A Taste Of Honey May 7 2015
Celebrating legacies of entertainers that have passed seems to be a more frequent happening these days – probably because I’m getting older too! Ben E King(far left), perhaps best known to most of us as the singer and co-composer of “Stand By Me”- A US Top Ten Hit both in 1961 and again in 1986, passed away at the age of 76 on April 30,2015.Ben E King was also the voice of the Drifters from 1958 – 1960 during which time he recorded 13 songs including the hits “There Goes My Baby”, “Save The Last Dance For Me”,” This Magic Moment”, “Under The Boardwalk” and more.
He left the Drifters to go solo where he changed his name from Nelson to King and still with Atlantic Records he scored his first solo hit “Spanish Harlem” followed by “Stand By Me” which would ultimately be voted as the 25th most popular song on the RIAA’s list of Songs Of The Century.
Ben E King was a popular artiste who was very active in his charitable organisation, the Stand By Me Foundation which helps educate deserving youth and continued to tour in both the US and The UK as late as 2014 despite his failing health.
Fondly remembered for his original songs and his interpretations of other great R&B/Pop crossover songs that showcased his rich, warm vocal assets.
On a happier note (no pun intended), Willie Nelson (pictured inside left) celebrated his 82 birthday on April 29th, 2015. Singer-songwriter, guitarist, musician, poet, actor, author and activist, Willie has enjoyed a career that has seen him crossover from being one of the most recognised country singers of all-time to a “crossover artist”with his album “Stardust” to a duetist with jazz royalty Wynton Marsalis on “Two Men with The Blues”.
Willie is recognized as an American icon, with his works part of The Library Of Congress’s National Recording Registry. He has received honours from The Country Music Hall of Fame (Lifetime Achievement Award) to The Kennedy Centre Honours. He has recorded over 60 studio albums and appeared in over 30 movies.
Happy Birthday Willie- May you have many more and enjoy many more years on the road.
A Taste Of Honey pays tribute to these two outstanding artistes who have contributed to our listening pleasure over many years and for some of us to our “live ‘ experiences over the years – Willie Nelson In Concert with his band and also as part of “The Highwaymen”, once seen live, never forgotten.