Search the Fresh Air Archive

Close Search

Ben E. King: The Fresh Air Interview

The rhythm and blues singer turns 60 years old this week. He was a member of the Drifters in the late 50s. His smooth vocals graced such popular hits as "There Goes My Baby" and "Save The Last Dance for Me." His solo career has produced hits like "I (Who Have Nothing)," "Spanish Harlem" and, his best-known song, which enjoyed a revival three years ago, "Stand By Me." (REBROADCAST FROM 9/2/88)

21:27
Queue

Guest

Host

Related Topics

Other segments from the episode on September 25, 1998

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 25, 1998: Interview with Ben E. King; Review of the television shows "The Practice" and "Homicide"; Interview with Dr. John; Review of the film "Ronin."
Queue
15:07

Dr. John Keeps Playing -- No Matter What

Songwriter, pianist and singer Dr. John. Known in his native New Orleans as Mac Rebennack, his music has evolved from the psychedelic voodoo-rock he played in the 1960's to the classic piano he plays today. (REBROADCAST from 09/23/86)

Interview

Transcript

Transcript currently not available.

Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

You May Also like

Queue
26:55

Ben E. King: The Fresh Air Interview

The hit songwriter sang bass with the doo-wop group The Crowns; he switched to lead vocals when they became The Drifters. King got his start at Harlem's Apollo Theater before finding national fame. As a solo performer, he had hits with original songs like "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem."

Interview

Did you know you can create a shareable playlist?

Learn How
Advertisement

Recently on Fresh Air Available to Play on NPR

52:30

Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

Alexandra Auder's mother, Viva, was one of Andy Warhol's muses. Growing up in Warhol's orbit meant Auder's childhood was an unusual one. For several years, Viva, Auder and Auder's younger half-sister, Gaby Hoffmann, lived in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. It was was famous for having been home to Leonard Cohen, Dylan Thomas, Virgil Thomson, and Bob Dylan, among others.

Queue

Related segments from the Fresh Air Archive:

43:04

This fake 'Jury Duty' really put James Marsden's improv chops on trial

In the series Jury Duty, a solar contractor named Ronald Gladden has agreed to participate in what he believes is a documentary about the experience of being a juror--but what Ronald doesn't know is that the whole thing is fake.

Queue

Related segments from the Fresh Air Archive:

See All Recent Segments

There are more than 22,000 Fresh Air segments.

Let us help you find exactly what you want to hear.
Just play me something
Your Queue

Would you like to make a playlist based on your queue?

Generate & Share View/Edit Your Queue