Artist page · 04/07/2026
About
Over 1.8 million listeners; classic 1962 LP Don't Play That Song! offers 12 tracks including Stand By Me.
Benjamin Earl Nelson adopted the stage name Ben E. King as he launched his solo career in 1960. His work ranged from rhythm and blues to soul, jazz-pop, and traditional pop styles. Initially a member of vocal groups influenced by gospel and doo-wop, King transitioned to the solo spotlight with Atlantic Records.
Between 1961 and 1967, he released five studio albums including the influential 'Spanish Harlem' and 'Don't Play That Song!' which featured twelve tracks and included his signature song "Stand By Me." King's output later incorporated funk and disco elements during the 1970s and 1980s, retaining loyal audiences while adapting to evolving musical trends.
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Universal · 2011
Ichiban Records · 1992
Manhattan Records · 1987
Atlantic · 1981
Atlantic · 1980
Atlantic · 1978
Atlantic · 1977
Atlantic · 1976
Atlantic · 1975
CBS · 1971
Maxwell · 1970
Atlantic · 1967
ATCO Records · 1964
ATCO Records · 1962
ATCO Records · 1962
ATCO Records · 1961Playlist
The tracks that sum up Ben E. King's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
This studio album contains 12 tracks blending soul and R&B, including the timeless 'Stand By Me.' It is a sought-after record with original 1962 ATCO label pressings.
A late-career studio album blending soul and funk across 8 tracks. Collectors seek first pressings from US Atlantic label.
This 9-track LP revisits classic soul themes from King's career, issued on Manhattan Records with several international pressings.
Go further
Artists who share part of Ben E. King's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"Stand By Me" continues to be one of the most played soul classics, with over 11 million plays counted online.— Playcount Records
In 1958, King joined The Five Crowns, which later took over The Drifters' name in 1959, recording hits like "There Goes My Baby" and "Save the Last Dance for Me." This period marks the beginning of his major success in rhythm and blues.
Recorded under the Atlantic label, this 1962 album includes King’s breakout solo hits like "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" and the iconic "Stand By Me," both essential soul tracks lasting under three minutes each.
This pressing, catalog number 33-142, is recognized as the original US release. It commands high collector interest, noted at price peaks above €130 for the best copies.
"Music Trance" was released with multiple pressings, featuring extended funk and disco influenced tracks with durations up to over 6 minutes, representing King's adaptation to 1980s music trends.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Essential vinyl albums include "Don't Play That Song!" (1962), "Street Tough" (1981), and "Save The Last Dance For Me" (1987), available in various original and reissue pressings.
"Stand By Me" remains Ben E. King's most popular song on vinyl, featured on his 1962 album "Don't Play That Song!" and collected worldwide.
The album contains 12 tracks including the title track and "Stand By Me," with total durations mostly under three minutes each.
The 1962 "Don't Play That Song!" LP was released in both mono and stereo versions, with the mono pressings often regarded as more collectible.
Several compilation vinyl records from Ben E. King are available on French labels like seconds records and Music On Vinyl, often under funk, soul, and RnB genres.
Yes, the original US 1962 ATCO mono pressing cataloged as 33-142 is sought after by collectors and can command high prices.
Look for the ATCO label with catalog number 33-142 for mono format; first pressings date back to 1962 from US releases.
Before going solo, King was a member of The Five Crowns, which became the new lineup of The Drifters in 1959, contributing to several classic hits.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
[title]
[message]Love it? Add to your wishlist
Your favorites, all in one place. Shop quickly and easily with the wishlist feature!
