3:01 Pick Me Up: Ben E. King and the Drifters

Ben E. King has died. The singer passed away yesterday, reportedly due to "coronary problems". He was 76

If you're wondering why we're running an obituary as a 3:01 Pick Me Up, bear with me...

King is remembered mostly for his 1961 hit "Stand By Me", which became a hit again in the '80s when it was featured in the film of the same title. Before going solo, though, King was a member of the Drifters and had several hits with that group (which was formed initially as a vehicle for the talents of Clyde McPhatter). Finding any sort of footage of King performing with the Drifters is impossible, at least as far as YouTube is concerned, but I did find this video set to the tune of the Drifters' number-one hit from 1960, "Save the Last Dance for Me". Folks really knew how to cut a proverbial rug back then, and if the sight of youngsters from your great-grandparents' era busting insane moves doesn't make you want to get up and dance yourself, it's at least fun to watch. That's the "pick-me-up" part.

R.I.P. Ben E. King.