What CNN describes as “voice like a pool of honey beneath a crispy surface,” the singing voice of legendary soul artist Ben E. King was unlike any other.

Set against the backdrop of powerful political events like the Martin Luther King Jr. discharge from custody after his sit-in demonstration in Atlanta, along with the intervention of Robert Kennedy, then “managing a presidential campaign for his brother, Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy,” two of the greatest pop singles ever made “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand By Me” were recorded in New York City, in a studio, under the name Ben E. King, singer/songwriter known for his melodic tunes and inspiring lyrics.

Significant political events spark the creative landscape and percolate underneath the surface as artists tend to their creative outlets. For Ben E. King, that outlet was song. One of the oldest healing remedies on Earth, music has been a balm for the aching soul for ages. With an enduring, connective song like “Stand By Me”, it’s no wonder Ben E. King is remembered for his heartfelt lyrics and presence through song.

The singular image of a red rose is featured in the song “Spanish Harlem” to evoke a feeling of beauty amongst the “grit and squalor” of the song’s namesake. The second song denotes a freedom from “loneliness and fear” while we follow a light, “the moon is the only light we see.” Surprisingly, both songs were created on the same day. From the legendary producers who also brought us “Hound Dog, “ “Yakety-Yak,” and “Searchin” Ben E. King’s songs were among those to remain lasting hits.

“Spanish Harlem” was released on the last day of 1960 and reached number 10 on the Billboard Pop Music charts. “Stand By Me” enjoyed greater success upon its release in September of that same year, reaching number for on the pop charts and number one for rhythm-and-blues.

A pop artist and rhythm-and-blues legend, Ben E. King stirred the hearts and souls of generations past, present and beyond.