films? December 19, 2025 PHOTOS: A celestial night walk in West Seattle December 08, 2025