Is Ben E. King A-List?
No — Ben E. King is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1961
"Stand By Me" Released
Lost A-list status in 1986
Dropped to B tier — "Stand By Me" Re-Release
Ranking Timeline
Joins The Drifters
Joins the Drifters as lead singer, revitalizing the group.
"There Goes My Baby" Hit
Sings lead on the hit, significantly boosting popularity and earnings.
Solo Career Begins
Leaves The Drifters and begins his solo career with Atlantic Records.
"Spanish Harlem" Success
Releases "Spanish Harlem," achieving early solo success.
"Stand By Me" Released
"Stand by Me" is released, becoming his signature song and a hit.
"Stand By Me" Re-Release
The song gets re-released after appearing in a movie, and becomes a bigger hit than the first time around.
Ben E. King Passes Away
King dies and is remembered for his influential soul and R&B music.
"Stand By Me" Legacy
Ben E. King's musical legacy endures, "Stand By Me" remains a timeless classic.
Last updated: February 23, 2026