Ben E. King Dies At 76, B.B. King Still Alive In Hospice Care At 89: Some People Are Getting The Two Men Mixed Up

Some people are confusing Ben E. King with B.B. King. It is understandable how people can get the two confused. They both have been known over the years for being musicians. USA Today reports that Ben E. King was the one who died at the age of 76.

Ben E. King died at the Hackensack University Medical Center on April 30. His agent said he suffered from coronary problems. King was survived by Betty, his wife of 51 years.

Ben E. King was best known for his song “Stand By Me,” which was released in 1961. The song was a top-five hit that year and returned to the top 10 25 years later, when it was featured in a hit movie with the same name based on a Stephen King story.

Ben E. King rose to fame with The Drifters in the 1950s, with songs including “This Magic Moment,” “Dance With Me,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Spanish Harlem,” and “Save The Last Dance For Me.”

CNN reported that Blues legend B.B. King is still alive, but he is battling health problems. He was admitted to a Las Vegas hospital Thursday afternoon because his daughter, Patty King, said he wasn’t eating and was dehydrated. Tests showed B.B. King may have had a minor heart attack. He was released and went home and posted a message on his website.

“I am in home hospice care at my residence in Las Vegas. Thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers.”

B.B. King released more than 50 albums and sold millions of records worldwide. B.B. King became one of the most important names in R&B music in the 1950s with many hits, including “You Know I Love You,” “Woke Up This Morning,” “Please Love Me,” and “When My Heart Beats like a Hammer.”

All it took was for one Twittter user to make the mistake and tweet that B.B. King was dead. Then others began doing the same thing without verifying the information. There are many condolences going to B.B. King’s family. Instead, they should go to Ben E. King’s family.

It was an easy mistake to make because both African-American men were legendary musicians. When trying to keep the two men separated, remember that Ben E. King was a soul and R&B singer. B.B. King is a Blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. B.B. King is usually pictured with his guitar, which he named Lucille.

[Images via Getty Image]