Ben E. King, "Stand By Me" singer, dead at 76

Ben E. King, singer of such classics as "Stand By Me," ''There Goes My Baby" and "Spanish Harlem," has died.

King died Thursday at age 76, his booking agent Randy Irwin confirmed to CBS News.

As a member of the Drifters, King co-wrote and sang lead on "There Goes My Baby." The band had a string of hits featuring King, including "Save the Last Dance for Me" and "This Magic Moment," before he left in a contract dispute.

The 1961 ballad "Spanish Harlem" gave King his first solo hit. "Stand By Me," written with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, was chosen one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Earlier this year, the Library of Congress inducted King's version of "Stand By Me" into the National Recording Registry.