Looking Back At Some Classics

[jazzboCR]

#358 - Ben E. King - Spanish Harlem - 1960

Always wondered if King regretted leaving the group. The Drifters seem to have had the better career.

Never heard him express any regrets. I'll concede "...better career..." for the Drifters if you'll concede Mr. King had the more interesting and varied career not just as a music man but also his work to relieve problems in Africa and elsewhere through his foundations ( Wiki will lay out the whole deal). He had a solid album as late as '99--the Drifters not so much. Here's the hot poop on that followed by 2 cuts from other discs. Oh, and then there's a bit of a surprise.
http://www.allmusic.com/album/shades-of-...0000248041ts << most def' worth looking up--it's much better than the reviewer gives credit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlivtDpZB...livtDpZBo8 << That Bobby Darin classic done to perfection.
What you might call a "Killer Kut" from a London perf in '12: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cQS8L8mX...livtDpZBo8 << How'd you like to be the back-up band and singers for a certified legend who also happens to be a helluva gent ? ( I was privileged to meet with him in his residence a coupla times). The riddim looks a little tight but the GTR and BU singers are loose like long-neck goose.
Oh yes--relevance and surprises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_i-4oV3mls You think one is enough? Me neither: here's a live-in -studio (Old Grey Whistle Test perf): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_fIBAj75lY