Washington, May 1 (EFE).– Singer Ben E. King, best known for his 1961 gospel-influenced hit “Stand By Me,” has died, his agent told ABC News. He was 76.

The star, whose real name was Benjamin Earl Nelson, died of “coronary problems” in New Jersey, Randy Irwin said.

King, who began his artistic career in the late 1950s singing with the doo wop and R&B group The Drifters, won fame for such popular ballads as “Stand By Me,” “There Goes My Baby” and “Save The Last Dance For Me.”

King changed the history of music when he hit the top of the charts with “Stand By Me” in 1961, a feat he repeated a dozen times while making the Top 40 best-selling discs another 25 times between 1959 and 1986, according to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Singer Gary U.S. Bonds, who was his friend and collaborator, said Friday on Facebook that King was “one of the sweetest, gentlest and gifted souls that I have had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend for more than 50 years.”

“I can tell you that Ben E. will be missed more than words can say. Our sincere condolences go out to Betty and the entire family. Thank you Ben E. for your friendship and the wonderful legacy you leave behind,” Bonds said.

In the 1980s, Ben E. King returned to the stage after some time away, when “Stand By Me” was the theme song of the like-named film by Rob Reiner.

The star of soul also dedicated part of his life to beneficent works.

He did, in fact, create a foundation with the name of his famous song whose mission was to help poor but talented youngsters, along with different civil organizations and associations, in his efforts to improve people’s quality of life. EFE